What do you guys think of doing round rock on the sides of the house that is not getting sun, and drying up?
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We planted trees behind the railing 2 days ago, in the front of the sidewalk, just before the phone box in the pic above. We went for the Yew tree and 2 other trees. The yew is supposed to be there all year round and grows to about 6-7ft
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Now we plan to replace all the grass on the side with gravel. We looked at pea and river rock gravel, but it looks like it won't be easy on the feet, so we decided on round rock gravel?
we have actually ripped out all the remaining grass you see in the pic above. Am not getting the neighbour involved in this, as he is an arse that won't put his dog on a leash, and expects everyone else to look after the crap pick up
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Could you try a large paving stone, space (same width??), large paving stone, space (same width??) and continue up the side of the house. In the (same width area) put in gravel (white stone). Do not plant because of the lack of sun, though I do like the look of hostas. You can also find a paving stone that is only 4 inches wide and the same width as the regular paving sone that you can put in front of the gravel (white stone) . This will put abit of a frame around the gravel and make it look more like a walkway beside the house. If you want something in the gravel area (white stone) rather than hostas or plants you could place solar lights (not hanging ones). There are some stainless steel tubes (Solar lights) at Sears that look very sharp and are only 6 inches high. They are joined together by a wire that will go under your paving stones and gravel and contect to a Solar Collector that can be placed in the sun. (Please note I have no technical knowledge but I do have the lights in my closet because I liked the look of them and someday will put them out.) (If you would like a picture, it can be done) . Why you need lights along the side of your house, who knows, but it would add to the project if the right lights were chosen and not stand out as a sore thumb (as my mother would say).
Please note that you also should put landscaping fabric under this as suggested. Send us a picture of what you do and I would actually prefer the gravel than the white stones. It does not draw you attention to it but cleans up the area.
much better with the edging and I am sure your neighbour will find mowing easier too with the rock contained. Have you tried putting the stepping stones down into the rock instead of (it appears) being on top?
Also you may want to get that other side covered. If it starts raining much there is nothing to hold that dirt where it is and it may start running off into your swale and that would be a bad thing.
So I bought some edgings, more stones, and did some clearing up. I still need some more stones, so please go easy on me :D
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This side of the house at the bottom is going to stay as is, since all the utilities stuff are there
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Bought some stepping stones and red mulch
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going to leave this area like this for now until after A/C goes in
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In my previous house builder covered the space between houses with gravel - and I didn't know was is good or bad. For houses that had bigger space they installed the sod. Next year this grass looked pretty sad and pessimistic. In my new place people also cover those areas with gravel or interlock - clean and nice.
So I say - don't bother with any planting - there is not enough sun and water.
Also, I think you planted new tree/shrubs too close to the house (well, I did the same mistake and it kept me busy replanting for the next season).
Nice porch BTW.
I have a similar strip of ground running along the north side of the house. This area used to be a real eye sore . For years, I planted and I planted. The only plants which have survived are ferns. I also planted hostas they were beautiful and very lush ... unfortunately, a couple years ago they just disappeared as did my lily of the valley. My ferns are beautiful. I also have a couple of pink columbine and california poppy scattered here and there. Both the columbine and california poppy self seed. As an extra bonus, I have no weeds! No maintenance whatsever!
Good luck with your hostas. I think most hostas do very well in the shade. I really enjoyed my hostas for about 7 years. I had the bluish variety with flowers. It grew into a really big plant. I was planning to divide it the following year, but I never had the chance.
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I like this look with the Hostas and gravel, what do you think of this look, and which of the varieties of hostas is the best under shade and colourful
cheers
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I think I would put stepping stones with either rock or moss in between on the side going back by your garage as this would be the place you would have a small gate if you decide to fence.
The other side either all rock as will you travel to the back that way..I doubt it as you have gas outlet there etc. and probably air conditioner soon.Or my neighbour has same thing tore up dead sod and earthed it and put hostas as they grow anywhere!!
Well Glas I can't believe you've wandered back here but since I happen to have done what you are proposing I will tell you what I learned.
The grass is going to have a very hard time living between those houses if they happen to face north or south. With the house I had I did put down gravel. I used the round gravel you are talking about and it was a mistake if you plan on doing any walking in that area (or attempt to move a lawn mower from front to back across the gravel). Round gravel rolls so it's very slippery. Moving a lawn mower through it is like slogging through mud as far as traction goes.
If I did it again I would use the crushed rock maybe mixed with pea gravel. The crushed compacts which could be an issue given the swale has to be maintained but you are best to go to a gravel supplier (don't get it at a garden centre or it will cost a fortune...the supplier will sell much cheaper and you will need a lot so a truck delivery is worth while) and ask them what they recommend. The one thing with smaller stones that are rough is they will lock together which is easier to walk over and some are actually the base for other stone so theoretically you could do a base and later add brick or flagstone.
When you do the gravel know you also need to put down landscaping fabric and a good edge (put some long spikes in to hold the edge or as neighbours mow or whatever it could shift. The fabric keeps the gravel from mixing in with the soil (and eventually disappearing), the edge keeps it contained where you want it.
You grass/sod is dying as the edges of the sod when laid were not butted up close enough ( see arrows) or watered enough. The sod is also on a slope so any water runs down into the low spot. Some of that area might be under the roof over hang as well and gets little rain. The rest of the grass looks lush enough so to save money I would lift the dead sod patches first. Then lay down some good top soil in those areas. Buy a grass seed for shade and reseed. Keep it watered well. If you go to the cityline.com web site do a search for "fat grass". This will cost very little.
The dead grass is not caused by any dog.
Glas, Glas, Glas...... are you EVER going to give up and go away for good????
Why don't you try planting poison ivy in the dry spot :rolleyes:
that sounds like a good idea, but what isthe cost of that, and do you have pics at all?
Have you looked at 24X24 paving slabs. I think they would be the most suitable. We have done that between ours and neighbour's house and we find that we use that area to go through to the backyard. It is always clean and dry now where before it used to be damp and ugly all the time.