ᐅ Designing a Narrow, Long Front Garden Area Next to the House

Created on: 16 Apr 2022 18:27
S
shenja
Hello,
for years I have been thinking about how to design the problem area of my house.
I have a long narrow strip along the public pathway that I would like to plant. The strip is about 75 cm (30 inches) wide and 10.5 meters (34.5 feet) long. It faces south and gets full sun. Two gardens away, the neighbor has cut down all the tall and old trees, which means that since this year, our house is fully exposed to the sun. Therefore, we really want some sort of protection to prevent the ground from heating up excessively and possibly something that will protect at least the lower part of our facade from the direct sun in the future.
Trees probably won’t work due to the limited space available.
I like plants that are useful to wildlife throughout the year.
The fence must stay because otherwise the area would become a dog toilet, even now with just the stones. The privacy screen on the fence is more of a splash guard since the whole area is on an unpaved path, which is officially a dead end but apparently many people have a key to lower the bollards, and the footpath is frequently used by vehicles, often at high speed. It’s a disaster when it rains.
So, I’m looking forward to your suggestions.

Hexagonal wooden planter with green plant on gravel path next to metal fence and mailbox.


Narrow gravel path next to blue house and metal fence; wooden planter box with plant, shaded.
M
Myrna_Loy
16 Apr 2022 22:35
then you will barely get through anymore and the façade might also turn green. Espalier fruit trees would look nice, but that is gardening for advanced gardeners. It requires a lot of expert care.
B
Bertram100
16 Apr 2022 22:43
I would probably plant grapevines. In the summer, they grow thick and leafy and also produce fruit. In autumn, the leaves change color and then fall off. Unfortunately, in winter, they are bare. Grape vines attract many insects and birds.

At my workplace, we let grapevines climb along the window. During the pandemic, there was always a window open, and the birds chirped in the vines all day long while sneaking berries. 😀
S
shenja
16 Apr 2022 23:05
Ok, then no bushes. I would have to check on vines. They would need to grow along the fence. It wouldn’t be ideal on the façade.
It’s just very difficult. Or I would really have to focus on perennials.
What do you think about grasses? Naturally mixed with other plants?
M
motorradsilke
16 Apr 2022 23:18
Why no bushes? I would choose a mixed hedge with all kinds of shrubs: weigela, forsythia, viburnum, dogwood, lilac… Plant them close to the fence and let them grow through each other. You can prune them so they grow narrow enough to still allow passage.
Y
ypg
17 Apr 2022 01:19
shenja schrieb:

Do shrubs like serviceberry, etc., work well?
Serviceberry can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) and becomes quite wide.
I would also plant several shrubs, like @motorradsilke suggested. Most of them are available in miniature sizes, about 70 to 100 cm (28 to 39 inches) tall and wide. They can all be pruned. Alternate with evergreen shrubs, such as euonymus, boxwood, or those with red berries in winter… possibly combined with ground cover.
Aronia (chokeberry) could also be a suitable size; you can harvest the berries. They are tasty and rich in vitamins.
H
haydee
17 Apr 2022 05:08
There are flowering hedges or bird-friendly hedges available in sets that are relatively affordable. However, I don’t want to have to prune them there every year. Eventually, you will need to prune them once or twice a year.