To create a beautiful, functional front garden, you’ll need to consider the shape of your house. For example, if your house has a wide front porch, you’ll need to design the planting area so that it complements the shape. You’ll want to create a planting structure that is high and low in front of your windows. You’ll also want to accent the patterns in the house’s architecture. You can copy this planting structure for the rest of the front garden. Then, you’ll be able to create the same effect on the side of your house and alongside the road. Make sure to use similar spacing on your plants and create a consistent theme.
Plants with a dual purpose
Plants with a dual purpose are an excellent way to add color and fragrance to the front of your home. Climbing plants such as wisteria, yucca, ferns, and jasmine are easy to train onto sturdy trellis or tension wires. In addition, cordon trees and espaliered trees are excellent choices for the front of your house. The outer branches of these plants radiate outward to create a beautiful shape.
Choose plant species that attract pollinators and insects to the front of your house garden. Prairie plants are especially useful because they transform barren areas into a natural resource. In addition to attracting insects, prairie plants also add contrast to the front of your property and lend a laidback charm. While prairie plants are often used to make the interior of a home look more luxurious, these shrubs and perennials are also good choices for sunny aspects of your home.
Plants that create impact in a small space
Shrubs are one of the best options for a small garden, as they can add year-round interest while requiring little maintenance. Sun-loving varieties like hydrangeas, jasmine and lavender are great for welcoming guests with their vibrant colors. They’re also the fastest way to add impact to a small space. To plant them in a small garden, choose a variety that suits the space.
Plants that block the sun
In addition to natives of the southern hemisphere, you can choose from several plants that will filter the sun. Known as penstemon, these plants are fragrant and offer light pink blooms. Other choices are perennials native to Asia and North America. If you have a shady spot, choose winter jasmine. This evergreen shrub will give your front garden an unmistakable tropical fragrance.
Plants that add structure
A front garden should have a clear path to your front door, a big signal to direct guests, and appropriate plantings. Big pots of flowering plants are ideal for either side of the door. If your front garden has no structure, consider using a container. Plants that add structure to garden plans for front of house may include ferns, shrubs, and even trees. Some plants are self-sowing, which means that they will come back every year.
Plants that create interest in a flower bed
A stepped-down flower bed adds visual interest and can produce year-round color. Consider planting flowering vines throughout the flower bed. Plant them on trellises at the back to define the bed’s shape and height. You don’t necessarily have to choose flowering plants for this purpose. Shrubs, small trees, and grasses can act as anchors for the flower bed.
To add a touch of color, consider planting a zoned geranium in the front flower bed. This perennial grows well in USDA zones 10 through 11. It produces an array of colors and thrives in partial shade. Choose complementary or analogous color schemes for the flower bed. Plants in the same family and color scheme will look great together and contrast with each other. Choose flowers that bloom late into the season and include some unexpected plants.
Choosing a style for the flower bed should be based on the style of the house and its landscaping. Simple front yard flower beds are great for contemporary homes and can use a variety of plants that provide a visual interest. Consider planting a simple style with evergreen shrubs, low-growing shrubs, and one eye-catching injection of color. Tall plants can contrast beautifully with a picket fence.
Plants that are easy to care for
Easy to care for gardens are ideal for people who are time-constrained or just starting to grow plants. Many easy-care plants come back each year and are low-maintenance. These garden plans are designed for those who want to enjoy their gardens without spending hours working in the garden. This plan features colorful annuals and perennials that bloom from spring to fall. It features a variety of drought-resistant and heat-tolerant plants and can function as a foundation planting or front fence.
To break up a plain front lawn, try an island bed garden plan. This low-maintenance design will look lovely from any angle. An ornamental plum tree anchors the planting. Its pinkish white double blooms add a splash of color in spring and pretty foliage in fall. Adding seasonal color is simple. Choose plants with a tendency towards pink or yellow, or blue blooms to emphasize the color.
Choose colorful annuals that are easy to grow and maintain. For a front-yard flower bed, consider including a combination of perennials and annuals. A mix of evergreens will offer year-round greenery while allowing you to mix and match flowering plants. Dahlias, lilies, and coreopsis thrive in warm weather. Choosing the right plant species for your front yard is the first step in achieving a beautiful, welcoming garden.