Foundation plantings are like spandex clothing. They smooth out bumpy properties and create an elegant look. When used correctly, foundation planting serves specific purposes. It connects the building with the property and the adjoining ornamental plants, so that the building and property appear to have grown together in a visually appealing design. Shrubs and vines also tend to soften and mix architectural lines. Such plants give the house a finished look.
In general, foundation plantings reflect personal preferences. The owner of a Spanish villa house will use agave, yucca, colored acalyphae and crotons, while the proud owner of a Polynesian house will be able to display palm trees, fruits and fragrant flowering plants.
The rules for establishing foundation plantings are vague. Ancient cultures may have cut the underbrush to look out for enemy attacks, snakes, and other undesirable wildlife. The conditions haven’t changed much. Some gardeners plant low-growing plants that allow good visibility so they can keep an eye out for peddlers, collectors, and unwanted visitors. Today we tend to think of the ecological advantages of plantings, which is why “the mo the betta” is the guideline for landscaping.
Here are some prohibitions on making foundation plantings.
• Do not rely too much on annuals as a base for planting. They need constant replacement and some times of the year they will not meet your mortgage credit.
• Do not use materials that are too large or too conspicuous. Big trees can only be used against the tallest buildings, and some of the brightly colored deciduous plants don’t go well with all types of architecture.
• Do not fail to plant some kind of foundation planting if there is a bare spot on the base of your building. Remember, these plants can add value to the property.
However, do not be afraid of your own ideas about plants. Your enthusiasm shouldn’t be dampened by the prohibitions. You can get away with almost anything if you have a good reason.
There are dozens of plants that are suitable for the home. The green or colored Ti is a group. Major suggestions for the growing foundation include Carissa, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Pittosporum, Crotons, Nandina, and many others.
Another group of plants, ferns, have a place on shady walls and under larger plants. The sword, boston, leather leaf fern and other cultivated varieties make great basic arrangements.
At the base of the higher plants and to add color, plant herbaceous perennials such as impatiens, four-o-clocks, penstemon, gerberas, oyster plants, pothas, and Australian violets.
In addition to the visual aspects of foundation planting, consider the scent as well.
Here are a few of many that are ideal for home use. The scent of the gardenia is well known. Not so well known is the best way to grow the plant. Put it in full sun or partial shade, never in strong shade. Plant in soil mixed with at least an equal amount of peat moss or other decomposed organic matter. Gardenias prefer acidic soil. Mulch with 1 or 2 inches of organic matter. Keep soil moistured. Fertilize with acidic fertilizer every three to four months.
For hot beach areas, the Tahitian Gardenia is much better suited.
Jasminum species are also great for fragrance. There are many types of jasmine, as well as several other plants referred to by this name, including star jasmine and orange jasmine, which are not jasmines at all. There are several real jasmines that bloom with fragrant flowers. Jasminum sambac or pikake, Jasminum ilicifolium and Jasminum multiflorum are three shrubs that are used as basic plantings. They can also be grown as grapevines and bloom more profusely.
Star jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides, is a vinous shrub. Tie this plant to a post, fence, or other support and it will climb.
Orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata, belongs to the citrus family and is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy green, pinnate leaves.
Night-blooming jasmine, Cestrum nocturnum, produces flowers with a strong scent. A single plant per garden should be enough.
Also try Alahe’e, Canthium odoratum, a native shrub with a jasmine-like scent. It actually belongs to the gardenia family and is ideal as a foundation or hedge plant. It’s available at some local nurseries that specialize in Hawaiian plants.
