Solutions to Common Garden Problems

Junipers don't require a lot of effort to keep them happy and healthy, but no matter what, each year some branches die. Because the previous homeowners neglected this shrub, the dead growth has accumulated. So Paul recommends using pruners and loppers to prune out the dead wood. This will help to open up the interior canopy to air circulation and sunlight, thus encouraging new growth and rejuvenating the plant.

When pruning, a good rule of thumb is to cut away no more than one third of the plant, but that rule applies only to live branches. In the case of dead branches, go ahead and cut all you like because it helps to improve the plant's vigor. Once finished, the newly pruned juniper's beautiful branching habit can be enjoyed from the street and the front porch (figure B).

Problem: Overgrown planter box
A brick planter box frames the front porch, but it contains an overgrown boxwood hedge that looks out of place in this confined space (figure C). Although they're remarkably healthy for this limited amount of space, the boxwoods are so large they hide the view from the porch to the street.

Paul suggests removing the unsightly plants. Jarrick uses a saw and some old-fashioned hard work to pull the three old boxwoods out of the planter box (figure D).

Once the boxwoods have been removed, there are endless possibilities of plants to put in this space. Low-growing annuals and perennials or dwarf conifers would be ideal for maintaining the front porch's open view to the street. A climbing vine trained to grow up the nearby pole would frame the porch. To ensure proper drainage for the plants in the planter box, drill a few holes with a masonry bit into the walls.

Problem: Narrow strip between the sidewalk and the house's foundation
On the side of Jarrick's house there's a narrow strip of soil between the sidewalk and the house's foundation. It's an odd place where the soil is poor and water barely permeates, and as a result, it is often neglected. There is currently a nice collection of weeds growing there.

Paul offers two solutions for this common problem. First he suggests using a hardscape element to hide this narrow strip. Apply a two-inch layer of crushed limestone or granite over the existing walkway and the narrow strip of soil. To help make it maintenance free, lay down landscape fabric before applying the crushed stone. The other option is planting a low-maintenance groundcover in the narrow strip. Paul recommends using liriope or mondo grass. Once planted, water well to establish the plants and then they will basically care for themselves.

Problem: Shady side yard
The side yard of Jarrick's house has full shade, and as a result, it is barren and unsightly. Since reseeding with sun-loving grass would be a lost cause, Paul recommends using stepping stones or a dry streambed with gravel and large boulders to fill in the space. Plant shade-loving groundcovers, perennials and shrubs to soften the edges of the rock work.