Making the Most of Narrow Flower Beds Against Houses

Narrow flower beds against houses can be challenging spaces to design and plant. With just a couple feet of space between the foundation and a fence sidewalk or driveway, it may seem like there’s not much you can do. But with some creative thinking and the right plant choices, these often ignored slivers of land can be transformed into beautiful gardens that enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Why Pay Attention to Narrow Beds?

It’s understandable if your first instinct is to disregard narrow beds as wasted space. After all, what can you really do in such a confined area? More than you might think! Here are some great reasons to give your home’s perimeter planting strips a makeover:

• Frames the home – A thoughtfully designed bed softens the foundation and complements your home’s architecture

• Welcomes guests – Greets visitors with color and interest as they approach the front door,

• Hides unsightly areas – Obscures utility boxes, AC units, and other eyesores.

• Defines boundaries – Creates a border between the lawn and hardscapes.

• Adds privacy – Strategic plantings conceal views and create seclusion.

• Improves drainage – Slope beds away from the house to prevent water issues.

• Boosts curb appeal – Well-maintained beds increase perceived home value.

So while narrow beds present challenges, they also offer unique opportunities to dramatically improve your home’s appearance.

Design Tips for Maximizing Narrow Beds

A few fundamental design practices will help you make the most of tight quarters:

Choose compact plants

Focus on plants that don’t spread out too far. Look for dwarf varieties, slender perennials, and columnar shrubs. Avoid wide, sprawling plants that will require frequent pruning to keep them in bounds.

Repeat plants down the length

Using the same plants throughout creates cohesion from one end to the other.

Vary heights for interest

Mix low, medium, and tall plants together for visual depth.

Use hardscapes creatively

Incorporate boulders, gravel, fences, trellises and stepping stones to add interest.

Plant in groups

Clusters of 3, 5, or 7 plants of the same variety make more of an impact than single specimens.

Limit color variety

Stick to just 2-3 complementary hues for a cohesive look.

With smart plant and design choices, even the skinniest side strip can make a statement!

Top Plants for Narrow Beds Against Houses

Here are some excellent plants to consider that don’t need much space:

Dwarf Shrubs

• Boxwood
• Holly
• Hydrangea
• Rose
• Spirea

Upright Perennials

• Daylily
• Lavender
• Ornamental grasses
• Red hot poker
• Russian sage
• Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

Vining Plants

• Clematis
• Honeysuckle
• Jasmine
• Mandevilla
• Morning glory

Low-Growing Perennials

• Catmint
• Dianthus
• Geranium
• Snow-in-summer
• Stonecrop
• Trailing rosemary

Columnar Shrubs

• Arborvitae
• Holly
• Juniper
• Rose of Sharon

Colorful Annuals

• Coleus
• Dusty miller
• Flowering kale
• Marigolds
• Petunias
• Zinnias

This list gives you an idea of plants well-suited for narrow beds, but feel free to get creative. Just be sure to choose compact, vertical varieties and use restraint when it comes to color.

Design Inspiration for Narrow Foundation Beds

Looking for inspiration on how to beautify that skinny bed along your home’s foundation? Here are some gorgeous ways to transform narrow planting strips into focal features:

Romantic Flower Border

A white picket fence entwined with climbing roses and flowering perennials like lavender and salvia creates old-world charm. Stick to a romantic color scheme of pink, purple, blue, and green.

Modern Foliage Garden

Hardy, architectural plants like grasses, sedums, and succulents complement contemporary architecture. Muted silver, gray, and green tones keep the look minimalistic.

Cottage-Style Entrance

Welcome guests with informal plantings like catmint, coral bells, lavender, and ornamental grasses. Repeating plants on both sides of the gate provides consistency.

Rock Wall Plantings

Tuck colorful perennials like sedums, strawflowers, and purslane into the crevices of stone walls. These tough plants handle hot reflected heat.

Pollinator Border

Create an eco-friendly planting strip that nourishes bees and butterflies. Use salvias, verbenas, agastaches, echinaceas, and other pollinator-friendly plants.

Simple Steps for Planting Against the House

Now that you’re feeling motivated to tackle that unused space, here are some tips for planting:

• Loosen and amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and nutrition.

• Slope the bed away from the house foundation for proper water runoff.

• Place tallest plants at the back and lowest plants in front for a layered look.

• Set plants closer together than normal to fill the space; you can always thin later.

• Mulch well to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Replenish mulch annually.

• Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to maximize water efficiency.

• Fertilize plants in early spring and mid-summer according to product instructions.

• Remove spent blooms and prune wayward growth to keep plants tidy.

Caring for a Narrow Bed Against the House

Here are some maintenance practices to keep your foundation strip looking its best:

• Weed regularly when plants are young and filling in.

• Cut back perennials and prune shrubs as needed in late winter or early spring.

• Refresh mulch in spring, adding 2-3 inches. Replenish as needed.

• Water during dry spells so plants don’t wilt. Prioritize early morning or late evening.

• Watch for pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew and treat promptly.

• Remove fallen leaves and debris to keep the bed looking neat.

• Fertilize plants as needed to maintain vigor and encourage blooms.

• Divide overcrowded perennials in spring or fall and replant divisions.

• Replace any plants that struggle or fail to thrive.

With basic care, your narrow bed will flourish for years of enjoyment!

Don’t Overlook Narrow Planting Spots

While narrow beds against the house present challenges, they also offer unique design opportunities. By creatively incorporating the right plant selections, hardscape features, and fundamental design practices, even the skinniest strips of land can be transformed into beautiful gardens. Not only will thoughtfully planting the perimeter enhance curb appeal, but you’ll gain new found affection for this often neglected space.