We can all become a little bit obsessed with having the perfect back garden and often forget that it is actually the front you are more likely to see everyday! If you’re trying to sell your house, worried about what guests might think, or just want something nice to come home to then check out our ten ways to make your front garden fabulous…
Fragrant Flowers
Sight is not the only sense you should be evoking when someone visits your front garden for the first time. Flowers with a scent will make a great first impression, though try not to choose ones that might be overpowering if you have a small space. Lavender or Chamomile is an obvious choice.
Make your door the star
The front door will probably be the focal point of your front garden, and as the gateway to your home it should reflect that importance in its presentation. That means keeping the letterbox or knocker clean and tidy, giving the door a lick of paint if it has faded and clearing away any cobwebs if you have an overhang.
Maintain your gates and fences
Fences and gates have a functional use as a property boundary but they can also reveal a lot about their owner. Fences and gates that are falling over or have flaking paint or rust may imply that you don’t care very much about your property. It also makes you an easy target for thieves, who may like to try and see if the back door is in equally poor condition.
Weed your path or driveway
It can be a bit of a bore, but a weed free path or driveway can make a huge difference to the overall appearance of your front garden. And if you have gravel, try to keep it evenly distributed so that you do not get patches of earth where weeds can crop up uninvited.
Think about the entire year
Whilst you can hide away your back garden in the winter months, your front garden is on display all year round. Try and include plants that bloom at different seasons, or plants and shrubs that will survive cold weather so that your garden doesn’t look so bare outside of spring and summer. If you don’t have the time or ability to plant to your hearts content choose low maintenance and perennial plants that won’t leave gaps at the year’s end.
Key accents
If you don’t have a lot of space, or do not have the time to maintain flower beds or borders then choose some key accents to compliment your garden. An interesting plant pot or a topiary tree can add colour and interest to a garden, whilst also framing your doorway. Choosing a boldly coloured plant can also add a bit of life and vibrancy.
Give your garden light
Climbers can give the front of your house a very pretty appearance around doorways but when they get out of hand they can start to overpower the space, make it dark and sometimes difficult to get through the door! Large trees can also cast a long shadow over your garden, hindering the growth of other plants in your garden. Make sure you keep them trimmed back or keep in mind the height and growth of trees and shrubs when you plant them in the first place!
Electrical light is welcome too
Lights are a practical benefit to your house if you have a long driveway, as they can guide your guests up to the door without them running over the lawn accidentally. They’re also very useful if you live away from a streetlight and are unable to see your locks in the dark. There are many different ways you can incorporate lighting into your garden to make it look just as inviting at night as in the day.
Keep your lawn tidy
Make sure your lawn is a healthy green, mowed and the edges are tidy. If you don’t have the time to keep the lawn in order then consider artificial grass. It is perfect for keeping these areas pristine throughout the year, with a hyper realistic colouring and edges that do not overgrow or become untidy.
Pop your bins away
A wheelie bin is necessary to modern life but it does take away from the romance of your garden a bit! If you can find a way to conceal your bins or rubbish it will improve the look of your front garden immensely. A well placed screen or wooden alcove to store bins are far more attractive than seeing your rubbish everyday. And if you live in urban areas where the bins are constantly raided by foxes, a protective alcove may help prevent clearing up litter from your lawn in the morning.
Front gardens can bring just as much joy as a back garden – so I hope you find these ideas useful for cheering up yours. Whatever the size, there are lots of ways you give it a spruce. Artificial grass is of course one way to give it an immediate, but long lasting makeover and if you’d like to see some examples of front gardens where we have installed our grass then check out our Gallery.
