May 31, 2012

Curb appeal

Summer is here! Make the front (or sides) of your home inviting and beautiful. Keep the look or change seasonally. here are some ideas to get started.



  • Container gardens provide color even if your yard is paved.  Large pots filled with bright or fragrant flowers can transform your front yard. Install a simple drip-irrigation system to make containers easier to maintain.
  • Many small homes are lost in the landscaping. Use an ornamental arbor(free standing is OK) or fence to call attention to the house and mark the entrance. Remember that white structures stand out against a nonwhite home.

  • Blend natural and artificial elements to give your yard an established, comfortable look. Place boulders near your walkway and use ground covering plants to fill around them. Flowering shrubs, such as azalea and rhododendron soften the look of the stone.







  • Look for features from your home to guide your design. Small trees can echo pillars on a porch. Try a water feature based on the shape of one of your home's architectural elements. Even a small patio can use a ceramic container water feature.

  • Select bold elements that call attention to themselves to help your landscape make a statement. Spiral-pruned junipers flanking the front walk create a sense of grandeur and formality. 

  • Follow nature's lead. Select plants and other landscape materials native to your region. The birds and butterflies your front yard attracts will enchant you and your guests. Incorporate a birdbath or bird feeder in your yard to attract even more birds. You can make or buy a hanging birdbath if you live in a condo or apartment without a yard. 


    1. Transform your front walk into a stylish statement by edging it with easy-care plants such as variegated hosta and boxwood. Can you put a gentle curve in the path?  Choose an interesting material like bricks, flagstone, and pavers which have more character than traditional cement.

      1. Planting colorful bloomers is a surefire way to make your yard feel more welcoming. Use bold, bright hues to create a big impact even if you don't have a lot of space.