Dear Homework,
My husband and I want to improve our landscaping this spring since we rebuilt our front-facing screened porch. What sort of scheme do you think would enhance the appearance of our house?Sincerely,
—Ready and Willing
Dear Ready and Willing,
I would treat a new landscaping scheme in an architectural manner to bring out the features of your handsome Tudor façade. Start by removing the railroad tie planter, which really serves no purpose.
Next, create a semicircular planting bed under the main, central gable. This will work well with the walkway shape and underscore the importance of this architectural element by giving it additional dimension. Pyramidal evergreens bracket low boxwoods, and impatiens planted underneath the boxwoods add color and will grow well in the shade. A flower box under the four windows completes this area. I would add a row of ornamental grasses in front of the screened porch. To the left of the front door, plant a Japanese maple with more ornamental grasses underneath. A clipped, round boxwood highlights the front door. Finally, instead of using so many solar lights along the walkway (which now resembles an airport runway!), I would advocate for a simpler, less noticeable lighting scheme.
Hope this helps,
—Homework
Homework is penned by Paul Doerner, founding partner of The Lawrence Group. If you would like your home critiqued, contact us at homework@townandstyle.com.