Stafford, VA · Zone 7A

Homeground

The lot

Yard

Front is the boxed parterre. Back is hers. Tap a label on the photo.

Satellite view of the lot, house, driveway, and boxed front beds
Johns Dr

Front beds

Mostly sun

The tiered boxes facing Johns Dr. Formal hedge geometry, currently bushes and weeds — no turf. Boxwood and azalea are the backbone; several shrubs still need names.

Clay, boxed parterre

  • Weed one box at a time after rain, when clay releases roots.
  • Edge the box lines with the gas edger so the parterre reads again.
  • Mulch 2 inches, pulled back from boxwood stems — no volcanoes.
  • Photograph unknown shrubs as they flush or bloom so they can be identified.
  • Do not prune azaleas after midsummer; next year’s buds are already set.

Notes for this bed

Plants

What you already own

  • Electric mower
  • Gas edger
  • Hand spreader
  • Hose (no in-ground irrigation)
  • Core aerator — rent

Clay, no soil test yet, pebbles from the hill. A Virginia Tech box from the Stafford extension office is the cheapest way to stop guessing pH.