More than any other part of your home, your front garden is a measure of who you are and what you love. More importantly, it is the first thing you see after a long day at work, welcoming you home. That means doing it right for you, your lifestyle, and your neighborhood. Here are some key steps to think about when planning your front garden.
Be realistic
An immaculately manicured lawn and a decorative fountain with a waterfall may look good on paper in a project, but they require time, money and a lot of effort to realize it all. An unrealistic design in the early stages of planning your front garden will result in a garden that you will not be able to maintain. Instead, talk to your garden designer about a manageable design that you’ll have time to maintain either by a landscape professional or by yourself—whether that means regular lawn mowing or regular planting.
Think practically
You can design the most beautiful flower beds for your front garden, but if there’s nowhere to store the kids’ bike, hoses and gardening tools, you’ll be in trouble. From household tools to multiple cars, practical storage will enhance your design and avoid unnecessary frustration. Take the time to develop your requirements. For example, if you have a large family, it may be worth widening your driveway to accommodate two cars.
Think about a car area
While you may need a lot of space for a multi-car household, that doesn’t have to mean you’ll miss out on your own green yard. If you need a large part of the local area to park your car, choose modern figured paving elements – paving slabs of various shapes and colors. Try different colors and textures to suit your home style. Soften the entire look while leaving room for a natural green lawn and potted plants.
Find your accent
In a small space such as a front garden, it is important to work on defining an area where you want to enjoy your leisure time. Too much variety and lack of a clear area of emphasis can overall hurt the overall impression of your yard. If your front door faces your front garden, choose it as the focal point, creating a clear path and framing the door with an attractive planting. If your front door is on the side, you can install a seating area, decorative fountain or plaster garden sculptures to add interest to your garden.
Do not conflict with your neighbors
There’s nothing like a radically different design to make your curtains pop. A front garden that looks very different from your neighbors may seem funny, but it can backfire. Individualistic design can reduce the perceived value of your home and may even lead to complaints from other people. Take some time to explore the area and see what works (and what doesn’t). Ask people what’s growing successfully in their front garden and use the best of what you discover to create a unique but cohesive space.
Our front gardens are a place where it is important to find a balance between public appearance and personal interests; it’s a place to create your own, but it’s important to remember that other people should look at it too. Follow the tips above and you’ll end up with something that suits you—and your street—perfectly.