Mountain landscapes often offer spectacular overlooks.
Mountain homes can pose special challenges for landscapers. The landscapes often have poor soil and steep grades. Nights are generally cold, and the weather tends toward extremes, which limits the kinds of plants that will grow. Nonetheless, typically spectacular views and novel terrain make the sacrifices worth it for many homeowners.
Scenic Lookout
If you live near a great scenic overlook, landscape to make the most of it. Erect a gazebo or patio at a particularly scenic lookout as a place to relax and enjoy the view. If the best view is from your roof, consider building a rooftop patio or even a rooftop garden to enjoy the extra elevation. Avoid placing trees and other large obstacles between your house and the best views. After all, few trees can compare with a mountain vista.
Rock Garden
Mountains often lack good soil but not plentiful rocks and boulders. Take advantage of your natural mountain environment to create a rock garden. Find an area with a few partially buried boulders on an incline with natural spaces between them (you may have to add a boulder or two to get the right layout). Plant alpine plants such as bear grass, moss campion and purple fringe between the rocks, adding well-drained soil if necessary. Cover the plants with gravel for mulch. The plants will grow out from between the rocks, covering the spaces between with a cascade of alpine foliage and flowers.
Shrub Windbreak
Mountains are cold and windy much of the time. Shelter your yard and lower your heating bill with a shrub windbreak. Create a border around your property with mountain-hardy shrubs or trees such as Siberian peashrub or Norway spruce to block the wind. This border will also give you privacy without the need to install a wood fence. For an extra treat, pick mountain shrubs with edible fruit such as serviceberry, pin cherry or lingonberry.
Native Wildflowers
Alpine environments are known for the small, delicate blooms of native wildflowers. If you are looking for an interesting alternative to traditional turf, consider planting a wildflower seed mix with native flowers on your lawn. Wildflowers such as Indian paintbrush, fireweed, alpine harebell and forget-me-nots will attract colorful pollinators such as butterflies and birds, help preserve native biodiversity and save you the work associated with growing, mowing and fertilizing a lawn.
