15 Front of House Landscaping Ideas You'll Love (2024)

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This guide features smart and hard-to-resist ideas that will differentiate your home from the rest. Read on to get inspired.

Front of House Landscaping Ideas

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Although highly overlooked, landscaping for the front of the house can significantly increase your home’s curb appeal and value. A well-done front yard is a reflection of your lifestyle and personality.

It makes your home look well-kept and inviting. The best part is that you don’t have to be a landscaping expert to transform your space. Furthermore, landscaping your front yard can significantly reduce utility bills.

For instance, planted trees offer shade, thus reducing the cost of air conditioning during the hot season.

Most importantly, landscaping promotes eco-friendliness and adds to your privacy. Check out these unique ideas to inspire you in your front yard landscaping project.

1. Color Your Space With Window Boxes and Floral Borders

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If you love flowers and colors, you can’t go wrong by planting flowering plants along the entryway. The idea is super simple, but it can revitalize your front of the house if done well. The best part is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on this.

Go for perennial flowers such as petunias or hydrangeas. You may mix them with evergreen bushes for a pop of color while keeping your space green throughout the seasons. You may use window boxes to make the design more appealing.

Floral borders are an excellent landscaping choice for houses that are on the market for sale. They are the first thing that potential buyers will see once they get to your property. And with proper care, the design will increase the house value and speed up the sale process.

2. Be Different With a Planted Wheelbarrow

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That old wheelbarrow that you no longer use can be an excellent planter. Imagine a shabby chic wheelbarrow overflowing with colorful flowers on your front hard.

The idea brings out a statement of style and class.You don’t have to be a landscaping expert to create a planted wheelbarrow.

Clean and prepare your wheelbarrow, then look for drought-resistant flowers and plants if you are not always around to water them. Wheelbarrow planter landscaping is a perfect project for DIY lovers, and the possibilities are endless.

They have ample bed space, so you can design the planter and plant multiple types of flowers in one wheelbarrow. You may shape the flowers to look like a cage for a more outstanding design. Also, invest in great potting soil for better results.

3. Plant Perennial Shrubs

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Perennial shrubs such as hydrangeas are great all-season ideas to keep your home colorful and blooming throughout the years. The shrubs are quite affordable and easy to maintain. Additionally, these plants are an excellent addition to your property if you intend to resell it.

They boost the curb appeal of your home and create the perception that you have invested in the care and maintenance of your property. And this increases the home value. Mix the perennial shrubs with annuals to create an all-season landscape.

Also, get quality soil, feed, and water the plants regularly to retain their bright appearance.Nonetheless, it will help to seek expert advice on the tips and the best time to prune and trim the perennials.

4. Add Flowers Around the Mailbox

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The mailbox is probably the first thing visitors see when they get to your home. Therefore, you should upgrade the area to make a good first impression.

There isn’t a better way to do this than to create a garden around the mailbox. Get easy-maintenance flowers, such as annual flowers, and a border for mulching.

5. Invest in Landscaping Lights

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Most homeowners don’t know where to start when selecting landscaping lights, let alone how to layout the fixtures in a way that compliments their home.

Other than improving your home’s curb appeal, landscaping lights offer a sense of security by illuminating the entry points.

You have a range of lighting ideas for the front of the house. You may choose path lights, hanging lights, spotlights, and wall-mounted lights. Choose a placement method that matches the style and design of your home.

Most landscaping lights are solar-powered, so you have no reason to be left out. Even better, they come in different colors, so you can choose the ones that match your home style.Stick the lights along the walkway and flowerbeds, and let them light up your home at night.

6. Create Flower Beds Around Tree Trunks

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If the front of the house has trees, that is a plus. You can get creative with the trees by adding flower beds in circles. Ensure that the beds complement the already-existing beds around your house. Normally, the under-the-tree area harbors all kinds of grass.

But you can turn yours into a point of attraction as soon as visitors enter your property. Flowers will thrive perfectly due to the availability of shade.

However, avoid planting holes when planting the flowers. The reason being that creating holes could damage the roots of the trees. You should also avoid making a raised bed to ensure that the tree gets adequate nutrients.

Most importantly, plant the right flowers that can comfortably share the limited nutrients with the tree. Go for colorful flowers and some perennials. The beds will demand less work as they already have enough shade from the trees.

7. Add a Potted Border

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The best thing about potted borders is that they are easy to update with seasonal changes. Get some potted flowers, creeping ground covers, or shrubs that you can swap after every season.

Potted borders are an excellent idea for busy people and nomads, rather than leaving their front yards bare and neglected.

8. Install Raised Garden Beds

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Don’t be afraid to create a raised garden bed on your front wall. The idea brings a touch of style and elegance to your driveway, which is a perfect selling point.

You can’t go wrong with a mix of white flowering Valerian and evergreen grass to create a contemporary feel and brighten your yard.

Such plants thrive in any soil and require minimal attention to retain their lush appearance.

9. Utilize All-Season Informal Landscaping

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If you are into informal styles, ditch the usual landscaping and try out something different with evergreens. You will love the unique texture of these plants. The constant movements are a great element for sunny seasons.

Blend different ornamental grasses, such as Mexican feather grass, moor grass, and feather reed grass, if you live in a hot region.

You may also add a hint of architectural perennials to complement the grass and give the pathway a dash of color.

10. Go Formal With Straight Intersecting Paths

Straight intersecting paths with clipped topiaries are a winning combination for elegance and class. They suit all kinds of properties, from modern townhouses to cottages. Formal pathways are a fun project for stone collectors and DIY lovers.

And although they demand time and resources, the results are worthwhile. If you own a large front yard, intersection paths can divide it into small, welcoming areas.

The paths are also a focal point of your home and reflect the style of your landscape. You may line up your garden beds along the border of your property, then create paths with a lawn in the middle. Or go out of the norm by circling the garden bed.

11. Movable Entry-Way Barrier With Plants

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Movable barrier landscaping is a perfect idea for renters. While you may not be in a position to create a permanent landscape, it doesn’t mean that you should neglect the entryway.

Invest in large ornamental grasses or evergreen plants and plant them in large pots. Place them stylishly along the entryway to create a charming entrance.

With the movable barriers, you can change the plants as many times as you wish, probably to match seasonal or preference changes.

12. Get Creative With Trash Cans

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Trash cans don’t always have to be disgusting to look at. They are a chance to get creative and make them a focal point of your entrance.Paint the exterior with a color that blends with the rest of the coloring.

Then go a step further to crown the bins with plants or flowers. Low-growing succulents and alpines are the perfect combo to create a year-round landscape. Be sure to get good potting soil and water the plants regularly.

13. Install a Mini Water Fountain

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You don’t necessarily need a large front yard to include a water element in it. Get creative with mini-water fountain ideas.

Whether you want to go all out with a front yard landscape design or are looking for a simple DIY project, adding a fountain, pond, or waterfall is a thoughtful upgrade to your property.

The location of the fountain depends on the style of the front of the house. If your front garden is formal, make the water feature the focal point.

It is best placed at the intersection of pathways. On the other hand, if your garden’s design is informal, the fountain is best placed at a corner or along the path.

14. Use a Bicycle as a Planter

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Mira Drozdowski/Shutterstock

Landscaping the front of a house is all about creativity and making use of available resources. Convert your old bicycle into a planter and transform it into a point of attraction for your front yard.

The bike’s rear pannier and front basket can work as hanging baskets to help you come up with a shabby chic design. The idea works best if you have a tree or enormous plant in your lawn where you can lean the bicycle for support.

Plant some colorful annual flowers. You may also add decorative elements, such as rustic signs, but ensure to use the best quality potting mix to keep the plants alive during the hot season.

15. Use Cinderblocks for Planter Beds

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When you think of class and elegance, you should be thinking of Cinderblocks. They can quickly transform your front space from basic to classy with only a few touches.

Play around with the layout of the blocks to create small planters and a large main bed. For the small planters, get some succulents for minimalism.

Look for plants that can thrive in your climate, such as hostas, evergreens, and fans. Cinderblocks help keep your space clean and simple and can be used in all kinds of properties, including modern landscapes.

Things to Consider When Landscaping

If you wish to invest in front yard landscaping, it is critical to consider all aspects that could result in the success or downfall of your project. Some essential things to consider include:

  • The architectural style of your property
  • Consider the functional design of the landscaping ideas
  • Ensure the landscaping ideas don’t compromise the privacy of the street side of your property

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I design landscaping in front of my house?

Our favorite landscaping ideas for the front of your house:

  1. Color Your Space With Window Boxes and Floral Borders
  2. Be Different With a Planted Wheelbarrow
  3. Plant Perennial Shrubs
  4. Add Flowers Around the Mailbox
  5. Invest in Landscaping Lights
  6. Create Flower Beds Around Tree Trunks
  7. Add a Potted Border
  8. Install Raised Garden Beds
  9. Utilize All-Seasons Informal Landscaping
  10. Go Formal With Straight Intersecting Paths
  11. Add Movable Entry Way Barrier With Plants
  12. Get Creative With Trash Cans
  13. Install a Mini Water Fountain
  14. Use a Bicycle as a Planter
  15. Use Cinderblocks for Planter Beds

What is the difference between a landscape designer and a landscape architect?

A landscape architect has a degree and a landscape designer is not required to have a degree.

Landscape architects typically work on large, public projects and landscape designers typically work no smaller residential jobs.

What is a good budget for landscaping?

As a rule of thumb, a good budget for landscaping is to spend 10% of your home's total value on landscaping. So, if your home is $250,000, spending up to $25,000 is appropriate.

Like our Landscaping Ideas for the Front of Your House?

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Karamysh/Shutterstock

Landscaping the front of the house adds visual interest to the walkways and entrance. However, choosing the best design can be overwhelming, especially with limitless ideas to try.

The above guide is a great starting point to help you choose a unique yet super-affordable design. Consider the available resources, the size of your front yard, and your style and preference before settling for one.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or expertise. However, I can provide you with information and insights on front of house landscaping ideas based on this article.

The article discusses various landscaping ideas that can enhance the curb appeal and value of your home. It provides tips and suggestions for creating an attractive and inviting front yard. Let's go through the concepts mentioned in the article:

1. Color Your Space With Window Boxes and Floral Borders

This idea involves planting flowering plants along the entryway to add color and vibrancy to your front yard. Perennial flowers like petunias or hydrangeas can be mixed with evergreen bushes to maintain greenery throughout the seasons. Window boxes can be used to create a visually appealing design.

2. Be Different With a Planted Wheelbarrow

Using an old wheelbarrow as a planter can add a unique touch to your front yard. You can plant drought-resistant flowers and plants in the wheelbarrow and design it creatively. This project is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and allows for endless possibilities in terms of plant selection and arrangement.

3. Plant Perennial Shrubs

Planting perennial shrubs like hydrangeas can ensure a colorful and blooming front yard throughout the year. These shrubs are affordable and easy to maintain, making them a suitable addition to your property. Mixing perennial shrubs with annuals can create an all-season landscape.

4. Add Flowers Around the Mailbox

Enhancing the area around your mailbox with flowers can make a good first impression on visitors. Choosing easy-maintenance flowers and creating a border for mulching can improve the appearance of your mailbox area.

5. Invest in Landscaping Lights

Landscaping lights not only improve curb appeal but also provide security by illuminating entry points. You can choose from a variety of lighting options such as path lights, hanging lights, spotlights, and wall-mounted lights. Solar-powered lights are a popular choice, and they come in different colors to match your home's style.

6. Create Flower Beds Around Tree Trunks

If you have trees in your front yard, you can create flower beds around their trunks. This can turn the under-the-tree area into a point of attraction by planting flowers that thrive in the shade. It's important to avoid damaging the tree roots when planting and to choose flowers that can coexist with the tree.

7. Add a Potted Border

Potted borders are easy to update with seasonal changes and are suitable for busy individuals. You can use potted flowers, creeping ground covers, or shrubs that can be swapped out as needed. This idea prevents front yards from appearing neglected and provides flexibility in design.

8. Install Raised Garden Beds

Creating raised garden beds on your front wall can add style and elegance to your driveway. Using a mix of white flowering Valerian and evergreen grass can create a contemporary feel. These plants thrive in any soil and require minimal attention to maintain their lush appearance.

9. Utilize All-Season Informal Landscaping

For a more informal style, using evergreens can create a unique texture in your front yard. Mixing different ornamental grasses and adding architectural perennials can complement the grass and add a dash of color to your pathway. This idea works well in hot regions.

10. Go Formal With Straight Intersecting Paths

Formal pathways with clipped topiaries can bring elegance and class to your front yard. These paths can divide a large front yard into smaller, welcoming areas. You can line up garden beds along the border of your property and create paths with a lawn in the middle. This project requires time and resources but can yield impressive results.

11. Movable Entry-Way Barrier With Plants

If you're a renter or prefer a temporary solution, creating movable entry-way barriers with large pots and plants can add charm to your entrance. You can change the plants as needed to match seasonal or preference changes.

12. Get Creative With Trash Cans

Transforming trash cans into decorative planters can make them a focal point of your entrance. You can paint the cans to match your home's exterior and crown them with plants or flowers. Low-growing succulents and alpines are suitable choices for year-round landscapes.

13. Install a Mini Water Fountain

Even small front yards can incorporate water features like mini fountains, ponds, or waterfalls. The location of the fountain depends on your garden's style, and it can be placed as a focal point at the intersection of pathways or in a corner along the path.

14. Use a Bicycle as a Planter

Repurposing an old bicycle as a planter can add creativity and visual interest to your front yard. The bike's baskets can be used as hanging baskets for colorful annual flowers. This idea works best if you have a tree or large plant where you can lean the bicycle for support.

15. Use Cinderblocks for Planter Beds

Cinderblocks can be used to create small planters and a large main bed, adding a touch of class and elegance to your front yard. You can play around with the layout of the blocks and choose plants that thrive in your climate.

The article also mentions some things to consider when landscaping, such as the architectural style of your property, functional design of the landscaping ideas, and the need to maintain privacy.

Lastly, the article provides answers to frequently asked questions, such as how to design landscaping in front of your house, the difference between a landscape designer and a landscape architect, and a recommended budget for landscaping.

I hope this overview of the concepts mentioned in the article helps you understand front of house landscaping ideas better. Let me know if you have any specific questions or if there's anything else I can assist you with!

15 Front of House Landscaping Ideas You'll Love (2024)
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