Landscaping Your Front Yard

Fountains are easily maintained.

When we talk about landscaping our property, most of us think about the front yard. After all, that’s where people get their first impressions of our home and money spent there often gives the most bang for our bucks. However, much can be done with little money if you start by cleaning up the area. OK, most homeowner associations require that you mow and edge the walk areas but beyond that, what is there about your front entryway that makes it stand out from the neighbor’s houses?

I started thinking about this while I was reading a blog post called Front Yard Landscaping Ideas.  It was posted back in 2007 so it isn’t exactly fresh news but what it was saying is still valid.  It doesn’t always take much to make our property stand out.  In my case, I added a fountain to my front courtyard.  You can see it from the street and also hear it when you walk by.  This time of year we like to open the windows so it also masks any sounds from the master bathroom with is an added bonus.  I have also added some small garden animal statues (frogs, turtles, birds, etc.)  My grandchildren love to find them when they visit.  One little tyke has to gently touch them and show us their eyes and nose.  It makes it fun for him and us.

I got to thinking about those yards where a statue or fountain wouldn’t fit.  Some people have really small entrance ways.  That is where a well placed plaque can bring a smile or a blessing.  There is always something you can do to perk things up.

Spring is here and now is the perfect time to cast a critical eye on your own entry way.  Sometimes all you have to do is rearrange what you already have but don’t put it off.  You will be making a trip to your local garden center soon and it is better to know exactly what you need so that you don’t come away with a purchase that doesn’t really fit anywhere.  Remember, it’s good to form a garden plan, even if it isn’t written down.  It will focus your landscape efforts and  show definite results  in your garden this year.