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Greenery for Beauty and Functionality

Now that we are officially out of winter, color seems to be coming back to our Pennsylvania landscape, and it can be added to your Prime Custom home too. Adding greenery to your home’s surroundings enhances its curb appeal, improves air quality, and creates a serene outdoor environment. Whether you prefer low-maintenance landscaping, vibrant seasonal blooms, or functional plants like herbs and fruit trees, there are numerous options to choose from. In this article, we will discuss how you can select the best greenery for different areas around your home.

Lush Lawn or Ground Cover

A well-maintained lawn creates a lush, inviting look for your home. Consider these options:

• Traditional Grass – A classic choice for homeowners who enjoy a green, manicured look. Popular varieties include Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda Grass, and Fescue.
• Clover Lawn – A low-maintenance alternative that requires less water and remains green year-round.
• Moss or Creeping Thyme – Ideal for shaded areas where grass struggles to grow, offering a soft, dense ground cover with minimal upkeep.

Trees for Shade and Privacy

Trees add height and structure to your landscape while providing shade and privacy. Some great options include:

• Evergreens (Cedar, Pine, Spruce) – Perfect for creating a natural privacy screen and maintaining greenery throughout the year.
• Deciduous Shade Trees (Oak, Maple, Birch) – These trees provide cooling shade in summer and allow sunlight through in winter.
• Fruit Trees (Apple, Cherry, Lemon) – Offering both beauty and functionality, fruit trees add color while producing fresh, homegrown fruit.

Shrubs and Hedges for Borders

Shrubs and hedges define property lines, add texture, and create natural borders. Consider:

• Boxwood or Holly – Classic choices for neatly trimmed hedges and structured landscaping.
• Lavender or Rosemary – Fragrant and practical, these shrubs add charm while being low maintenance.
• Hydrangeas or Azaleas – Blooming shrubs that bring seasonal color to your yard.

Flowering Plants for Pops of Color

Flowers add vibrancy and personality to your home’s exterior. Try:

• Perennials (Daylilies, Coneflowers, Hostas) – Long-lasting plants that return year after year.
• Annuals (Petunias, Marigolds, Impatiens) – Bright flowers that thrive in different seasons and are perfect for planters or flower beds.
• Climbing Vines (Clematis, Wisteria, Honeysuckle) – Great for trellises, fences, and adding height to your garden.

Functional and Edible Greenery

If you want greenery that serves a purpose beyond aesthetics, consider:

• Herbs (Basil, Mint, Thyme, Oregano) – Perfect for a kitchen garden or patio planters.
• Vegetable Garden (Tomatoes, Peppers, Lettuce) – Provides fresh produce while adding lush greenery to your space.
• Native Plants – Low-maintenance and eco-friendly, native species require less water and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Enhance Beauty and Functionality With Green

After reading over some of these suggestions, you can see that choosing the right greenery for your home depends on your climate, maintenance preferences, and desired aesthetic. Whether you focus on evergreens for privacy, flowering plants for color, or edible greenery for a functional garden, integrating plants into your landscape enhances both the beauty and value of your Prime Custom home.

By Prime Custom Builders Staff 3-1-2025