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For me when it comes to landscaping, it has to be in harmony with the environment I'm trying to create. Just because petunias, roses, periwinkles etc., are plentiful at the nursery, doesn't mean that their right for the esthetics I'm going for. In the case of Industrial Style, I'm looking for low-maintenance succulents, bushes, ornamental grasses, and hedges. The industrial style itself is about streamlined design, strong esthetics, and mixed materials.
Take a look at the original hodgepodge of activity going here. It was so undesirable...
When my family saw the building, it was like, "What the hell?!" I knew that it would be a major undertaking, but I had a vision...
Steps:
Remove the hedges
Remove the trees
Remove and kill the vines
Fertilize the grass
Yeah, I know "People pay good money for mature landscaping." But this was not the case, nor was it desirable.
I purposely chose perennials that would soften the hard lines of the building, add height, and live more than 2 years. Their longevity and cost-effectiveness are a great byproduct. This variegated ornamental grass's bonus offering is that its plumes billow in the wind and add interest. They can also be divided into smaller bunches to plant elsewhere. (Which I did along the other side of the building this year.)
Ahhh! What a difference the right plants make! I have eight windows on the east side of the building. I centered a total of 4 clumps between every other window. They look splendid, flanked against the white exterior.
Word to the Wise: Ornamental grass can be expensive. If you can find a neighbor willing to divide and part with a bunch, you can save a ton. That's what I did and was happy to offer a token of my appreciation. It's the neighborly, and right thing to do.
Tip #1: Some grasses can easily grow 48-72" tall (4-6 feet) and spread 24-48" wide. Plant with this in mind.
Tip #2: Fertilization is not required. Too much fertilizer causes the stems of some species to flop.
Tip #3: Use tomato cages for support. This keeps the plant from splaying open, exposing the center and looking messy. It gives the plant direction for growth.
Tip #4: Cut back in late fall.
Tip #5: Divide the clumps every two to three years to control the size of the clumps.
Reflection: I love to watch the grass billowing in the window. It adds a bit of tranquility like a water feature. I'm so excited to see how the newly planted bunch along the west side spring to life next spring.
Have a great week!
Carol
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