Need ideas for foundation garden

Question

Hi,

Need help with fixing my foundation garden. I had a couple of yucca trees in this area which i got grinded. The pulp is still within the ground. I am not sure how i should fix this area. I want something budget and easy to maintain, but also something which does not look cheap.

My solutions:

- One solution is putting stones how it was there previously. Install an edging and then put pots with plants in it. There are two main reasons for this solution, one is I am not sure with all the tree grinding in the soil any plants will grow there. And second is the right most section of this area which in the image is still covered in rocks has some concrete/cement thing there, not sure if is just a spill or there is an actual use for it.

- Second I can put pavers and then put rocks on side, and then i can put pots on pavers. This will be exactly same as rocks just pavers for extra stability for pots.

- Third option is a planter. This wall got weep holes near the ground level so i was thinking if i can have a slight gap from the wall and then put a single large planter in this area. Not sure how to build a planter or how difficult will it be to make. I don't really want to do cement pours, which i typically see people doing in online videos to fix the planters.

I am looking for what is the best thing to do here? What are my options?

Some other thoughts, I was planning on dig around the cement block/slab in right most part of the area and see what is going on there. Unless experts here say don't do it or its not worth the effort.

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @akhilsingh,

I'm glad the images helped and I think the decorative stone with a few feature pots is a great choice for your space. For a project like this, you can keep things fairly simple. Start by removing any weeds and debris, and rake the area level. I wouldn't worry too much about compacting the soil or adding road base, sand or drainage gravel, as those materials are typically only needed when laying pavers or creating a surface that will be walked on regularly. Since you're simply creating a decorative garden bed, the existing soil should be fine.

Once the area is tidy and level, install your edging first, as this will help contain the stones and give the garden bed a neat, professional finish. A black steel or aluminium edging would suit the modern style of your home particularly well. Here's a helpful guide: How to choose garden edging. After the edging is in place, lay a good-quality woven landscape fabric and secure it with landscape pins. This will help suppress weeds while still allowing water to drain through.

You can then spread your decorative stones over the top to a depth of around 50–75mm. White pebbles, charcoal stones or natural river pebbles would all complement the black-and-white exterior nicely. I'd recommend using two or three larger statement pots rather than several smaller ones, as they tend to create a more polished and contemporary look.

A couple of things to keep in mind are keeping the weep holes visible and clear at all times, and ensuring any service cover or inspection point in the garden bed remains accessible. As for tools, a shovel, rake, wheelbarrow, tape measure, utility knife, rubber mallet and some landscape pins should be enough to complete the job.

Mitchell

akhilsingh · Answer

@MitchellMc Wow thanks for those images. I really like the first one with stones and accent pots. Do you have a recommendation on how I should do it?

My understanding is once i dig up the weeds and have a clean area, i will need to compact the soil. Do you think i need to pour something like a road mix, sand or drainage gravel, before i put a weed mat? (I got these suggestions from AI). Once i put the weedmat, i can install the edging and then pour in the stones. Can you please review if this plan will work? Is there anything i should take care of while doing all this? Its my first time tackling a landscaping job and I have no idea what i am doing.

Can you please also share recommendations for weed mats and edging as well? Do i need any specific tools for the job ?

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @akhilsingh ,

I actually don't mind your first idea. A decorative stone garden with a few carefully chosen pots would suit the modern style of your home, be very low maintenance and avoid any issues with the remaining tree roots while they continue to break down.

I wouldn't be overly concerned about the stump grindings preventing plants from growing. They can temporarily tie up some nitrogen as they decompose, but if you decided to plant directly into the garden later, you could simply dig out the planting holes and replace the soil with fresh garden mix and compost.

The round concrete section is likely services for your property, so it will need to be worked around unless it could be relocated by a professional.

A few other options you might like to consider are:

* A dry garden with decorative pebbles and architectural plants such as Lomandra, Dianella, or Dwarf Agave. These are hardy, modern-looking and require very little maintenance.
* A raised timber planter, built from H4-treated pine sleepers or hardwood, leaving a small gap between the planter and the wall so the weep holes remain clear. This avoids the need for any concrete footings and is a straightforward DIY project.
* Stepping pavers set amongst decorative stones, with feature pots placed on the pavers. This gives the pots a stable base while adding some visual interest.

Personally, I'd avoid filling the whole space with pavers. It could make the front of the house feel a little too hard and doesn't soften the façade as much as some greenery would.

One final thought is to keep whatever you install below the bottom of the windows. The tall, narrow windows are a striking feature of the house, so using lower plantings and a few statement pots will complement the architecture without hiding it. I think a couple of large charcoal or white pots with feature plants, surrounded by decorative stone, would look particularly smart against the black-and-white exterior.

I've created an AI-rendering to help get the ideas flowing. Also, check out our Top 10 most popular front yard projects for inspiration.

Let me tag @2Belindas to see if they have any thoughts on plantings and the overall facade.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell