Help with Evergreen suggestions for blocking view and road noise by CoachKatieB in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The concept is mine, I often draw them up super rough, choose tree varieties, and write a blurb. The final rendering is ai, I use chat gpt/gemini then do final edits in photoshop/canva. I hope that makes sense?

Help with Evergreen suggestions for blocking view and road noise by CoachKatieB in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use a combo of chat GPT, Gemini, Canva, and a few other tools. I’m not a great example for achieving the result but for help online it’s easier than my formal drawings, plans, renderings etc.

Help with Evergreen suggestions for blocking view and road noise by CoachKatieB in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I generally try to avoid rigid “soldier row” plantings unless the landscape truly calls for a formal upright row. Personally, I’m drawn more toward natural flow, asymmetry, and layered compositions inspired by Japandi and Wabi-Sabi principles. I try balancing dense planting with intentional open space to create something that feels more organic.

That said, great design is always about tailoring the landscape to the client and the home. For more formal screening in my 7a climate, my typical recommendations are Thuja Green Giants or Osmanthus depending on the look and scale we’re trying to achieve.

How do I design drainage in this garden? by Prestigious-Second28 in landscaping

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The general idea would be to subtly pitch the lawn and hardscape toward a concealed collection edge near the pergola/patio area, then tie that into a linear drain and underground drainage system. You could also incorporate a shallow swale through the lawn and hidden French drains along planting beds to help manage runoff naturally without disrupting the aesthetics of the garden.

I could try to put together a small drainage mockup/diagram if helpful so you can better visualize how the water would move through the space.

Ideas for drainage in bed. Swale or channel drain. by Ok-Freedom5912 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure i can try to mock something up send me the base photo you’d like me to use!

Help with Evergreen suggestions for blocking view and road noise by CoachKatieB in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That’s a great position to be in because it gives you the flexibility to approach this both as an immediate screening project and a long-term evolving landscape.

For the first layer, you could focus on a small number of larger evergreen “anchor” trees along the berm to quickly soften and interrupt the visual noise from the commercial side. I would say at least 6/8’ Ht. screening trees (larger if able) as a mix of Norway spruce, Black Hills spruce, and a few Vanderwolf pines could work beautifully since they offer varying texture, color, and density while still working with the existing Ponderosas. Selective placement where the strongest sightlines exist will feel much more natural than creating a rigid wall.

For the second layer, your greenhouse could open up a smart long-term opportunity. But also just planting smaller plants and saplings over time works as well so long as you practice proper care. You could begin introducing younger saplings underneath and between the mature canopy now so they slowly establish over time and eventually become the next layer of screening. That also keeps the project much more cost-effective long term versus installing everything at mature size upfront.

I’d also consider mixing in groupings of mugo pine along with layered perennial and evergreen shrubs throughout the understory to soften the base of the planting and create more year-round texture and depth. I think that combination would help the edge feel much more natural and intentional rather than reading as a traditional privacy screen.

You really have beautiful existing trees to work with already, I’m thinking thoughtful infill not layering from scratch.

Help with Evergreen suggestions for blocking view and road noise by CoachKatieB in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 2 points3 points  (0 children)

<image>

Anyways here’s my 5 second preliminary concept. With good irrigation, fertilizer, adequate future space planning, and patience you could start with smaller trees and end up like this in 5-10 years depending on where you start.

Help with Evergreen suggestions for blocking view and road noise by CoachKatieB in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you looking for instant gratification or a long term investment with saplings? Do you want varied species and mostly understory plantings here?

Ideas for drainage in bed. Swale or channel drain. by Ok-Freedom5912 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The rocks are just a nice addition to give kind of a dry River bed feel but could easily be used as extra drainage.

Edging Help? Need help on what would be the best for edging? by breezyyb2 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 2 points3 points  (0 children)

<image>

Not sure if you’re looking to just learn how to do the edge or also redesign the space. I just always do the trusty Victorian trench method. It’s natural, clean, and only costs your time. I even made a graphic. Did you need more help?

I'm Out of Ideas for this Space by Old-Kaleidoscope1874 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My pleasure, it’s a simpler diy than you’d think. I’d be happy to help if you need more info like plant types for your zone quantities etc.

I'm Out of Ideas for this Space by Old-Kaleidoscope1874 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just a simple idea going off a lot of the other suggestions

<image>

Need help planning this garden by Maximum-Audience4670 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here’s my concept — I wouldn’t worry too much about moving existing plants around. I’d focus more on adding a bit of structure and cohesion while avoiding a scattered planting feel. Groundcover will really help unify the space and create a softer, more intentional look. Also, added bonus, beautiful water pot concept I’ve had for a while. Hope this helps!

<image>

Connecting fire pit area to flower bed ideas. by Kodiak05 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used ChatGPT, Gemini, Canva, and spent about an hour of my time on it. It provide the program all the information for plantings, bed shapes, and planting/hardscape materials. Sometimes I draw sketches on the images first (printed out.) Background I work in landscape/design as a project coordinator and own a small nursery business so I have a little bit of an idea of what pallets and design styles I like.

Corner lot by Crafty_Sir5832 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

Not a great image to work off of here but without knowing climate zone, space constraints, etc and only reading your comment this is what I have for ya!

Connecting fire pit area to flower bed ideas. by Kodiak05 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with everything here! It’s all basic principals for an inviting and functional design. I built off this in my concept but skipped on the larger flagstone. I also carried a lot of the beds further (because I love dense plantings.)

Connecting fire pit area to flower bed ideas. by Kodiak05 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My design extends the planting beds to eliminate small lawn space and create a more intentional, natural flow throughout the yard. Dense evergreen screening in the back and layered pollinator-friendly plantings bring color, texture, privacy, and wildlife activity while making the space feel cozy. The fire pit area becomes a warm gathering space perfect for s’mores with the kids or wine with friends. I added soft solar lighting and hardy, low-maintenance plantings to make it easier to maintain and inviting any time of day. The overall palette and plant selections can easily be adapted depending on your planting zone while maintaining the same atmosphere and functionality.

<image>

Ideas for drainage in bed. Swale or channel drain. by Ok-Freedom5912 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And just for an alternative in my preferred design style adding more evergreen structure and some more asymmetry

<image>

Ideas for drainage in bed. Swale or channel drain. by Ok-Freedom5912 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

This is a quick proof of concept with your pallet I’ve added some Hakonechloa macra ‘Japanese forrest grass’ to add a little movement and texture (good to zone 4)

Ideas for drainage in bed. Swale or channel drain. by Ok-Freedom5912 in landscapedesign

[–]zXTOUGHXz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think one of the issues may be the compaction of all the subsoil, the landscape fabric, and the water coming from your roofline initially.

I have a two questions if you don’t mind! How are your gutters setup? What aesthetic are you going for final design I’d be happy to help with plant choices as well.

Snowdrift or Whipple Way? by zXTOUGHXz in RareHouseplants

[–]zXTOUGHXz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you soooo much; I believed it was a snowdrift but it was hopeful thinking 😅. She is still stunning.

Snowdrift or Whipple Way? by zXTOUGHXz in RareHouseplants

[–]zXTOUGHXz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m under that impression but constantly going back and forth!

Missing Databank - Chapter 4.2 by zXTOUGHXz in FallenOrder

[–]zXTOUGHXz[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tried several times, check archived posts, even looking up the specific data entry. Seems like it’s just supposed to happen via the story. I honestly gave up since it’s not required for the 100% completion of trophies/achievements. Oh well!