Where's The Well?

Utilities such as wells, septic systems, and electric boxes pose a unique challenge to the aesthetic landscape. Ease of access and negotiating root systems limit the possibilities of what can be planted. Understanding what types of plants have shallow roots and the preferred season of interest are top characteristics to consider when planting a well-bed. Knowing the site conditions and desired mature size of the plant will further narrow-down plant options. Utility workers despise thorny and overgrown plants when maintenance needs to be performed. Always call MISS UTILITY before you dig!

The site conditions of this well-bed are full sun with well-draining soil. The utility is approximately two-feet tall and is located in a backyard, but also visible from the driveway. Evergreen plants should be considered for year-round coverage, plus summer color to brighten up the backyard. It's also advisable to create bed shape that is easy to mow around.

Most varieties of boxwood have shallow root-systems and are a popular choice for evergreen, year-round interest. This variety is called 'Baby Gem' and is a fast growing cultivar resistant to boxwood blight that matures three to four feet tall and wide. Over time, the boxwood can be shaped to grow together into a round hedge.

Crocosmia is a perennial in zones 6-9 that blooms red every year in the early summer, often near the fourth of July. The roots grow from a bulb that is only planted six inches deep and will not invade pipes. If work needs to be performed on the well, the bulbs can be lifted and replanted later with little hassle. The sword-like foliage contrasts well with the texture of the boxwood. Crocosmia grows well in full sun, well drained soil, and reaches three to four feet tall but only six inches wide. Bulbs are best planted six inches apart in masses for a full, lush effect.

Lanatana is a drought tolerant, heat-loving, bright-colored annual in zones 7 and colder. It blooms all summer until frost and is a great nectar source for pollinators which attracts more excitement to the landscape. Most annuals are shallow-rooted enough to plant around utilies without invading pipes and wires. While this bed is still maturing, there's space fore colorful annuals such as lantana to plant an extra pop of color before the boxwood becomes a hedge. Since the bed is also visible from the driveway, it's good to consider coordinating the color with annuals in the front yard. Red is a popular choice!

A round bed-shape is simple to mow around and is pleasing to the eye. While the initial priority of the bed is to conceal the well, the bed could later be extended several feet away from the pipes to include larger shrubs or a small tree. This planting is maturing nicely in its fourth year.

Always call MISS UTILITY before you dig around in your yard. It's a huge hassle to accidentally cut cable wires or damage pipes while attempting to beautify your landscape. Google MISS UTILITY to find the phone number for your area, and someone will come to your property to spray paint the locations of underground pipes and wires on your property.