Essex Avenue Border
Main Line, PA · Small Gardens
Design $800–$1,200 · Installation $5,000–$12,500
The property
A steep, exposed front slope on Essex Avenue was reshaped as a generous perennial border. The planting softens the brick steps and frames the porch while bringing waves of flowers, foliage, and pollinator activity to a highly visible small garden.
Design goals
- Replace the bare front slope with a cohesive garden
- Frame the brick steps and porch without obscuring the house
- Create changing color and pollinator value across the growing season
Challenges
The steep grade, street-facing exposure, and existing steps required a planting that would hold the slope while remaining welcoming from the sidewalk.
Plant strategy
Creeping phlox covers the lower slope in spring, followed by black-eyed Susans, purple verbena, pink phlox, and goldenrod for layered summer and late-season color.
Installation
The existing slope was cleared and prepared before the planting plan was set out in full, allowing each perennial mass to follow the grade and frame the central steps.
The finished landscape
A once-bare slope now reads as a full front garden, connecting the sidewalk, brick steps, and porch through a long season of bloom.
Investment
Ideal for refreshing existing plantings, or adding new beds to the landscape.
Compare project sizes- Design budget
- $800–$1,200
- Installation budget
- $5,000–$12,500
