Expert: nick mccann - 4/13/2010

Question
I would like to plant some bushes right in front of my house, but the former owner told us that the reason he put in a tarp then rocks on top is because of drainage issues (apparently without the tarp water goes into the basement).  I was going to replace the rocks with mulch but thought it would look quite empty.  It's not a large space (10 feet wide by 6 feet deep), and it does have flowers in the front of the bed, but I would like to fill it with something.  

My ideas include a fountain, a birdbath and larger rocks/boulders, a container garden, or some sort of combination of these.  I don't want it to look cluttered with pots, just pretty and low maintenance.  If I opt for the container garden, could I put in a holly bush, burning bush, azalea, etc. or would I have to stick to smaller plants?

I would appreciate any advice -- thanks!

(I live in Western Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh area - thanks!)

Answer
Hi Colleen, your options are really limitless, any of the mentioned bushes would do fine, but keep in mind, if you plan to put a birdbath, then bushes near it would give the birds refuge from the heat or predators,, and a fountain would require an electrical source nearby. I would go with a couple of larger , ceramic containers for an area that size, and keep the flowers along the front, that way you have the two larger containers, with the birdbath in the center and the front lined with the lower flowers. By using the larger ceramic containers, you can put a bush in it and still have room along the edge of the container to put a couple of annuals to add color. This way you can go with bushes that are foliage only , like a Cedar or Holly etc.