Consider the Style & Size of Your House
The first thing you need to consider is the style and size of your house. Match the landscaping to the architecture and overall look of your home, and make sure it doesn’t overwhelm or underwhelm it. For example, if you have a formal and symmetrical house, such as a Georgian or a Colonial Revival, you may want to opt for a balanced landscaping design, with sheared shrubs accenting the entry and mirror-image plantings on each side. On the other hand, if you have an informal and asymmetrical house, such as a cottage or a ranch, you may want to go for a more casual and irregular landscaping scheme, with a mix of plants, colors, and textures.
Another thing you need to consider is the size of your house. Don’t plant trees or shrubs that are too big or too small for your house, because they can either dwarf it or make it look larger than it is. You also shouldn’t plant anything that will block your windows, doors, or views or interfere with your utility lines or air conditioning unit.
Choose Foundation-Friendly Plants
Selecting the right plants for your foundation is crucial for maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing landscape. Opt for plants with shallow root systems, such as shrubs and small trees, to avoid potential damage to the foundation. Planting them at an appropriate distance from the house allows for proper airflow and prevents moisture buildup. Incorporating low-maintenance ground cover can also add beauty while protecting the soil from erosion.
Choose Plants that Suit Your Climate
The next thing you need to consider is the climate and soil conditions of your area. Choose plants that are hardy, adaptable, and suitable for your zone as well as plants that can tolerate the moisture level and drainage of your soil. For example, if you live in a hot, dry climate, you may want to choose drought-tolerant plants, such as succulents, cacti, or ornamental grasses. If you live in a cold, wet climate, you may want to choose plants that are more resilient to those conditions, such as evergreens, conifers, or perennials.
Go for Four Seasons of Interest
Another thing you need to consider when choosing landscaping for your house’s foundation is the visual interest of your plants throughout the year. You don’t want to have a boring or bare landscape in any season, so you need to choose plants that offer color, texture, shape, and fragrance in different seasons. For example, you can choose plants that have colorful flowers in spring or summer, such as azaleas, hydrangeas, roses, or lilies. Maples, oaks, hollies, and junipers have colorful foliage in fall and winter, while birches, dogwoods, viburnums, and boxwoods have interesting bark, berries, seeds, and shapes in any season.
You can also mix and match different types of plants to create layers of interest in your landscape. Try planting evergreens as a backdrop for deciduous trees or shrubs, or use groundcover or perennials as a filler for bare spots or edges. You can also use annuals or bulbs as a pop of color or accent in your landscape.
Include Decorative Rocks
If you want to improve the curb appeal of your home even more while protecting your foundation from water damage, you might want to consider adding decorative rocks around it. These rocks aren’t only aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve a practical purpose by preventing soil erosion, improving drainage, and creating a barrier against pests and weeds.
Another benefit of putting decorative rocks around your foundation is that they can enhance any flowers or plants you might already have. Decorative rocks such as white pebbles can provide the ideal complement or contrast for your existing landscape elements, such as shrubs, trees, cacti, or succulents. You can also use decorative rocks to create patterns, borders, or focal points around your foundation.
When selecting decorative rocks, consider the style and architecture of your home. For a modern or contemporary look, opt for polished decorative rocks in shades of gray or black. Black polished pebbles are smooth, shiny, and round, and they can create a striking contrast with your foundation. They’re also ideal for accents around water features or in small areas.
If you prefer a natural or rustic aesthetic, choose rougher, more textured decorative rocks in earthy tones. Remember to select decorative rocks of appropriate sizes to maintain balance and proportion with the house and other landscape features.
Choosing the right landscaping elements to place next to your house’s foundation can significantly enhance the overall appeal of your home. Incorporating decorative rocks into your design offers a beautiful, low-maintenance option that complements various architectural styles. By combining decorative rocks with carefully selected plants, you can create an inviting and visually stunning landscape that leaves a lasting impression.
No matter what kind of landscaping project you’re planning, decorative rocks, stones, and pebbles can add practical value as well as depth, character, and beauty to your creation. Whether you’re looking for the finest Mexican beach pebbles or an assortment of river rock, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rock Stones & Pebbles, a premier decorative rock and supply superstore. To learn how we can help you create the landscape of your dreams, call us today at (866) 380-0580.