Creating Lush Hydrangea & Lavender Beds: A Cape Cod Home Exteriors Project
At Cape Cod Home Exteriors, we believe every planting project should deliver year-round beauty, curb appeal, and practical benefits. Recently, our team designed and installed four new garden beds:
Hydrangea Showcase Bed along the side wall
Deck-Perimeter Lavender Border to naturally deter mosquitoes and create visual depth
Hydrangea + Lavender Accent Bed to complement an existing hydrangea by the side entrance
Read on for an inside look at our installation process, plant selections, and expert tips for keeping these beds thriving in Cape Cod’s coastal climate.
Hydrangea showcase on home exterior side wall.
Why Hydrangeas & Lavender?
Seasonal Color & Texture: Hydrangeas burst into lush mop-heads from early summer to fall, while lavender’s silvery foliage and purple spikes contrast beautifully.
Low-Maintenance Resilience: Both species thrive in well-drained soil and handle Cape Cod’s sandy, salt-spray conditions with minimal fuss.
Natural Pest Control: Lavender’s aromatic oils help repel mosquitoes and other unwanted insects around outdoor living areas.
Cohesive Design: Repeating hydrangeas and lavender across multiple beds creates visual harmony and balances mass plantings with vertical accents.
Project Overview & Layout
Side Wall Showcase (new): Four Hydrangea macrophylla creating a lush focal point along the property’s side wall.
Deck Perimeter (new): Six Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) bordering the deck to form a fragrant mosquito barrier.
Side Accent Bed: One new Hydrangea macrophylla + two new English lavender framing an existing hydrangea with freshened edging for visual cohesion.
Bed 1: Hydrangea Showcase on Side Wall
Preparation: Excavated and amended soil with compost and a slow-release, acid-friendly fertilizer to support hydrangea bloom color.
Spacing & Layout: Four hydrangeas were staked at 3 feet apart, allowing mature foliage to create a continuous hedge.
Edging: Installed steel edging to define the bed and prevent grass encroachment.
Mulch & Watering: Applied 2 inches of shredded hardwood mulch to conserve moisture; water daily for 2 weeks at roots after installation and weekly thereafter.
Bed 2: Lavender Border Around the Deck
Location Benefits: English lavender thrives in full sun and poor soils—ideal for the deck perimeter’s sandy substrate.
Layout: Six plants spaced 18 inches apart to form a continuous hedge of silvery foliage.
Mosquito Deterrent: Lavender’s natural oils create an aromatic barrier; we recommend lightly crushing sprigs when outdoors for enhanced effect.
Maintenance Tips: Prune spent flower spikes in late summer to encourage a second, lighter bloom in early fall.
Lavender border around the deck.
Bed 3: Complementary Side Accent (1 Hydrangea + 2 Lavender)
Design Goal: Balance an existing hydrangea with a mirrored accent at the side door entrance of the house.
Planting Pattern: One new hydrangea flanked by two lavender plants, forming a symmetrical vignette.
Edging Refresh: Removed worn down grass and replaced with crisp natural edging for a clean, finished look.
Soil & Mulch: Matched soil amendments and mulch depth to Bed 1 for consistent moisture retention.
Complimentary side accent hydrangea and lavender.
Post-Installation Care & Best Practices
Watering: Hydrangeas need 1 inch/week; lavender prefers drier conditions—water at the roots only.
Fertilizing: Apply an acid-blend fertilizer in early spring for hydrangeas; no feeding required for lavender.
Pruning:
Hydrangeas: Remove spent flowerheads and light shaping in early spring.
Lavender: Shear back by one-third after first bloom to maintain compact form.
Mulch Renewal: Top up mulch annually in spring to suppress weeds and keep roots cool.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
Whether you’re dreaming of vibrant hydrangea displays, fragrant lavender borders, or a cohesive garden design that balances aesthetics with function, Cape Cod Home Exteriors has you covered.
🌼 Book your free landscape design consultation today and let us bring your planting vision to life!
Stay inspired by following our blog for seasonal landscaping tips and project showcases.
Grow local, grow beautiful.
