New House, New to Gardening

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HVondra Omaha, NE May 30, 2008

Hi! My husband and I just bought a home and would like to personalize a little, but have no idea where to start. I have an area between my front walk and house about 2 feet wide that wasn't sodded by the builder. I have planted a couple of hosta's and begonia's just to add a little bit of color but the soil is basically clay, on a slope that runs off quickly when watered. My husband put some edging in which helps but I hate the way it looks. I was thinking we could tier the area to match the pattern of the wide steps but I'm not sure how to start. Here is a picture of the area. It is from before we moved in therefore, no plants! Any advice you may have would be greatly appreciated

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Smokey_SC Piedmont, SC(Zone 7b) May 31, 2008

Hi, I'll help if I can. First, how much sun does that spot get? Is the front facing N, S, E or W?
Did you amend the soil? You could tier with bricks, blocks or anything like that. I need to know a few more details before I can help you .

Smokey

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wood_fern Urbandale, IA Jun 02, 2008

One of the quickest ways to terrace a slope is with pre-cast concrete blocks that look like stone. Any home owner can install these and they are inexpensive. Many colors of block are available including an earth tone that would be a great match for your house. Buy the blocks at any of the large home centers. The block holds up much better than wood timbers and is nearly the same cost.

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HVondra Omaha, NE Jun 02, 2008

Thanks already!! The front of our house faces west. We turned in a couple of bags of top soil before we planted anything.

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Smokey_SC Piedmont, SC(Zone 7b) Jun 02, 2008

I would add a couple of bags of mushroom compost. I just buy it at Walmart. Not expensive and works great. The top soil is fine but you will get much better plants with the compost. Sorry I don't think I can help you much with the plants. Plants that are perrinials for me may be annuals for you. I can't grow hostas on the west side they would just burn up. What ever you plant the compost will give you healther stronger plants. Good luck, Smokey

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