Question
Hi. We just build a new house and my foundation is about 4 feet above the ground line (because we are near a river) and we have a beautiful front porch but we don't know how or what kind of landscape we should do around the porch.  Because it's so elevated and we can easily see under the porch I'm totally clueless on how to make this look good (around it and under it)

Thanks :o)

Answer
The answer is really quite simple. Select a good, locally hardy and pest free, medium  to fast growing evergreen shrub that you can plant around the porch. It is best to pick shrubs that will not typically get higher than 5 to 6 feet. However, note that there are few shrubs that stop growing at that height, so you may have to plan for regular pruning of a shrub that typically get a little higher. You may want to add some complimentary plants at the corners or either side of your steps. Complimentary plants can be complimentary in color or contrasting in texture for visual interest. I like to use boxwoods on the corners and bordering steps, which are fine textured and then I often place course large leaf evergreens between them. Then, if you have room you can plant more deciduous perennial shrubs or flowers in front of the evergreens.
Another alternative would be to plant larger deciduous shrubs around the porch with low evergreens in front. But just be aware you'll be looking at bare stems for 4 months of the year right off your porch.

Best of Luck.

Sean J Murphy, RLA, ISA, LEED AP
www.seanjmurphy.com