What are some things you can do to make your front yard more aesthetically pleasing? Well, there are tons of options for landscaping ideas.
You could plant flowers or trees, install a fountain or pool, put in new sidewalks and walkways, add lighting fixtures… the list goes on! Here are some landscaping ideas that might help get you started.
1. Pick a color theme for your landscaping
Color is one of the first things that you will notice when you look at your landscaping, so it’s important to decide on a color theme for your yard. If you want something cheery and bright, consider potted flowers in shades of pink or purple.
If you want more of a Spanish-style home, pick cacti, succulents, and other desert plants with fleshy greens. For an elegant look, choose blooming shrubs with white flowers.
2. Add some flowers and other plants
Flowers are one of the most obvious choices when it comes to landscaping. Decide on which types you want to include in your yard, and where you would like to plant them.
There are different colors, heights, bloom times, and care needs for each type of flower or plant; refer to books or look online for advice on how best to care for the flowers that interest you.
For example, some flowers need plenty of sunshine (such as hibiscus), while others require partial shade (like ferns). If uncertain about placement, consider consulting with a horticulturist at your local garden center or nursery.
If planting flowers isn’t an option for you due to space limitations or other factors, consider including shrubs instead. Shrubs can also be planted in pots, added to flower beds, or even placed along the front walkway for a pop of color.
If you’ve got large stretches of grass, consider picking out some ground cover plants. Vines are particularly great for creating shade; there are many types with varying degrees of sun/shade need, so read up on which types would work best for your yard before selecting your vines.
3. Add some stones and boulders
Using natural stones is an easy way to add contrast to your landscaping without doing too much work; rocks look great around trees and shrubs! If you’re having trouble deciding on colors, stick with earthy hues like browns or grays.
Another idea: create a little “forest” in your yard by hiding electric and internet lines with trees and shrubs; if you’re adding rocks, use them as borders for these areas or around the trunks of any privacy-seeking plants.
4. Add some metal accents
Metal is another easy way to add contrast, interest, and texture to your landscaping. There are many types of metals (think iron) that can be used to make wind chimes, bird feeders, solar garden lights, decorative fencing or trellises… you name it!
You may want to consider incorporating several types of metals into your design: mix golds and silvers with bronzes and coppers for a dynamic look.
5. Add some lighting
Lighting is absolutely critical if you plan to be out after dark; it helps people see your yard and house, especially in darker areas like driveways or walkways.
There are many types of outdoor lighting fixtures available these days, including solar lights. Solar-powered landscape lights are fairly inexpensive and easy to install yourself; just place them where you want them (i.e., near the front door), then let Mother Nature do the work for you!
Before adding any new lights to your landscaping, consult with an electrician about powering these added features safely without blowing any fuses in your home or neighborhood. You don’t want any accidents on your hands!
6. Have a concrete or brick walkway leading to your front door
Having a walkway or sidewalk leading to your front door is virtually mandatory when you’re in the process of building your home, but it’s also an easy way to add some color and contrast to your landscaping. For example, choose brick for a warm Spanish feel, or concrete if you prefer modern simplicity.
If you can’t afford a new walkway when building your house (or when making changes), consider painting the old one white to make it stand out more, or drawing in lines with paint using contrasting colors like blue and yellow.
7. Add some arches
Arches are another good way to add color and life to your yard; just think about all of the beautiful arches that exist at stately buildings like the White House or the Parthenon!
You can also use arches for fencing around your property, or as supports for your vines.
If you want to make an arch yourself, use metal mesh netting covered in twine and attached to wooden stakes stuck into the ground. Just be sure not to make it too large; anything more than three feet wide is probably going to topple over once the vines are added.
8. Add some benches
Placing a few benches around your yard is another easy way to add some color and decoration without doing too much work. If you’re short on space, consider adding armrests, back support, or even storage underneath for yarn balls/purses/toys etc… whatever you can think of!
It may even be worthwhile to create a small shrine; you could place it anywhere in your yard (maybe near an ornamental tree) and use it as a focal point for any larger decorations.
If you plan on having benches around your house, make sure they’re not too close to the electrical meter or sidewalk; these structures are usually hot enough to scorch bare skin!
9. Plant trees and shrubs with thick trunks/canopies
Trees and tall shrubs with large trunks or canopies can help keep your house cool during the summertime by providing some much-needed shade. Just be sure that you don’t plant anything that’s blocking, doors, driveways, or sidewalks.
It may also be helpful to consider planting any vine-type plants on the shady side of your house; this way, during the day they’ll keep your yard cool and shaded, then at night you can enjoy how the moonlight hits the vines and makes them glow!
10. Plant flowers with colorful petals/leaves
For some added color and interest (and a more personalized touch), consider planting particular types of flowers that reflect your personality or those of your family members; for example, if one family member loves sunflowers, plant those next to their favorite bench; another could love roses, so place a rose shrub near their bedroom window.
If someone is a teacher or coach, maybe a large planter or pot overflowing with colorful flowers near the front door would say “welcome” in a way that words can’t.
11. Build a fire pit and/or pond
Fire pits and ponds don’t have to be complicated! Just dig up some dirt (or line an existing hole), set down some bricks around the edges, and scatter the rest of the yard with flat rocks and gravel for safety.
You can also place stones inside your fire pit for stabilization, so they don’t accidentally tip over one day while you’re cooking dinner!
You might want to consider either putting together your own kit or purchasing one online; this way, everything is guaranteed to fit perfectly! Asking friends how big their fires are will also give you a pretty good idea of how large your fire pit should be.
If you’re worried about the fire being too small or not enough sauteing room, consider doubling your cooking area by building a second one! Then after dinner, simply move the food over to the other side and enjoy watching the stars come up!
You can also make money selling fire pits by advertising at local fairs and events; this way visitors will know exactly where to go when they want to relax outside with friends.
The same goes for ponds; if you have the space, why not build one? The panoramic view of nature is great for those who live in cities or apartments all year round and never get to experience it without traveling far away.
Also, the fish you can catch are delicious! Just be sure to stay under the weight limit so you don’t get fined!
