At the most basic level, foundation plantings are simply beds of plants (often dominated by shrubs) installed along house foundations. Classic foundation plantings consist of three parts:
- A planting for an entryway design
- Plantings on the corners of the house foundation
- And plantings that bridge the gap between these
By referring above to "classic foundation plantings," I'm acknowledging the fact that the majority of foundation plantings one encounters will not conform to this tripartite model.
Why Install Foundation Plantings?
Traditionally, foundation plantings were installed to hide the raised house foundations that were prevalent at the time in some regions. Many no longer feel that foundation plantings are necessary, because house styles have changed (less house foundation to hide). At the very least, the critics of foundation plantings argue that, while parts 1 and 2 above may still be desirable in some circumstances, there is usually no need to bridge the gap between these (i.e., part 3).
Playing devil’s advocate, I can think of at least five objections to this opinion on foundation plantings (pertinent in at least some instances):
- While a raised house foundation may be unattractive, a long uninterrupted wall of vinyl siding isn’t especially appealing, either.
- Foundation plantings soften the hard lines of a house, even one with attractive siding.
- Newly-built homes are sometimes plunked on an expanse of lawn devoid of mature trees. Foundation plantings can quickly counteract this rather bleak look.
- When landscaping in small spaces, you may just plain need the extra space if you enjoy growing a particular shrub!
- Foundation plantings consisting of evergreen shrubs can promote energy efficiency.
What I mean by this fifth point is that evergreen shrubs used as foundation plantings can reduce heating costs by creating something of an insulating dead air space around a home's foundation. For, even if just a few inches of concrete foundation are exposed, that's a potential route for cold air to enter your house. The insulation value provided by a foundation planting is minimal, yes; but every little bit helps!
Preliminary Considerations Before Installing Foundation Plantings
If you’re the organized type, you’ll want to begin with a landscape design plan. Beyond that, keep the following in mind:
- Contact your local utility companies before digging: they’ll mark the areas where digging is off-limits, due to the presence of power lines, etc. It's free, it's easy and -- in many regions -- it's the law.
- In selecting plants for foundation plantings, think in terms of mature height, not the height of the plant when you see it at the nursery. That cute little shrub at the nursery may soon attain sufficient height to block the view from your window.
- Which plants like sun? Which prefer shade? Such considerations will help determine what you buy and where can plant it (north, east, south, or west wall).
On Page 2 we’ll look at design and other considerations when installing foundation plantings….
