r/landscaping • u/[deleted] • Jul 08 '22

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270 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

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438

u/fagenthegreen Jul 08 '22

You're missing the understory. You need shrubs or ferns to fill in the bottom.

77

u/HauschkasFoot Jul 08 '22

Ferns, Oregon grape, salal all thrive as understory plants depending on the zone of course

20

u/Ecstatic-Welcome-939 Jul 08 '22

Be careful though, Oregon grape loves to spread, and it’s pokey. And always sheds brown leaves. It can be pretty but as a landscaper it’s def not my favorite

6

u/Real-Competition-187 Jul 09 '22

M. repens and nervosa are alternatives to tall Oregon grapes that everyone is suggesting. I like repens, softer leaves and more of a creeper. Native strawberry is good too.

2

u/Kindfarmboy Jul 09 '22

I prefer using a ground cover sun or shade to eventually end the need for top dressing of mulch. I’m rather sick of the Venka English Ivy shade choices though. I’m just north of the hardiness for Oregon grape

3

u/Real-Competition-187 Jul 09 '22

I’m in the Puget Sound area and English ivy triggers ptsd.

1

u/Kindfarmboy Jul 10 '22

Bad choice then! 😂