Landscaping a 4-Foot-High Porch: Evergreen Shrubs & Layered Planting

Question: New house with 4-ft foundation (near river). Front porch is elevated; we see under it. How to landscape around and under it attractively?

Answer: Plant a Layered Evergreen Screen

Choose a locally hardy, pest-free, medium-to-fast-growing evergreen shrub (max 5–6 ft typical height, but plan for pruning). Plant around the porch.

Add complimentary plants at corners/steps: boxwoods (fine texture) at corners and bordering steps, coarse large-leaf evergreens between them. In front, add deciduous perennials or flowers for seasonal interest.

Alternative: larger deciduous shrubs with low evergreens in front—but you'll see bare stems 4 months/year.

—Sean J Murphy, RLA, ISA, LEED AP | seanjmurphy.com