Front yard landscaping ideas

Designing a front yard is generally about accessibility and inviting. We hardly spend time in the front yard compared to the back yard, but it is where we go in and out of our homes. For this reason, we can think a lot about driveways and walkways and then design everything else around that.

Your front yard landscaping can add curb appeal, an inviting feel, increase property value, and act as a frame for your home. Although it is an important element of your home, you should not have to 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 landscaping.

Use your front door as a focal point – Paint the door a color that contrasts and complements the color of the house. The walkway should also flow easily into it so that people are not confused about where to go. You can use a smooth curved line, but keep in mind that you don’t want your guests wandering around thinking they went the wrong way that will never lead them to the front door. In other words, it should be like following breadcrumbs. Another way to get them to the front door is to frame the house with smaller plants near the door.

Refresh what you already have – Sometimes all you have to do is prune and shape your existing foliage to renovate 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 it a different look.

Outdoor garden furniture adds appeal – If you think that outdoor furniture is only for backyards, you are wrong. You can find an area near the main entrance to place a small, sturdy aluminum table and chair; even if you have to remove some old bushes that are no longer in their prime to do so. A well-decorated seating area, perhaps with outdoor cushions, gives guests the impression that they can linger for a while.

Build a garden on an island – This can be done in less than a weekend. Pick a good spot somewhere like on the corner. Layer newspaper to keep out weeds and cover them 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 garden stones. Use landscaping bricks or another type of edging around the perimeter and you’re done.

Use garden structures – Using a tall gazebo, trellis, or sculpture can add vertical height, especially when plants and flowers are growing at the same level. A garden gate leading to the backyard on one side could be used to balance round shaped bushes on the other side.

Add outdoor lighting – This is ideal for added security and to keep your home attractive after dark. Solar lights are ideal for this purpose. You can place them along the walkway and under the trees. They require no installation, wiring, or electricity, so pick your locations and voila.