just weeded the front of my apartment building. it was horribly overrun with weeds. i did some basic landscaping: mulch, planting, pots, chairs, etc. any suggestions for this area, plants or otherwise? this is my first foray into outside gardening. it's a relatively small space.
With the red door and the square concrete fronts, I see an Asian theme. Think about a small water feature (like a Japanese dragon or something) and mixing different colored/textured evergreens. Euonymus (sp) is easy, stays small and compact. Also Italian cypress could add vertical exclamation. I see Asian when I look at your apartment front. It has a lot of potential.
I second Mini's idea - it is great.
Check out woolypocket.com Would help with the vertical interest. I love those things but I think expensive. I am hoping a less expensive 'copycat ' pocket will be on the market.
Could use a trellis -- if you know anyone handy with a welding machine or a machine shop - using a permanently attached metal lattice of iron would be very bold and architectural. The concrete might look good stained also.
You have a great space to do a good many things.
Before you do too much, a couple questions: Is this YOUR property or are you a renter? Is this a safe area -- should you worry about theft or vandalism? Water features are magnets for vandals.
There are ways to "anchor" pots, etc to keep them from being moved.
Love the front door color. Maybe you should stay with the color theme. I would think about planting vining plant against concrete. Maybe vining ivy. Have you ever tried climbing spinach. Then I would add something tall. Maybe a bird bath. Whimsy would be nice. An old painted bike with a basket of flowers. Good luck.
I was going to ask the same ?'s at Julie.
How about ornamental grass on the corner?
lots of good ideas. it is not my property, i rent. it's a great apartment but it lacked a place outside to sit. it's right on the lake so there are plenty of place to be outside, but sometimes nice just to step outside for a bit.
i considered a birdbath but i was concerned it could get messy. i don't have access to a hose, i use a large watering can. so i wouldn't be able to just spray it off.
i like the trellis idea. i had to take the palm and umbrella tree inside. i didn't realize they didn't appreciate all the intense sun the front of the building gets. so it really does need some height. i love vining plants so i will definitely look into that.
db
I would plant mums in the front. Or buy the plants in pots & set the pots outside. Later on, plant them.
