Expert Walter Reeves visits the DIY Habitat for Humanity project house to add a little curb appeal.
- First, old plants are removed from the front yard and under the porch -- particularly plants like taxus and ivy, that have woven through the porch lattice. Next, the ground is leveled using dirt from a previous project.
- Tall plants are needed to break up the large section of visible lattice beneath the high porch. A taxus -- or yew -- is a popular, low-maintenance evergreen shrub that will add color throughout most of the year. Once established, the new plants will tolerate drought conditions and handle pruning.
- The Habitat crew digs a trench parallel with the front steps and adds blocks to fill the trench. The blocks are used as planters, to which trailing flowers are added. The blocks are filled with one-third gravel and two-thirds soil. Trailing plants selected: moss phlox, periwinkle, Thorndale English ivy, Limemound spiraea. Cosmos and geraniums are added for color between the rows of trailing plants.
- On the porch, additional plants are added for color. Variegated English ivy, white geraniums and African daisy are easy to care for and are included in the hanging baskets and railing boxes.
Gardening Quick Fact: Landscaping that is properly maintained and planted can pay off for homeowners. Studies show homeowners can get a 100 percent return on a landscaping investment.
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