Question
QUESTION: My house has a wrap around porch.  The front stairs are shaped like this:      ____/ / /         (Three Steps)
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The porch is about 50ft across.  I want to do a flower bed along the porch, but can't figure out how to tie it into the steps.  In the future I want to continue the beds all the way around the house, any suggestions?  Should I do a solid bed or do unconnected groups? Thanks
ANSWER: Hi Michelle,

Does the front stair connect to a path of some sort? Is the front yard split by a walk or path?  In creating garden beds I would create solid beds not separate ones, and curve the beds to soften the felling and look of the landscape.  Since you are thinking of continuing beds around the entire property, I would definitely make a solid bed, this way you can easily continue at the ends.

Please let me know if this helped at all?  If not please explain in more detail. Is there landscaping in the front at all or are you starting with blank ground.

Take care,

Bud Christmann

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: There is no pathway right now, but I do want to put one in.  The stairs flare out on the sides.  The best idea I can come up with is to make the pathway encase the steps (go around each side to meet with the house) and then do the beds starting at the outside of the path. Thanks for the help.

Answer
Yes, that would be your best bet.  When installing the pathway, I would suggest you use natural irregular shaped flagstone.  It comes in various colors and is easy to install.  Pick a color that will compliment your house exterior.  Any other advice I can help with, plant choice, stone color etc.. don't hesitate to ask.

Good Luck, and have fun.

Bud Christmann