Ostentatious and exotic, a nest is certain to be an attention getter in any landscape. But a nest by itself may appear out of position, particularly when surrounded by easy turf grass. Rather, landscapers utilize various sorts of plants as well as a few hardscaping suggestions to help slopes incorporate into the larger landscape aesthetic.

The Exotic Tier

Many exotic looking plants may present your nest a distinguishing look. With the nest for a centerpiece, plants have been arranged by height with the tallest framing the nest and the lowest to the ground right in front, offering a complete view of the nest and landscape arrangement. Flowering shrubs like the “Lord Baltimore” rose mallow (Hibiscus x “Lord Baltimore”) that grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, are acceptable for the sides of a nest, reaching around 7 ft tall and featuring glowing 10-inch flowers. “Variegated” flax lily (Dianella tasmanica “Variegata”), that grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10, are smaller crops, only reaching 3 1/2 feet tall, and are more acceptable close to the front of the waterfall where they will not block the view.

The Minimalist

Another method of drawing attention to the waterfall in your landscape is by making it the most notable feature. Using a pond lining for a receptacle region of the water will keep the ground across the nest dry enough for turf grass. Low-growing ornamental plants and grasses like Bulbous oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius bulbosum “Variegatum”), that grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8, and the “Sparkler” sedge (Carex phyllocephala “Sparkler”) that grows in USDA zones 7 through 10, will soften the edge of the pool.

The Rustic

The pastoral appearance takes its cues from the temperate magnificence of more northern reaches. Sensors like Variegated Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum falcatum “Variegatum”), which grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8, as well as the American Maidenhair fern (Adianantum Pedatum), that grows in USDA zones 3 through 8, provide variety close to the water’s edge whilst horsetail reeds (Equisetum hyemale), hardy in USDA zones 3 through 11, can provide an optional background, growing up to 4 feet tall.

Cover

Smaller waterfalls can dazzle by seeming to appear from the depths of plants. The “Waterfall” Japanese maple (Acer palmatum “Waterfall”) thrives in USDA zone 5 through 8. This water-loving plant includes bright green, hexagonal leaves that droop over the mouth of smaller waterfalls providing shade and cover.

See related