Hi everyone, we live in a high-foot-traffic area so lots of people walk by every day. We'd love to increase the curb appeal with a really charming front yard. Currently, it's just a plain stretch of grass. I was thinking maybe a slate patio with a curved bench, surrounded by landscaping. Maybe some window boxes? Including a mockup with some of my ideas. But I'd love to hear yours!
by Novel_Self_7784
3 Comments
First thing I notice is that pink tree planted dead center blocking your lower window. Move it to the left side near the stairs to frame the house instead of hiding it. Your mockup also has plants spaced out like polka dots which looks restless. You need sweeping masses that grow together to create one solid texture. If you just scatter isolated shrubs it always ends up looking like a cluttered collection of pots buried in the dirt.
Putting a slate patio and curved bench up on that raised bed puts you on a stage for the whole neighborhood. If you actually want to sit out there comfortably you need a visual buffer. Use staggered mid size shrubs and tall ornamental grasses around the seating area to give yourself some privacy from the sidewalk. Also make sure you excavate and put down a solid compacted gravel sub base for that slate. If you just lay stone on top of soil it will sink and turn into a birdbath after the first heavy rain.
Before you start digging or buying materials you should run a photo of the bare yard through the GardenDream web app. It is a solid blueprint tool for DIYers to test out different patio layouts and see exactly how sweeping plant masses will fill that tight footprint. It acts as a safety net so you do not waste money hauling heavy stone and plants that end up looking completely wrong for the space.
What’s your climate and light like?
Do you really want to sit out there on the street where your furniture could get stolen? (You may! In my neighborhood it would be gone immediately, haha).
I also agree with not blocking the window with a tree.
Personally I think something like a center fountain (for the birdies) and a traditional knot or ornamental garden layout using native plants would look great. Lots of flowering perennials keep the work down.
Picket fence – for curb appeal, safety and privacy .