We created our front yard island as one of our first “big” house projects. We planted a Red Sunset Maple right in the center, surrounded it with four boxwood bushes, and shaped an oval bed of mulch around the whole thing. For a while, it looked exactly how we pictured it.
Problems Began
The tree took off beautifully, but after a few years, the boxwoods started to look a little shabby. They either weren’t getting enough sun… or maybe it had something to do with the way the hill slopes up where they were planted? Whatever the reason, the boxwoods slowly started losing leaves and looking bare. And then one really hard winter pushed them right over the edge. At that point, no fertilizer, pruning trick, or wishful thinking could save them. And honestly? I kind of stopped putting much effort into the island because it looked so bad (not saying that’s the right move… but I just couldn’t bring myself to spend the time on it until I solved the dying bush issue). So, I started Googling solutions.
Simple and Cheap Solution
Sadly, the boxwoods had to go. I decided that instead of planting something new, I was ready for a clean look. We (and by “we,” I mean my husband) removed the boxwoods by first trimming them down and then digging up the roots (not an easy task). We then mulched the entire area. The mulch was really the only thing I paid for in this project. I got the bags on sale, too…bonus!
I love a clean edge around an island, but we needed a physical barrier due to our hill. A previous issue that I hadn’t mentioned, we had to touch up the mulch every once in a while because rain would cause it to run down the hill. This is an easy fix! I chose the sentimental path. (You may be asking how I was able to make a mulch bed edge sentimental HA!) Our family camp is my happy place, so I brought home a few rocks from one of our trips and used them to create the mulch-bed edge. Every time I see them, it feels like a little piece of camp came home with me.
Small Tips and Other Options
Mulch and other options:
This could have been an opportunity to do something completely different to make this mulch bed stand out, but mulch was still our best choice because of the steepness of our hill. We chose black mulch to match the rest of the mulch around our house, but there are other mulch colors you can use. You I also love the look of stones, pebbles, and different kinds of rocks—like lava rocks. **Side note: Whether you’re using mulch, rocks, or pebbles, keep them about 3–6 inches away from the base of trees and plants (and stick to a depth of around 2–3 inches) to keep the root flare healthy.**
Edging:
Even though we decided to bring home the large rocks from our camp as a mulch bed edge, there are so many other options. Lowe’s has so many tutorials for beginners as well as landscaping ideas on their website! There are also plenty of easy-to-install edging options you can try (see some options below.)
Adding something sentimental:
Any time you can add something sentimental to your home, you make it even more yours. Pretty decorations are nice, but I love when I can look around and certain things just make me smile. In this case, it’s my rocks. It’s such a simple addition, but it made the whole project feel more meaningful.
Picking low-maintenance landscaping ideas:
If you’re trying to keep things low-maintenance, start with landscaping that doesn’t require constant pruning or watering. There are tons of hardy shrubs, ground covers, and mulch options that look great but don’t need constant attention. Although I find it relaxing to do yardwork, I need a mix of high and low-maintenance to work for my busy schedule.
Before-and-After Photos
Love this clean look!
Thanks so much! I love it, too!
Another outstanding post Nat!!!!!!!
Thank you so much!!! : )