In Process

Foundation Planting Plan
Pennington, NJ

Setting
The foundation along both sides of the house was mostly bare and undefined, with little planting to give it structure or presence. Utilities, downspouts, and exposed foundation conditions stood out, and the landscape did little to tie these areas back to the house. The goal was to turn these areas into a more intentional planting framework.

  • The design focuses on establishing a continuous planting bed along both elevations, screening utilities and foundation elements, regrading soil to move water away from the structure, and creating a clean, unified edge tied to the existing front bed.

  • The planting is organized as a layered system of native shrubs and groundcovers. Mountain laurel and inkberry provide year-round structure, while dwarf fothergilla and yarrow bring seasonal interest at the edge. Repetition across both elevations helps unify the planting so it feels cohesive rather than reading as separate foundation beds.

  • Installation is planned for a later phase.

    The work will establish a stronger planting edge, improve the grade along the foundation, and create a more cohesive landscape framework for the house over time. As the planting fills in, the foundation will feel more grounded, the utilities less exposed, and the overall composition more integrated with the architecture.

process

  • Focus area

  • Existing conditions

  • Installation notes

  • Concept diagram - Street elevation

  • Planting plan - Street elevation

  • Planting plan - Neighborhood elevation

Foundation Planting Plan
Pennington, NJ

Setting
This Pennington residence had a strong architectural presence and a mature flowering tree at the entry, but the foundation beds felt disconnected from the house. Narrow planting areas, exposed utilities, drainage extensions, and patchy edges made the front and side yards feel unfinished.

  • The design creates one continuous planting framework from the front entry, around the existing tree, and toward the side-yard mechanical area. Bed lines were expanded and simplified to give the house a stronger base, improve access, and create a more intentional transition between architecture, walkway, tree canopy, and lawn.

  • The planting is organized in layered zones: structural native shrubs closest to the house, smaller shrubs and grasses through the middle, and low groundcovers along the front edge and path. The palette emphasizes four-season structure, spring flowers, summer bloom, fall color, fine texture, and deer-conscious plant selections.

  • The result will be a softer, more cohesive foundation planting that ties the home back into the landscape. What is currently a series of bare or underused edges will become a connected garden with structure, seasonal interest, and a clearer sense of arrival. Installation is scheduled for late summer 2026.

  • Existing conditions

  • Existing front elevation

  • Existing side elevation

  • Conceptual plan

  • Planting plan