How to Create a Layered Bed to Create Curb Appeal

How to Create a Layered Bed to Create Curb Appeal

That blank space, whether curbside, across the foundation, or below the porch is a masterpiece. With its color, texture, and form just waiting to happen. Yes, it can be daunting and you might not know where to begin. We've put together a simple layout. It's easy to replicate and a quick video to show you how it all comes together.

We started with fairly mature plants and planted for instant curb appeal. With the shrubs at the back, we planted them closer than we would a hedge for quick, seamless coverage. All of this provides year-round structure and waves of color. (Viburnum in spring, fringe flower and hydrangea in summer, fall color from foliage of a Japanese maple). But we also wanted BIG color, so we doubled the number of annual bedding dahlia. (Spacing closer than the figure advised on the plant tag). All plants and materials are available at Lowe’s, #ColorDoesIt.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • We started with a row of viburnum shrubs across the back. They’ll top out at about 4-5 feet which will provide privacy without the neighbors wondering what you’re hiding.
  • Below those shrubs we installed a row of fringe flower in a variety that grows short and wide. This helps hide the bases of the viburnum shrubs. It adds summer-into-fall color when those have finished flowering in late spring.
  • Next we added a Japanese maple chosen for its fall foliage. Also for its ultimate height (8-ft tall in 10 years) which will never overwhelm the house.
  • Because every garden needs a few surprises, we planted groups of hydrangeas at the edges to form a frame. We then tossed in a few blueberries at the outer edges for fall color and well, for berries all summer!
  • Moving toward the center, three conifers in a soft gray-green hue add texture to break up all that leafiness. Added bonus is how great they’ll look all winter (even under a bit of snow).
  • When it turns hot in August, we can count on groups of purple salvia to be putting on a show. These are a perennial variety so they’ll look even better next year.
  • Then comes the bling! We used several flats of bedding dahlia in hot pink. We chose that color because rich pinks look great in the soft morning sun. It also doesn't wash out under direct, midday rays.
  • Finally, we capped the whole thing off with a sedum that’s tolerant of extremes (heat and cold). It blooms in late summer to early fall–just when the dahlia are tapering off.

Thinking about a garden bed as a room where you get the walls and floors right before furniture and decor. If so, you'll be off to a good start.

If you need help or have questions, leave a comment below. We’re happy to help you make a bed!

Watch it come together!

Image: Roger Foley, Roger Foley Photography

Containers and rocking chairs (on porch): Lowe’s

Get the look!

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2017-05-08 01:33:00
Elizabeth Ninnie
Our Cape Cod home faces North.. How can I get color in my windowboxes and amid the foundation plantings of Azaleas, evergreens and red and green Barberry? Help! Elizabeth
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K. Sweet
The third bullet in your list mentions a Japanese maple: "Next we added a Japanese maple chosen for its fall foliage, but also for its ultimate height..." This literally means "...chosen for it is fall foliage, but also for it is ultimate height." This undermines the credibility of Monrovia's expertise, which I know to be quite extensive. With great respect, I ask you to change the sentence to "....chosen for its fall foliage, but also for its ultimate height...." Thank you.
reply Reply
Francesca
I love this but live in Hunterdon County, NJ which is zone 6...what would you pick out for that zone?
reply Reply
Francesca
I love this but live in Hunterdon county NJ which is zone 6, what would you do for that zone?
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Sandra Phillips
I would love to see a picture of this bed in the dead of winter. I am concerned that it will look bleak and bare.
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Gloria janus
I would love to see an example of a layered bed for a zone 4 climate!
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Candace Carl
I would love to do this in the spring but for ZONE 6 if possible - I bought a house that has minimal landscaping and what there is I will remove, there is a vine that is very invasive so I will get rid of it.
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Deborah J Rudolph
Would love to see more landscape designs with specific plants for mid-Atlantic region
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tricia
We have a black slate at our 1931 Sears and Roebuck Extended Cape house. Would love it to look old fashioned/traditional.
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Bonnie
Won't the hydrangeas grow taller than the shrubs behind them? Looks beautiful!
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Debbie Allen
Hello, I live in Kentucky, Zone 6 and would like to spruce up the flower garden in front of my house. Right now I have Firepower Nandina, one stray azalea that didn't die from 5 years ago and variegated liriope. There is also a small amount of periwinkle. Boring!! I'd like to have an informal bed with evergreen shrubs, lots of color, red-yellow-purple, and different flowers. I especially like Stella daylillies-yellow and red, coreopsis, hydrangea, the nandina, liriope, euonymus. What are some other plants you can recommend to have all-season interest and also how would I layer? I have a gorgeous vision in my head but I don't know where to start! Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you. Debbie Allen
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