What can I do with this garden bed close to the house foundations?

[LorenClayton]

Hello

I bought this house recently and originally there were Yuccas planted in the front garden bed (now gone except for one big stump below ground level - I believe these were poisoned by the tree removalist). The bed looks ugly and I'd prefer to remove as much soil as possible if there's a way of doing this without compromising drainage. The front yard has a slight negative grade from the street so I'm guessing the garden bed may have been set up to help keep water downflow away from the front of the house. But as it was soil and rocks were covering the weep holes so I've removed all of the rocks and a good bit of soil. 

Ideally I'd like a few pots with ferns in them in the bed. Something simple with a minimum of watering.

I'd prefer a solution to line the bed with the least amount of soil but one which doesn't make drainage worse. I'd appreciate some suggestions here. I'm guessing I can't have plastic sheeting / concrete or anything else that's impervious because of drainage so rainwater can go to ground.

Also, can you recommend a good cleaner for the dirt stains on the rendered brick?

Thanks to all the guys here who answer my questions. It's really appreciated.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @LorenClayton,

It’s great that you've removed the rocks and lowered the soil level around the house, as it’s important to keep weep holes clear for proper ventilation and drainage. Maintaining airflow around these vents helps to prevent moisture build-up, which is especially important near house foundations.

For this garden bed, lining the base with weed matting would be an excellent solution. Weed matting will allow water to pass through naturally, helping with drainage while also reducing weed growth. By covering the weed matting with a thin layer of decorative pebbles or gravel, you can create a low-maintenance look that requires minimal soil, which aligns with your goal of keeping soil depth to a minimum. The pebbles will allow rainwater to filter through without pooling, and the weed matting beneath can help prevent the roots of any future plants from spreading too deep toward the foundations.

If you’re interested in placing pots with ferns, remember that ferns generally do best in shaded or semi-shaded areas and will struggle in direct, intense sunlight. If the area receives a lot of sun, you might consider plants that tolerate drier, sunnier conditions. Low-growing plants like succulents, ornamental grasses, or even hardy shrubs like dwarf mondo grass or dwarf nandina could be great options. These plants thrive with minimal watering and add greenery without encroaching on the house's foundation.

For cleaning the dirt stains on the rendered brick, try a gentle scrub using a cleaner designed for outdoor use. Apply according to the product’s instructions, and always rinse thoroughly to prevent any cleaner residue from affecting the nearby soil or plants. If staining remains, it might be best to re-paint the area to refresh its look.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell