Designing a front yard is generally about accessibility and invitation. We hardly spend time in the front yard as opposed to the backyard, but it is where we go in and out of our homes. For this reason, we can think a lot about driveways and sidewalks and then design everything else around that.
Landscaping your front yard can add curb appeal, a sense of invitation, increase property value, and act as a frame for your home. Although it is an important element of your house, you should not spend a lot of money to create a beautiful landscape. Something simple and functional can also have the maximum impact. Here are some ideas to help you update your front yard landscape.
Use your front door as a focal point – Paint the door a contrasting color that complements the color of the house. The walkway should also flow easily into it so people don’t get confused where to go. You can use a line with smooth curves, but keep in mind that you don’t want your guests wandering off thinking they took the wrong path that might never lead them to the front door. In other words, it should be like following breadcrumbs. Another way to bring them to the front door is to frame the house with smaller plants near the door.
renew what you already have – Sometimes all you have to do is prune and shape your existing foliage to revamp your front yard. Use vertical plants and shrubs to soften the corners of the house. You can also change some of the potted plants you have to give them a different look.
Outdoor patio furniture adds appeal – If you think outdoor furniture is only for backyards, think again. You can find an area near the main entrance to put a sturdy little aluminum table and chair; even if you have to remove some old bushes that are past their prime to do so. A nicely decorated seating area, perhaps with outdoor cushions, gives guests the impression that they are welcome to linger for a while.
build an island garden – This can be done in less than a weekend. Pick a good spot somewhere like on the corner. Lay down layers of newspaper to keep weeds down, and cover with a large mound of black soil. Add some low-maintenance shrubs and perennials appropriate for the amount of sunlight in the area, and cover the soil with mulch or landscaping rocks. Use landscaping bricks or another type of edging around the perimeter and you’re done.
Use garden structures. – Using an arbor, trellis, or tall sculpture can add vertical height, especially when plants and flowers grow at the same level. A garden gate leading to the backyard on one side could be used to balance the round shaped shrubs on the other side.
Add outdoor lighting – This is ideal for added security as well as maintaining your home’s curb appeal after dark. Solar lights are great for this purpose. You can place them along the walkway and under the trees. They require no installation, wiring, or electricity, so just pick your spots and go.