Usually, the front of your home is the first thing people see, which is why so many people want the front of their property to look good. Landscapers are often asked to deal with the front before anything else, as sometimes it is felt that the view from roads and paths reflect on the occupiers of the property.
A Good Path and Steps
The main focus of front landscaping should be a path that is very clear, and steps that lead right to the front door. There is nothing worse than standing at the roadside wondering how you get to a house; it should be very apparent. It can be curved, straight or any other shape you want, just make sure it is in plain sight.
Shrubs and Bushes
Adding some color to your front yard can be visually appealing, and there are some shrubs and bushes that will achieve a wonderful show. The best front yard shrubs include:
- Boxwoods – These do not flower but they do remain green all year round. When the flowering shrubs are devoid of leaves in the winter months, the boxwoods will still have their beautiful leaves.
- Hydrangeas – These come in a variety of sizes and colors and are known for the long time they stay in bloom. They may need staking if the state you live in is prone to heavy rain, as they droop under the weight if their blooms get very wet.
- Fothergilla – These maintain pale blue foliage for most of the year, which then turns orange in the fall. Often referred to as Blue Shadow, they are slow growing and do not need much maintenance.
Of course, there are many other plants you can use and generally it is a matter of personal choice, but these three are easy to look after and will always look good.
Add Some Features
The plants you are using do not always have to be in the ground. You could have some colorful planters towards the front door or use planting boxes to give height to some plants you have chosen. You can make more of a feature of the areas you have planted by having pebbles on the surface, and these come in a variety of colors, they do not have to be white.
Things Not to Do
There is a lot you can do to create a stunning front to your home, but there are some things that you should not do as well. Firstly, don’t use plants that will grow very large, as they will obscure the view from and to your home. They also tend to need more looking after. Secondly, don’t plant anything too close to your property. For the plant, it makes it difficult to fight off disease and collect rainwater, and for you, it makes them difficult to prune and care for. Third and finally, try not to plant just in straight lines. This can make the beds look scrawny and layered plants are much more visually appealing.
If you are wondering what to do with the front of your home, take a walk or drive around your neighborhood, you are bound to come up with some new ideas.
