Facades of houses are often attractively planted with shrubs and evergreens, but sometimes little is done to enhance the side walls. They are usually just as visible from the street and are less interesting from an architectural standpoint. They should not be neglected.
Lack of space is often the reason given for this planting neglect, but even a strip of ground 10 feet wide can be planted in an interesting and attractive manner. The sketches at right give a few examples of what can be done in limited areas.
The real challenge in side-wall planting is not space, but climate. Consider the direction in which the wall faces – north, east, south, or west. Note that wind will be funneled between houses set close together, and that shade cast on a side wall by the house next door may be followed by intense sun. Conditions like this are hard on plants, and only durable ones can survive. Fortunately, there are many that will thrive in difficult situation; in whatever part of the country you live.
Columnar trees and vines are excellent for side-wall planting almost everywhere. They will break up an expanse of wall without taking much ground space, growing tall enough to make even a high, bare house wall seem less stark. Plants trained on a trellis, and espaliered trees and shrubs, require little ground space and are effective too. Begin with one of these four types of plants as the focal point of your planting.
Evergreens and flowering shrubs play a secondary role to the focal-point plant. They should break the foundation line but not hide the foundation entirely. And they soften corner lines and tie the side wall planting in with the plantings at the front and back of the house. Select kinds that will not grow so high that they cover the windows or grow out of scale with the house.
There are many design possibilities, and no hard and fast rules. Strive for simplicity to achieve both a pleasing appearance and minimum maintenance. Perennials and annuals will often add color and interest to your planting scheme, but they come last, after the essential shrubs, trees, and vines have been located.
by R John – 61638
