Enough Kerb Appeal?

One of the first things about homes that is noticed by passersby, aside from the color of the house, is the landscaping. Gardens and foliage are an essential factor in the overall look of a home, and can speak measures about the level of care and general upkeep that are put into the home and grounds.

Of course, landscaping architects and teams can be hired and brought in to design the most suitable map of greenery for your particular home, however, whether or not you have a green thumb, gardens do not have to cost an arm and a leg nor require hours upon hours of attention and maintenance. If planned properly, gardens can not only look pleasant in and of themselves, but can enhance the appearance of any house. The right combination of plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers can make the simplest facade appear beautiful, and a pretty house look stunning.

The front garden ought to be the first priority for new or neglectful landscapers. Front gardens can easily be overlooked or even dreaded as a huge project, but, no matter the size, they must be planned, cared for, and maintained to help the overall look the house behind them.

Let’s start with the small front garden. Regardless of the size of your front lawn – even if it actually only consists of a tiny patch of grass or pavement around the front door – there are all kinds of measures that can be taken to enhance the entrance to the house, a space that is seen by everyone who enters or leaves the building. Keep the area clear of trash bins, recycling containers, and bicycles if at all possible, and consider planting or potting some fragrant flowers right in the doorway – lavender is not only beautiful but will softly scent the entire area, and is a wonderful flower to gather and place inside as well. Try to think ahead a few years into the future – some plants or palms that are difficult to prune could grow so large and out of control that they will obstruct the house entrance, while others, like vines, can easily be pruned to maintain the desired shape and size.

A larger front garden may warrant a small picket fence lining some flower beds. The right combination of fence and plants could create a lovely, slightly wild effect when the buds intertwine with the fence rungs. This is also an interesting idea to disguise a step railing or guard rail. Think about a few colors and try to stick with a simple theme – sometimes less is more.

Many people prefer not to bare the entire front of the house to the whole neighborhood, but don’t like the effect of an actual fence. A row of pruned hedges or low trees can fix the open-space problem, making your front lawn more of a mystery and the goings-on inside the house significantly more private. As for next door neighbors, consider making a trip next door with some friendly fresh-baked cookies and some ideas to jointly plant a few shade-giving trees or lush bushes that will provide privacy to both lawns and create a more unified look (rather than a straight line) between properties.

A no-fuss idea for right around the doorway to the home is to place some large, matching potted plants, which can be moved around as desired. Remember, entire trees and shrubs can be planted in large ceramic pots, which don’t need to stay right by the front door, either. They can be placed in the center of a garden, by the driveway or mailbox, or even pulled inside during the winter to protect them from frost and create some interest indoors. Vegetables do not have to be an exclusively backyard item, either. Leafy cherry tomato plants can be potted and set in front for some variation in color and form – plus the fruits they bear can be incorporated into your next salad.

If you have a mind to incorporate some exotic flora into your front garden, consider which plants can thrive (or just survive) in your local climate. Succulents such as cacti are simple and gorgeous, and palm trees are fairly resilient in temperate climates. Bamboo tends to be foolproof, and has a distinct, minimal Asian look; it could look lovely climbing up a white wall or facade, or planted smartly in geometric white cement planters.

Stone or gravel walkways from the driveway or garage to the front door can be transformed from simple paths to luxurious runways simply by lining the edges with a rainbow of colorful scented flowers, such as geraniums, lavender, or roses. Keep them low so people walking by don’t catch their pants or bags and tear off the buds (and don’t feel inclined to pick them!)  Also consider installing a few small solar lamps to light the way along the paths – this will not only create a romantic atmosphere when the sun goes down, but will keep visitors from losing their way in the dark and trampling your flowers.

Another idea for a front garden is to eliminate the grass or turf completely and fill the lawn with stones. Small smooth pebbles or slate chips can look very modern, though must be watched for unsightly weeds poking their way through the rocks. Different sections could be partitioned off and filled with sand or stones of a slightly different color, or filled with planted succulents that don’t need the firm soil or grass roots to cling to in order to survive. Block paving can look very smart, but takes regular maintenance such as cleaning, brushing and treating with sealants to keep it looking great.

Regardless of how small, large, simple, or elaborate your front garden is, regular maintenance is key. Be sure to water all of your plants, flowers, and shrubs, whether potted or planted in the ground. Think seasonally with flowers, as some flourish only in the spring, such as tulips or crocus, while others may flower year-round. Don’t forget to consider pollen allergies of anyone who lives in the house or who visits frequently – nothing will turn them towards the back door faster than a pollen invasion.