How To Plant Hardier Foundation Plantings

Foundation plantings add to your home’s curb appeal while hiding unattractive foundation walls. But choosing and maintaining the right plants can be challenging, especially in areas with harsh winters. In this guide and the video above, Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada shows how to create beautiful, resilient foundation plantings that can withstand snow piles and other seasonal changes.

Assessing Your Current Foundation Plantings

Before planting any new foliage, evaluate your existing landscape. Nawada starts by identifying any plants that have died or need pruning. Doing so creates a clean slate and helps you see what you’re working with.

When assessing your foundation plantings, look for these common issues:

• Dead or dying plants
• Misplaced or poorly suited plant species
• Overgrown shrubs
• Plants damaged by snow piles

Pruning and Removing Existing Plants

Once you’ve identified problem areas, take the following steps:

1. Remove dead plants completely.
2. Prune overgrown shrubs to reshape them.
3. Cut back plants encroaching on walkways or other structures.
4. Transplant misplaced plants to more suitable locations.
5. Check that there aren’t any plants blocking the structural components of the house.

Choosing Hardy Plants for Foundation Plantings

Pick the right plants if you want them to last. Nawada says to find plants that will tolerate snow piles or other seasonal changes in your region.

Perennials and Grasses

Perennials and ornamental grasses are excellent choices for foundation plantings. They go dormant in winter, so snow can pile on top without causing damage. Some hardy options include:

• Coneflower (echinacea): Large, daisy-like blooms that attract pollinators in summer
• Dwarf fountain grass: Graceful, arching foliage with delicate flower spikes
• Lady’s mantle: Rounded, scalloped leaves and delicate yellow-green flowers in late spring and summer
• Salvia varieties: Aromatic leaves and spikes of tubular flowers in vibrant colors that often attract hummingbirds and butterflies
• Stonecrop (sedum): Thick, succulent leaves and star-shaped flowers in late summer to fall
• Windflower (anemone): Elegant, cup-shaped flowers in various colors that bloom in spring or fall

Bloom Times and Textures

Choose foundation plants with different bloom times (spring, summer, and fall). Doing this will keep your planting space looking lively throughout the year.

Native Plants and Climate-Adapted Choices

Add native plants to your landscape. These plants adapt to local conditions and provide habitat for local wildlife. Plants adapted to your specific climate will be more resilient and require less maintenance. For instance:

• Black-eyed Susans: Vibrant, daisy-like flowers with golden-yellow petals and dark brown centers
• Daylilies: Trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a wide range of colors
• Northern sea oats: Ornamental grasses with unique, cascading seed heads that resemble oat-like grains
• Switchgrass: A tall grass with airy, plume-like seed heads

Creating Height and Structure

Use taller plants or grasses to anchor your foundation plantings and draw the eye up. Nawada uses dwarf fountain grass as a focal point, with shorter plants surrounding it. Vary the height and structure of plants to create a dynamic design. Use non-plant elements, such as decorative stones or small garden sculptures, to add height and structure.

Layering Plants

Arrange plants in layers, with taller species in the back and shorter ones in front. This creates depth and allows all plants to be visible from the street. Layering improves the overall look and makes sure each plant gets the sunlight it needs. When planning out the layers, account for how each type of plant will look during each season.

Repetition and Balance

Repeat certain plants or colors throughout your foundation plantings to create a cohesive look. Nawada does this by using the same plants on both sides of the walkway for balance. Repetition unifies different sections of your garden and creates a sense of flow. Balance, whether it’s symmetrical or asymmetrical, means that no part of the planting seems more cluttered or sparse than another.

Planting Techniques for Foundation Plantings

Proper planting techniques will help your foundation plantings thrive long-term. Follow these steps:

1. Dig holes twice as wide as the plant containers and almost as deep.
2. Gently remove plants from their containers and tease the roots.
3. Place plants in the holes. They should sit slightly higher than ground level to make room for mulch.
4. Backfill the holes with soil, firming gently around the roots.
5. Water thoroughly to help the plants establish.
6. Add a starter fertilizer to give new plants a nutrient boost.

Grouping Plants

Plant in groups of three or five for a more impactful display. This allows plants to grow together, creating a fuller and more cohesive look. Try to group plants with similar needs together to make fertilizing and maintaining them easier.

Proper Spacing

Proper spacing between plants allows for growth. Use the mature size of each plant when determining placement. Having enough space reduces competition for resources and encourages healthier plants. It also helps reduce diseases that can spread when plants are too close together.

Maintaining Your Foundation Plantings

Proper maintenance keeps your foundation plantings looking their best year-round. Follow these tips:

• Watering: Water new plants regularly until they become established. Once established, most perennials and grasses are relatively low maintenance. They might need more watering during dry spells. Always water deeply to encourage deep root growth.
• Pruning and cutting back: Prune shrubs and cut back perennials as needed to maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth. Nawada advises cutting back certain plants after they bloom to promote re-blooming. Regular pruning keeps plants from becoming too woody or sparse.
• Mulching: Add a thin layer of mulch around your plants to help hold moisture, contain weeds, and give a polished look. Don’t pile mulch against plant stems—this can lead to rot. Refresh mulch annually to keep your foundation plantings looking fresh and to protect the soil.
• Pest and disease monitoring: Regularly check your plants for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection and treatment can prevent widespread problems. Use eco-friendly pest control methods to protect beneficial insects and the environment.