Foundation planting isn't about hiding your foundation—it's about solving problems. Follow along as I research, plant, and battle an underground network of Chinese elm roots to create a low-maintenance foundation planting that frames my home, guides visitors to the front door, and leaves room for the garden I envisioned.

A week after Phase One of Operation Garden wrapped, my oakleaf hydrangeas arrived—big, healthy, three-year-old plants from a local nursery. I splurged on the larger size, and honestly? Worth every penny the moment they went in the ground.