Curb Appeal - Landscaping Update
I'm looking for some ideas for an update to my front yard that might help the house look a bit less stark (especially on the side by the driveway). It's pretty much a blank slate at this point and I'm not sure where to start, other than that I am not loving the lawn. Does anyone have suggestions? I'm in the Pacific Northwest (Zone 8) and the house faces West. Is hiring a landscape designer worth it?
Comments (9)
PROcreations landscape designs
5 years agoPersonally I think it is totally worth it to hire a designer. You can meet with a designer and get some ideas without actually hiring a designer. Perhaps meet with a few.
In regards to the house, I would suggest having a path that goes from the front door to the street. It might look nice to have a curved path or a path that is not in a straight line.
Breanna thanked creations landscape designs
Embothrium
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoRelated Discussions
Curb appeal landscaping advice needed
Comments (16)I would recommend that you frame the door with two taller pots, like these in the 30" height (https://www.potsplantersandmore.com/collections/outdoor-planters/products/corry-cylinder-indoor-and-outdoor-vase-planter?variant=14015347078) in a saturated color; depending on your tastes something like the cobalt, key lime, or matador red. In the area that is currently bark, I would recommend using round up on a cooler day (roundup does not work if it is too hot, aim for 85 degrees or below) to get rid of the oxalis. I would then recommend planting 3 Skywalker or Graham Blandy Boxwoods along that wall to bring some evergreen color up the house. Around the base of them, I would plant some Ice Dance Carex which is variegated and will bring some light to the area. Two other small things that could help update that area would be to use edgers that do not have a scalloped edge. Having edgers that only rise about 1-1.5" out of the ground with a flat top will give a more contemporary look. The other update, which would need approval and collaboration with your neighbor, would be to decide on a universal color for the fence. A neutral blue-grey color helps move the eye up into the skyline, making your space appear larger....See MoreDesperate for landscaping/ curb appeal advice
Comments (6)I wouldn't paint the brick on this house. It will create long term maintenance and I think that currently the brick is really attractive and adds character. if there isn't good lighting on the porch, consider adding some, and you might want to paint the front door a color that will look nice with the current colors but will stand out more. Getting rid of the random stepping stones will help as will adding a path and planting a garden. Make the bed generously sized, a minimum of 6' deep with crisply maintained edge, either a masonry mowing strip set at ground level or a V shaped cut edge. I would have at least a few evergreen shrubs for year round interest and some flowers near the porch. I like the placement of the pot by the junction between the garage and the front door, but would suggest replacing it with a larger one. For the path, choose one of the types of masonry already present (red porch, gray concrete drive, yellow brick walls) and use that; don't introduce a fourth kind of masonry in such a small space. For the porch planter, use something quite shade tolerant such as fernsor many of the plants sold for indoor use since it is set well back on the porch....See MoreFront Yard Landscaping/Curb Appeal DIY Ideas
Comments (14)I know I am late to this thread but I have a few comments. The current plantings are too close to the house. Plant yours farther out. I'd remove the plant that is blocking the window. Sun loving plants will not thrive on the north side of the house. You do not need tall plants unless you prefer them. There are two Tradescantia that might work. Oyster Plant and Purple Heart. Purple Heart does grow on the north side of my house but I live in California. Oyster plant might need more sun. Your local nursery could tell you. What you need for the door is a full reveal storm door. Once you get it choose a paint color for your front door. Paint the door and the storm door the same color. Front door can be any color you like. If you are conservative just paint it white. I made a few images. Last one is Sherwin Williams Juneberry. It is my favorite but I know some people like less contrast. I almost forgot, I deepened the planting bed on the left; it was too shallow. If it were my house I would want a Philodendron selloum off the corner of the house where the shrub is now. Not in front of the window. I just happen to love them, you may not....See MoreCurb appeal…landscaping
Comments (6)For the front porch addition, extend it from the "welcome" wagon all the way under the double window. Widen your parking area by 1 or 2 feet to make it much more stable underfoot than grass to get out of the car. Easy changes in the meantime: Power wash the walls now that spring is here. Paint the door a color such as denim blue or cardinal red. Clean and repaint the welcome wagon and vintage milk can, perhaps in the same color as the door (silver/aluminum Rustoleum paint for the milk can will make it look like an old can that's well cared for) , or just choose some colors you love that contrast with the off white walls. Change the address numbers to horizontal by mounting them on a new painted board on the left side of the door in the photo. Add a black light fixture over the door or next to the door on the left side. The milk can might make a good base for a small wood table between the two Amish chairs. Lots of photos online, see this example: https://thegirlinspired.com/milk-can-side-table/...See More
PROYardvaark
5 years ago"Is hiring a landscape designer worth it?" Yes and no. There's got to be a certain level of landscape expenditure that a plan directs, or it's not going to be worth it. Your yard is small. Do you plan on DIYing the work, or paying someone to install it? How much $ is planned for making improvements? If you're going to spend only a few hundred dollars on plants, it's not likely going to be worth it to spend 2 or 3-hundred dollars on a planting plan. If DIY, I'd milk this thread and possibly other forums for what you can get out of them, wade through the advice, and put it together to the best of your ability. You can get advice on making the plan as well as advice on landscape design itself. If you're going to hire out the installation, whoever installs the plants can possibly do the design work for you as part of the installation fee.
Insofar as what to do in the yard, I'd begin with an improved walkway system. It can make a huge difference in a small yard like this. It should start with a landing that is the full width of the stoop. The other suggestions that follow are about general shapes, sizes and layout. Not about specific colors or plants. (The small tree at foreground would be made from a large shrub.)
What's up with what look to be 2 new trees that are only 3 or 4 feet apart, at the left side? It seems like one must go away. The tree immediately left of the front door must definitely go away as it's far too close to the house.
Breanna thanked YardvaarkBreanna
5 years ago
PROBreanna thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)