Colorful Quick Fix

A quick and inexpensive strategy to brighten up a boring view began with pruning this magnolia tree to let in more sun, and enlarging the planting bed underneath it.

Once the soil was improved, we planted tough, colorful species that can compete with the magnolia roots such as variegated New Zealand flax, daylilies, alstroemeria and blue hibiscus that provide flower filled vistas from spring through fall.