A Magnificently Colorful Summertime Garden Bed Design
We believe a well-designed garden doesn’t just look beautiful, it should function beautifully too! This was our exact goal with a recent property redesign in Fanwood, NJ. The homeowners wanted seasonal color, layered plant structure, and a finished look that popped from spring through early fall. We delivered a fresh landscape overhaul, using thoughtful plant placement and hardy selections that thrive in New Jersey’s climate.
Front Yard: Structure, Color, and Flow
The front of a home sets the tone. For this Fanwood property, we wanted curb appeal that felt both polished and inviting. The garden bed design included tiered layers and a careful balance of texture and bloom.
Corner Focal Point: Hydrangea Tree
To anchor the garden visually, we installed a Hydrangea Tree at the front corner. This multi-stemmed beauty provides height, shape, and rich summer color. It draws the eye upward and gives weight to the landscape without blocking views of the house.
Why Choose the Hydrangea Tree?
Adds vertical interest.
Perfect for New Jersey summers: hardy and reliable.
Offers large clusters of beautiful white to pink blooms through the warm months.
Care Needs:
- Full sun to part shade.
- Prune in late winter to early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.
First Tier Foundation: Pencil Ilex, Boxwoods, and PJM Rhododendrons
The first tier behind the Hydrangea Tree features Pencil Ilex, Boxwoods and PJM Rhododendrons.
Pencil Ilex, Needle Boxwoods give evergreen structure year-round. They’re dense, uniform, and make the perfect base layer.
Care Needs:
PJM Rhododendrons: part shade preferred, acidic soil, mulch to retain moisture.
Pencil Ilex, Boxwoods: full sun to part shade, light pruning to maintain shape.
Second Tier Color: Hydrangea Shrubs
In front of the boxwoods, Hydrangea Shrubs bring big color with rounded blooms that soften the sharper structure in front.
Why They Work Here:
Create a mid-height layer between low boxwoods and house facade.
Provide visual rhythm across the bed.
Care Needs:
Prune based on variety (some bloom on old wood, others on new).
Prefers morning sun, afternoon shade.
Needs ample watering in heat.
Walkway Planting: Boxwoods and Lavender
Flanking the walkway, we used low-profile boxwoods for symmetry and added lavender for scent and movement.
Boxwoods: Keep the border crisp and clean.
Lavender: Adds color, pollinator value, and fragrance.
Care Needs:
Lavender: full sun, well-drained soil, prune back after flowering.
Edge Finish: Variegated Liriope
To cap the curved edges, we planted variegated liriope. This ornamental grass-like perennial adds a tidy yet lush look.
Why Liriope?
Offers purple flower spikes in late summer.
Tolerates sun or shade.
Low maintenance.
Care Needs:
Great for erosion control and weed suppression.
Trim back in early spring.
Water in dry spells.
Backyard: Privacy, Softness, and Deer Strategy
The backyard design had to balance aesthetics and practicality. This homeowner has a known deer presence, so plant choices had to consider browsing pressure.
Foundation Layer: Hydrangea Shrubs
Hydrangeas return again in the backyard, giving visual consistency between front and back. Along the foundation, they create a classic lush feel.
Care Needs:
Fertilize in early spring.
Morning sun is ideal.
Needs consistent moisture.
Corner Planting: Hostas + Lilacs
To soften the corner of the house, we used a combination of Hostas and Lilacs.
Lilacs offer spring fragrance and tall height.
Hostas fill in below with wide leaves and varied textures.
Care Needs:
Lilacs: full sun, prune after flowering.
Hostas: part to full shade, water consistently, watch for slugs.
Deer Management Zones: Skip Laurels and Protected Hostas
Inside the fenced-in area of the backyard, we took advantage of the barrier to plant deer-favorites like Hostas. Outside, we used Skip Laurels, which deer tend to avoid.
Skip Laurels provide dense evergreen foliage, great for screening and structure.
Care Needs:
Prune to shape in early spring or late summer.
Tolerant of part shade.
Needs well-drained soil.
Just like in the front, liriope makes another appearance in the backyard to wrap and define the edges. It brings cohesion to the entire design.
Project Gallery:
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.
PHR’s Project Tips
Here are 5 professional tips that can make or break your garden design 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.
- Choose the Right Plants for Sun/Shade: Don’t force sun-lovers into shady spots or vice versa. Know your garden’s light conditions.
- Repeat Plant Varieties for Cohesion: Repeating the same plant in different areas of your yard ties the whole landscape together.
- Use Evergreens as Anchors: Boxwoods, laurels, and hollies keep your beds looking structured year-round.
- Go Big with Fewer Varieties: Instead of cramming dozens of plant types, use fewer varieties in larger groups for more impact.
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!
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