Floral Front
1 May, 2008 By: Bridget White Landscape ManagementMinimal color, max impact Changes in ownership didn't deter this designer from creating a unique living space
WITH THE PROPERTY now on its third owner in less than five years (and rumors of a buy-back by a previous owner), Kathy Hubner's knowledge of the site, her ability to adapt the landscape to the current owner's style, and her strategic use of color have turned a single, small job into a constant source of revenue.
 After construction, pink petunias and layered perennials were added for maximum impact. |
With a small budget and limited planting area on a lot dominated by a large home, each element of Hubner's design had to be carefully thought out for maximum impact. Standard obstacles such as screening unsightly views caused by a too-close neighbor were heightened by planting spaces as small as 5 ft. In this instance, giant timber bamboo grew completely vertical to provide the necessary screen within a few years while taking up very little space. Plus, the bamboo quickly provided shade to allow plants such as wandering jew, canna lily and philodendron to thrive.
 Strategically mixing annual color with perennials created a low-maintenance landscape yet still offered visual interest. |
"So that was one solution," says Hubner, "add in a little more planting space, and the result is incredible. It's this lush jungle look that just erased a whole bunch of eyesores. Within the backyard, we used fast-growing ornamental trees, taller palm trees and large, box live oaks to get the instant shade the client wanted."
 Punches of annuals in saturated colors were used throughout the landscape as low-cost focal points. |
The goal in the front yard was to trick the eye into thinking there was more annual color. Hot pink petunias were planted in front of white artemisia and red yucca. Together, the small planting of annuals and showy perennials make a big color statement.
 By re-using existing plants and containers, project cost was controlled while the landscape offered continuity between old and new. |
"That's a design trick I use often," Hubner says. "People get busier and busier. They still want the annual color but don't want the time it takes."
— White is a freelance writer living in New Orleans. Contact her at info@questex.com.
Please send any technical comments or questions to our webmaster.