There is only one "rule" in garden design - "right plant, right place". This means that the mature height and width of any plant should not exceed the space available for that plant. In the case of your brainstormed idea, this means that the arbor vitae is completely the right plant in the WRONG place - it'll get too tall and wide for that area, even if it's a Holmstrup Arbor Vitae, which I've seed at 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Which plants to put in this bed should really be determined by the amount of maintenance that you're willing to do. Do you have time to deadhead perennials (i.e. remove dead flowers to prevent seeds)? Do you have time to occasionally prune shrubs? How about putting down more wood chips? Personally, I'd match the plants to the time I have to take care of them. If you have a decent amount of time, then go with annuals; a bit of time, then perennials; basically no time at all, then go with shrubs that get no wider than three feet so that you won't need to prune them (this assumes that your bed is four feet wide - shrubs as foundation plantings should max-out at the width of the bed minus one foot - you'll need that foot to prevent damage to the siding and to allow access for maintenance). If you have landscape fabric under that mulch, remove it ASAP. It does not prevent weeds but does indeed kill your soil. Answer from AlwaysPissedOff59 on reddit.com
Proven Winners
provenwinnerscolorchoice.com › home › 14 low-maintenance shrubs for the front yard
14 Low-Maintenance Shrubs for the Front Yard - Proven Winners ColorChoice Flowering Shrubs
May 21, 2025 - Hydrangeas are one of the most popular shrubs to plant in front of the house, and for good reason! The large, showy flowers that decorate hydrangeas are truly eye-catching and create unforgettable curb appeal. With sizes ranging from just 1′ tall to a towering 8’+, there’s a hydrangea that’s perfect for every space and home style.
Proven Winners
provenwinners.com › learn › top-ten-lists › 10-easy-foundation-plants-front-your-house
10 Easy Foundation Plants for the Front of Your House
Wondering which plants are good for foundation plantings? We’ve picked out ten easy to grow perennials and shrubs that thrive in average garden conditions and will look great planted in front of your house.
Videos
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/gardening › front yard plant suggestions?
r/gardening on Reddit: Front Yard Plant Suggestions?
March 14, 2024 -
Hello everyone!
After pulling out all the over grown bushes, weeds,a nd trees that were usrrounding my house and putting in a flower bed, I now have a clean slate to add plants! But I don't have green eye (I can keep plants alive, but I cannot pick what would look good). I tried to do some brainstorming to get the juices flowing (see attached) but I don't know if it looks right?
I am in zone 6a with a south facing house that has zero shade. I was thinking a mix of flowering and more green plants in the bed (either planted or in pots/the trellis planter idea in the picture) and probably smaller colorful flowers/ground cover in front of the bed in a curved/sweeping bed.
What would you suggest to plant? Thanks!
Brainstormed idea? Top answer 1 of 6
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There is only one "rule" in garden design - "right plant, right place". This means that the mature height and width of any plant should not exceed the space available for that plant. In the case of your brainstormed idea, this means that the arbor vitae is completely the right plant in the WRONG place - it'll get too tall and wide for that area, even if it's a Holmstrup Arbor Vitae, which I've seed at 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Which plants to put in this bed should really be determined by the amount of maintenance that you're willing to do. Do you have time to deadhead perennials (i.e. remove dead flowers to prevent seeds)? Do you have time to occasionally prune shrubs? How about putting down more wood chips? Personally, I'd match the plants to the time I have to take care of them. If you have a decent amount of time, then go with annuals; a bit of time, then perennials; basically no time at all, then go with shrubs that get no wider than three feet so that you won't need to prune them (this assumes that your bed is four feet wide - shrubs as foundation plantings should max-out at the width of the bed minus one foot - you'll need that foot to prevent damage to the siding and to allow access for maintenance). If you have landscape fabric under that mulch, remove it ASAP. It does not prevent weeds but does indeed kill your soil.
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It took many years for me to develop a sense of what looks good in a garden and I'm sure some of my neighbors think I'm nuts. So don't worry about getting it right from the start. Plants, except those with a taproot, can be easily moved. Since perennials are expensive, why not buy a few this year and fill in spaces with annuals. You'll gain valuable experience and learn more about your soil and what works, what doesn't. If you intend to live here a long time, invest in a shade tree. They are an asset when it comes time to sell. Purple salvia, penstemon, shasta daisy, and a fall bloomer like asters (come in many colors). This autumn, pop in tulip or daffodil bulbs.
Low maintenance plants for front yard
Texas Sage, Lantana, Pride of Barbados, Inland Sea Oats, Yaupon holly, lantana. Everything is going to need attention right after planting. You have to water everything regularly in the beginning. More on reddit.com
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April 21, 2024Front yard evergreen low maintenance plant
So I'm going to assume you're in hardiness zone 6. Most "evergreens" can grow in your area(s). It would depend how much space you have. How tall and wide of a tree do you want? Anything you don't want? Most evergreens are low maintenance, you just plant them and watch them grow. Just water them the first year during summer. That's about it. More on reddit.com
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June 29, 2022Suggestions for front yard plant with year-round interest.
What size plant? Dwarf Pomegranates love areas like this and only get 3-4’ tall and wide. They flower profusely all summer and are loaded with ornamental fruit in the fall. Leaves turn yellow and fall off during winter, then it starts over again in spring: https://www.monrovia.com/dwarf-pomegranate.html
For something smaller with year-round interest, I must recommend Four Nerve Daisy. It gets 1’x1’, is evergreen, and blooms with bright yellow flowers year-round (yes, even in cold winters). It’s the only plant I’ve ever had that blooms year-round here. Also a Texas native: http://www.txsmartscape.com/plant-search/plant-details.php?id=335
Both of these plants are pretty much effortless to care for.
More on reddit.com 9
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August 5, 2021Need help with my townhome front entrance ‘yard’! Tiny space for a garden, but would love a modern and luscious potted plant garden.
Go vertical in small footprints. Simplify plant palette. Why 50 ft hose? Expandable working for you? More on reddit.com
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November 23, 2022Curbed Chicago
chicago.curbed.com › 2020 › 4 › 10 › 21215759 › chicago-landscaping-urban-garden-midwestern-plants
Chicago landscaping: Ideas for front yards, gardens, spring plants - Curbed Chicago
April 30, 2020 - Signs of spring are peeking out in Chicago. There’s more daylight—thankfully. Daffodils are blooming in front yards. Magnolia trees are showing their pink and white flowers. Forsythia plants are glowing bright yellow.
Pinterest
pinterest.com › lisastramel › front-yard-plants-full-sun
40 Front yard plants - Full Sun ideas to save today
Front Yard Flower Beds Against The House · Brown House · Bedding Inspiration · House Landscape · Flower Beds · This custom landscape was designed to stand out against the house's monochromatic exterior. When creating unique landscape designs, Nelson Landscaping considers every detail. 15 Stunning Front of House Landscape Ideas You'll Love · 15 Stunning Front of House Landscape Ideas You'll Love · Sunny Flower Bed Ideas Perennial Plant ·
Facebook
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What plants can I plant for a nicer front yard?
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LawnLove
lawnlove.com › home › 9 best native plants for your chicago garden
9 Best Native Plants for Your Chicago Garden
February 10, 2024 - Butterfly weed is a member of the milkweed family, which is the only host plant for the endangered Monarch butterfly. You get to feel good about encouraging biodiversity and having a beautiful garden. You can identify butterfly weed by its brilliant yellow to bright orange flower clusters. If you want a flower that adds color to your yard from early spring to the first frost, butterfly weed is a perfect choice.
Wildones
nativegardendesigns.wildones.org › home › garden designs › chicago
Chicago - Native Garden Designs
June 29, 2025 - Discover landscape design inspiration for the Chicago area. Explore native plants that support pollinators, conserve water, and promote the environment.
CBA
chicagobungalow.org › post › 20-plants-for-bungalow-gardens
20 Plants for Chicago Bungalow Gardens
October 12, 2022 - Both Carlesii and Judii viburnum add structure to a garden, "and they have the ability to add wonderful spicy fragrance to your space." She recommends planting one near your front or back door "so that you can enjoy their sweet fragrance when entering or exiting your house." The full size varieties grow to around 6 to 7 feet high and wide, but there are dwarf varieties available too.
Do Good Gardens
dogoodgardens.com
Sustainable Gardening | Do Good Gardens | Chicago
Zero emissions, efficient, and as sustainable as possible, Do Good Gardens is The first and only landscaping company in Chicago whose focus is all about sustainability. Our team converts your front lawn to a pollinator's paradise. We plant native plants, butterfly and bee attracting plants with the skill and experience our clients have come to expect.
Call +17086958012
Address Chicago, US
The Home Depot
homedepot.com › outdoors › garden center › outdoor plants
Outdoor Plants - The Home Depot
Our Latest Selection of Fresh Plants & Flowers.
Pike Nurseries
pikenursery.com
Garden & Plant Nursery | Landscape Design & Installation | Pike Nurseries
Our team of local garden experts will guide, inspire and give you the best tips for success. Our plants, vegetables, houseplants and garden products are carefully selected specifically for our neighborhoods and inspected upon arrival so you won't have to wonder if they will last or grow.
Forever Farms
foreverfarms.org › home › 15 chicago front yard landscaping ideas to transform your outdoor space
15 Chicago Front Yard Landscaping Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space
April 3, 2024 - Discover practical and beautiful Chicago front yard landscaping ideas tailored to the city’s unique climate, architecture, and urban setting. ... Using plants native to the Chicago area, like purple coneflowers and wild bergamot, enhances biodiversity and ensures a yard that thrives in the ...
Arbeen Landscaping
arbeenlandscaping.com › home › gardening › best plants for the top chicago gardens
Best Plants for the Top Chicago Gardens | Arbeen Landscaping
October 26, 2022 - They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Flowers make some of the best plants to place in your front yard. If you want to add some color to your garden while attracting pollinators, try planting oakleaf hydrangeas. Oakleaf hydrangea is a shrub that grows very well in Chicago weather.
Gardenia
gardenia.net › home › plant combinations
Front Yard - Plant Combination Ideas for your Garden
Transform your front yard with a mix of hydrangeas, hostas, boxwood, and coneflowers, creating a welcoming and visually appealing landscape.
Spacetogrowchicago
spacetogrowchicago.org › green-infrastructure-at-home › native-gardens-landscaping
Space to Grow: Greening Chicago Schoolyards
Most residential buildings have a yard or courtyard that often includes a lawn. Maintaining a home lawn typically requires large amounts of water as well as fertilizer and mowing time. Consider replacing the lawn or adding a native garden to these areas instead! Once established, native plants require less water, do not need to be mowed and will return year after year. Just like all gardens, they do require occasional weeding. The City of Chicago has a list identifying native Chicago plants, grasses, flowers and shrubs to help you select what works best for the sunlight on your property.
Facebook
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What are some good plants and flowers for landscaping ...
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HGTV
hgtv.com › home › outdoors › flowers and plants
25 Plants for Instant Curb Appeal in Front of Your House
May 8, 2025 - Marigolds, petunias and geraniums are popular and easy to grow. Tuck in a few trailing plants like bacopa, creeping jenny or calibrachoas to add interest. If you're selling in the cooler months, switch to flowers like pansies and mums or ornamental ...
Yellow Brick Home
yellowbrickhome.com › how our garden grows: a front yard update
How Our Garden Grows: A Front Yard Update - Yellow Brick Home
August 4, 2023 - Like many of our spaces, our Chicago front yard has seen a few iterations. What started as a patch of weedy grass became a formal little scenario with boxwoods, upright junipers and a small lawn. Then, back in the fall of 2021, we decided to let things get a little more wild. This is the view from our front porch, after completing the project in 2021: ... And here it is today, in 2023! ... We subscribe to the sleep, creep, leap adage when it comes to planting and this garden was no different!
Fine Gardening
finegardening.com › home › front yard gardens make a strong first impression
Front Yard Gardens Make a Strong First Impression - Fine Gardening
February 11, 2025 - And finally, just a few blocks away is a traditional Colonial with a formal landscape featuring a brick walk, symmetric foundation plantings, and a picket fence draped in roses. All four front yard gardens have small patches of lawn, but the foundation plantings are varied, and the gardens are designed to suit the houses as well as the gardening abilities of the homeowners.