3-Tier Corner Property Plant Design: Bringing Layers of Beauty to a Scotch Plains Home
At PHR Landscapes, we specialize in transforming ordinary yards into eye-catching, layered landscapes that elevate curb appeal and create functional, beautiful spaces. One of our most recent projects in Scotch Plains focused on a corner property plant design that turned three sides of a home into a lush, colorful, and low-maintenance paradise. Here’s how we tackled it.
Project Planning: The Client’s Corner Vision
Our clients reached out looking for a fresh, low-maintenance landscape design that made the most of their unique corner property. The house had high visibility from three directions, and the homeowners wanted a planting scheme that:
- Framed the architecture of their home
- Included both sun and shade plantings
- Provided year-round interest
- Emphasized the corner of the lot as a standout feature
We walked the property with the clients and assessed sunlight patterns, drainage, and existing soil conditions. The design concept? A 3-tier landscape bed system using carefully selected trees, bushes, shrubs, and ground cover to build layers of interest and dimension.
Step-by-Step: Garden Bed Renovation Process
Here’s how we brought this layered landscape vision to life – each phase designed with precision and purpose.
(Before)
Step 1: Demo and Site Preparation
We began by performing a full demolition of the existing landscaping. This included removing overgrown bushes, old mulch, and tired plantings that no longer complemented the home.
We built up new landscape beds with enriched topsoil and shaped the contours of each bed for natural water flow and visual appeal. Edges were graded to define strong lines, especially at the corner of the property where impact matters most.
Step 2: Plant Design Layout and Approval
Before any planting, we laid out the full design onsite. This dry-run placement helped us make sure the proportions, flow, and balance of textures were on point. It also gave our clients a final opportunity to approve or tweak the layout.
Step 3: Installing a 3-Tier Garden Bed System
With the layout approved, installation began. We used a tiered planting strategy to give the space depth and structure:
Tier 1: Evergreen True Foundation
Ilex (Holly) was used as the base foundation plant. These evergreens offer year-round structure and privacy, form a dense visual barrier, and are easy to maintain.
Benefits: Drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and great for forming low hedges
Care: Light pruning 1-2 times a year, moderate watering during the first season
Tier 2: Color and Texture Planting
We installed an eye-catching mix of Barberry, Golden Cypress, Spirea, and Abelia.
Barberry adds bold reds and purples to contrast the green base. Golden Cypress delivers striking yellow-gold tones for brightness. Spirea brings seasonal blooms in pinks and whites. Abelia gives a soft, flowering structure that attracts pollinators
Care: Trim lightly after flowering, mulch to maintain moisture, and fertilize in early spring
This tier is all about contrast and dynamic interest. Barberry brings deep red foliage that provides color all season long, while its thorny branches serve as a natural deterrent against deer and foot traffic, perfect for a high-visibility corner lot. Golden Cypress adds architectural texture and a vibrant splash of gold, standing out against both brick and siding backdrops. Spirea is a landscape staple, with varieties like ‘Little Princess’ or ‘Goldmound’ blooming in late spring and again in summer if lightly trimmed after the first bloom. Abelia’s arching stems and delicate trumpet flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making this tier an eco-friendly pollinator magnet. Each of these shrubs was chosen for its low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in Scotch Plains’ regional climate. With good airflow, mulch coverage, and periodic feeding, these bushes will stay healthy, colorful, and lush with very little effort.
Tier 3: Corner Accent and Flowering Shrubs
The star of the corner was a Cherry Tree, chosen for its ornamental blossoms and beautiful branching.
Around it, we planted:
Crape Myrtle for long-blooming summer color.
Viburnum for spring flowers and fall foliage.
Lilac for early-season blooms and fragrance.
Groundcover to fill space and suppress weeds.
Care: Regular watering the first year, mulch base, and prune trees/shrubs seasonally
The third tier is the focal point, built to draw the eye and make a lasting impression from the street. The cherry tree was selected for its four-season beauty – blossoms in spring, green canopy in summer, bold autumn color, and elegant winter form. Surrounding it, we included Crape Myrtle, a summer showstopper with pink or lavender flowers that bloom even during drought. Viburnum adds multiple seasons of interest with clusters of white blooms followed by red or black berries and bold fall foliage. Lilac, beloved for its intoxicating fragrance, offers early spring color and thrives in the Northeast climate when given full sun and good air circulation. To unify the design and prevent weeds, we planted low-maintenance pachysandra groundcover – tough, shade-tolerant, and fast-spreading. This upper tier is layered with consideration for bloom times, fragrance, height variation, and wildlife attraction. Each plant was mulched generously and staked as needed to ensure strong growth and lasting form.
Step 4: Final Touches
With beautiful new plants, shrubs, and trees in place, we finish the job with:
A deep accent edge along all beds for a crisp, clean look
A thick layer of organic hardwood mulch to retain moisture and insulate roots
Final walk-through with the client to go over care, spacing, and seasonal maintenance
This project turned a plain corner lot into one of the best-looking homes in the neighborhood!
(Finished Result)
Landscape Design Services for Scotch Plains, Fanwood & Westfield
From the first consultation to the final mulch layer, this 3-tier garden transformation showcases what PHR Landscapes does best – custom, layered plant designs that fit your property, climate, and lifestyle. This corner property went from dated and dull to bright, structured, and seasonally dynamic. Whether you need evergreen stability, colorful texture, or flowering centerpieces that turn heads, we have the expertise to build out your vision.
As the premier landscape design and installation company in Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and Westfield, PHR Landscapes delivers stunning curb appeal with low-maintenance performance. Every element of this project was crafted with long-term beauty, functionality, and homeowner satisfaction in mind. Ready to take your property to the next level? Let’s make your outdoor space the best on the block.
Project Tips: Tiered Garden Bed Design
Here are 5 professional tips that can make or break your garden bed project:
Start with the Structure
Begin with evergreens or foundation plants. These will anchor the design and give it year-round presence even when seasonal plants fade.
Balance Color and Height
Mix warm and cool colors for contrast, but keep taller plants in the back or center depending on the viewpoint.
Think in Seasons
Combine plants that bloom at different times – spring, summer, and fall – to keep the garden interesting year-round.
Edge Like You Mean It
A clean edge is the difference between a pro install and a DIY job. Go deep, 3 inches minimum, and maintain it every season.
Mulch with Purpose
Use organic hardwood mulch, not dyed mulch. It breaks down naturally, improves soil, and looks great with nearly any color palette.y with seasonal changes.o matter the month.
Looking to refresh your yard with new plant design? Contact PHR Landscapes – your go-to landscaping company in Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and Westfield – to bring your vision to life.
👉 Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start building your dream backyard patio!
Follow us on Facebook @PHRLandscapes
Share This Post with Friends & Colleagues
