Pet-Friendly Planting
Site size: Small to medium front yard on a suburban street
Timeline: Client approached in late fall; design finalized during winter and installed by May the following spring
Client goals:
Boost curb appeal with colorful shrubs and flowers
Enjoy views from windows and garden seating areas
Preserve as much lawn as possible
Achieve visual interest across four seasons
Site constraints:
Full sun, hot and dry soil
Playful puppy who loves to run through and nibble plants
Need to harmonize with the home’s blue exterior and neighboring gardens
Solutions:
Garden is composed entirely of dog-safe plants
Color palette of blues, burgundy, and soft pinks echo the house
Boulders incorporated to blend with neighbor’s existing river rock
Drip irrigation installed to provide relief from sun and heat
Flower beds framing the lawn to retain lawn
Evergreens and a succession of long-blooming plants provide interest year-round
Services provided by Madeline Quigley Garden Design:
Custom design
Coordination with local landscapers
Sourcing of plants
Pruning of existing trees and shrubs
Oversight of installation
Result: A four-season garden that delights from spring through winter, provides safe play for the puppy, and elevates the home’s curb appeal. Neighbors frequently pause to admire the transformation.
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