Marianne's Response

Begin a garden

Hello, we have just downsized to a community of connected homes, leaving our large family property.
How do I begin a plan for a front garden for our half of the front of the house (about 30’) and down the short driveway? The entrance is directly from driveway without a walkway, it is south west facing and we are located in zone 6-7, northwest of Philadelphia. Thank you.

Posted by Patricia Griffin on April 5, 2020

Marianne's Response

You have two good things here. Full sun and the slope means good drainage. If you want to grow veggies then I suggest raised beds or large pots in a tidy pattern so you can use good potting soil and enjoy a good harvest this summer. You can also terrace the slope from the sidewalk up using material that matches the lower trim of your house. Not sure if that is brick or stone. You can also use the space under the window for a large windowbox of herbs or strawberries. If you by adding a garden you meant flowers, then terrace the area, add some large boulders and grow rock garden plants such as creeping phlox, candytuft and thymes. Include some dwarf conifers for winter structure. Mix in some herbs and edible greens and you can have the best of both edibles and ornamentals. Your new home looks lovely and congrats for adding more garden. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti