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TOP LANDSCAPING IDEAS FOR FRONT OF HOUSE IN 2020
Curb Appeal- Making a Great First Impression!
Imagine yourself driving up to the home of an old friend with whom you’ve just reconnected. What’s the first thing you see? Or imagine meeting your real estate agent at the home you’re considering purchasing. What’s the first thing you see? Even if you park at the curb rather than parking in the driveway, the front of the home is the first thing you note.
There’s a reason it’s called “curb appeal”! Perhaps subconsciously, you will begin forming opinions about the current occupants of the home as well as the overall condition of the home. Are you satisfied with the first impression visitors may have of your home?
What should Front Yards include?
The landscaping in your front yard will vary depending on the architecture of your home, the site conditions, and your own tastes in landscape design. But there are a few general things that all front yards should include! First, there should be a safe, durable pathway leading from the driveway to the front door. Concrete pavers, poured in place concrete, and natural stones are commonly used for a front walkway. There’s a wealth of colors and textures available today, and finding the perfect fit for your home has never been easier.
PLANTS
The type of plants used will, again, depend on site conditions and your preferences. Is your yard shaded? Sunny? A mix of the two? Is it a sunny southern exposure with no wind, or does it have northern exposure? Certainly these will all affect the palette of plant material, but every landscape should contain a mix of plants for multiple seasons. A properly planned front yard will contain some evergreens so that your yard isn’t barren during the winter months.
Consider adding plants that will bloom throughout most of the season; kick off early spring with hellebores, segue into summer with irises, dayllies, and daisies then finish out the fall with perennials such as asters and sedum. A long season of bloom will also help support pollinators and wildlife.
LIGHTING
Lighting for your front walkway is important and should be included in your plans. Even if it is just a lantern by the front door, lighting does much to welcome guests to your home after dark! It also enhances security; lighting is a deterrent to criminal activity, and if you have a late night visitor you can see who is at the door before you open it.
Lighting the length of your front walkway is even better! Guests will feel welcomed to your home, and won’t need to worry about stumbling in the dark. You can up the wow factor by lighting the façade of your home or lighting key specimens in the landscape. Plants with interesting colors or forms, such as Japanese maples, weeping cedars, and topiary will take on a dramatic appearance when the lights come on at dusk.
SEE OUR LANDSCAPE LIGHTING PROJECTS
What are some unique features for front yard landscaping?
SCULPTURES
Do you enjoy sculpture or other types of garden art? Adding a whimsical or classic piece of art to the front yard can help differentiate it from the neighbors. You may find something that represents your profession, or a piece with religious connotations that reflect your values.
While beauty is most certainly in the eye of the beholder, using some restraint when shopping for a piece of sculpture may be wise. After all, something you find amusing might be offensive or in poor taste to others!
SEATING
A seating area in the front yard seems a bit atypical, does it not? Yet in this era of “social distancing”, many people found that the front porch or front yard really was a great place to chat with the neighbors! Consider adding a circular seating area with a couple chairs and a bistro chairs. This can be the perfect place for you to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, or relax at the end of day with a good book. Working from home? This spot can double as a work area, and you get to enjoy some fresh air, sunshine, and birdsong while doing your work.
Turn Your Landscaping Ideas For Front of House into A Reality
Now is the chance to turn your front yard into something you’ve always wanted. Start by contacting us via form submission or give us a call at (717) 341-0540. Don’t wait, your dream front lawn is just a call or click away.
