Doing the Garden State Right
June 16, 2015 6:06 PM
What bush/shrub should I plant in the newly open garden space underneath my front window?
We finally took out the overgrown trees that were blocking the window (Before, After). We'd like to add an easy-to-care-for shrub or bush that will fill in the space below the window but not grow too much taller over it. Preferably something flowery. Should probably be deer-resistant. The area under the window gets partial-sun and the soil seems to drain well. Northern NJ. I will be visiting a local garden/farm for advice, but would love to some ideas on where to start.
We finally took out the overgrown trees that were blocking the window (Before, After). We'd like to add an easy-to-care-for shrub or bush that will fill in the space below the window but not grow too much taller over it. Preferably something flowery. Should probably be deer-resistant. The area under the window gets partial-sun and the soil seems to drain well. Northern NJ. I will be visiting a local garden/farm for advice, but would love to some ideas on where to start.
Er, except for the deer-proof part...
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 6:25 PM on June 16, 2015
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 6:25 PM on June 16, 2015
The deer-resistant thing is optional; I can review Mefi's ideas with the local guys to see what they think.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:32 PM on June 16, 2015
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:32 PM on June 16, 2015
Butterfly bush?
posted by dilettante at 6:33 PM on June 16, 2015
posted by dilettante at 6:33 PM on June 16, 2015
What about Oregon grape holly? Birds love it, deer do not, and it can really be so pretty, with yellow flowers and blue-purple "grapes." Very shrubby and a nice manageable height without having to prune. I'm enjoying the couple we recently planted and wish we'd gotten several more.
posted by mittens at 6:39 PM on June 16, 2015
posted by mittens at 6:39 PM on June 16, 2015
Spirea comes in many interesting colors and grows well here in my Hunterdon County location. You may wish to consult the Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station list for deer resistance as well: http://njaes.rutgers.edu/deerresistance/
(Sorry, hyperlink function doesn't seem to work for me.)
posted by Otter_Handler at 7:16 PM on June 16, 2015
(Sorry, hyperlink function doesn't seem to work for me.)
posted by Otter_Handler at 7:16 PM on June 16, 2015
Dwarf lilac! They're hardy, deer resistant, tolerant of partial sun, and great for planting under windows so the flowers' heavenly scent can waft in. For something unscented, maybe dwarf dogwood or forsythia?
posted by divined by radio at 8:20 PM on June 16, 2015
posted by divined by radio at 8:20 PM on June 16, 2015
I always try to plant things that will give fruit, so in that spot I would go for gooseberry bushes. It would be fairly deer resistant (some pretty big spikes on them) and it will do very well in partial shade. As an extra bonus you get gooseberries which are actually quite nice and not super tart. Get a modern dessert variety and you'll have quite a few berries in a few years.
posted by koolkat at 5:28 AM on June 17, 2015
posted by koolkat at 5:28 AM on June 17, 2015
I would say hydrangea but deer LOVE them. Truthfully, deer are evil four-legged eating machines that will not be stopped. Of hydrangea options, I'm a big fan of oakleaf hydrangeas (H. quercifolia)
Smoke bush (Cotinus 'Royal Purple" is a nice one) you'd have to cut back in the spring (pretty easy to do) will give you a really pretty shrub.
Holly is pretty deer-resistant. But during the past winter, they nibbled on our hollies. Heck, they ate my damn hellebores.
posted by sciencegeek at 5:58 PM on June 17, 2015
Smoke bush (Cotinus 'Royal Purple" is a nice one) you'd have to cut back in the spring (pretty easy to do) will give you a really pretty shrub.
Holly is pretty deer-resistant. But during the past winter, they nibbled on our hollies. Heck, they ate my damn hellebores.
posted by sciencegeek at 5:58 PM on June 17, 2015
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posted by Johnny Wallflower at 6:25 PM on June 16, 2015