Gently curving walks and beds soften the straight lines of a house.
Plan your new front lawn on paper. First, sketch out the existing buildings, walkways, the driveway, mailbox and any trees and flower beds already in place. Note which areas are full-sun, which get partial-sun and which are shaded. Use your imagination to add gently curving beds and sidewalks to soften hard lines around the house and dress up areas, such as the mailbox and sidewalk. Plan to implement your ideas in phases, perhaps aiming to add just one new bed or hardscape feature each season. Dress up the hardscaping, including the paths and walkways, driveway, patio or porches, the mailbox and the house itself. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Grow a thick, healthy green lawn to naturally choke out weeds. Dig out or kill weeds, then overseed the lawn in the spring and fall for cool season grasses and only in early spring for warm season grass varieties. Water newly seeded areas for 15 to 30 minutes daily until the grass sprouts then drop back to watering more deeply only once a week to encourage deep rooting for a thicker, more drought-resistant lawn. Keep mower blades sharp and don't cut grass shorter than 3 inches. Care for your mower by changing the oil and air filter as needed and by unclogging air passages around the engine. Fertilize the grass with a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer several times a year and leave mulched grass clippings on the lawn to provide extra nutrients.
2. Select plants and shrubs that are native to your area. Consult your local agricultural extension service or a nursery in your area and keep an eye on what's growing well in your neighbors' yards. Properly space plants according to their mature size so you don't overcrowd your beds. Plant the biggest trees you can afford since they grow slowly.
3. Mulch flowerbeds with a thick layer of mulch and weed them often to keep weeds from taking over. Consider using a rain barrel and a soaker hose for watering needs. Prune shrubs regularly to keep them healthy and looking great.
4. Use concrete pavers or gravel to install gently curved walkways. Repair or reseal your driveway if it needs attention. Dress up the mailbox with a fresh coat of paint and a small bed around the base. Hang large, attractive house numbers on the front of the house to identify your address.
5. Furnish any front yard patios or porches with weather-resistant seating, attractive containers of plants and simple wall art. Add torches, lanterns, party lights or candles for night-time charm.
6. Determine which other parts of the lawn need lighting at night. In addition to adding necessary motion lights for security, plan to light walkways, porches and entries with landscape lights and a few well-placed, attractive fixtures. Paint your front door in a subtle but contrasting accent color to make the entrance to your home a beautiful focal point.
Tags: walkways driveway, your area, your front