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Please HELP: Front yard decor stuck

2 years ago

I've been trying to turn my front yard into a tranquil space, and the main inspiration being a eastern / tropical feel. I just feel like it's not really coming together so well :( I'm really in need of some help in thinking about how this can be improved. (Ignore the palettes) these will be moved.

Comments (4)

frankielynnsie
2 years ago
Start by removing everything. Then set up a seating area with an area rug that is easy to access from all entering directions, facing the way you want to look. Add a small grouping of plants/pots (3 pots of different sizes) maybe with the statue as part of the grouping (the plants in brown pots) but you need to beef up the plantings in those pots. The 2 blue pots with matching pots/can be used solo and placed mirroring one on one side of the seating area and one on the other side. Don't over crowd the area. You may need to move the plants around until you are happy with their location.
Daniel Coetzer
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you! Really appreciate the advice. I like the idea of the grouping. Where would you suggest grouping them?
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I'm with Handymac on his comments. It looks like it has some weathering damage, so it will change when you sand off this damage. Your choice of finish will also darken it somewhat. Pigments tend to be more colorfast than dyes. But all colorants fade over time, it's just a matter of time and exposure. Minwax stains are generally a combo of both, but some colors are pigment only and some are dye only. But be aware these are intended for interior use and may fade easily. Unfortunately, I don't know of a good exterior-grade transparent stain. I have not used Sikkens, but heard good things about it. I would just avoid things called "Spar Urethane" that generally won't make it for a whole season. All exterior clear finishes will need regular maintenance -- some more often than others. Another option is to use a deep-base exterior paint, without added pigment. The OAG at the paint desk will tell you it can't be one. Just nod your head and ignore them. Make up a story like, "I have my own UTCs I'm going to add." Here is a link that might be useful: Paint as a clear finish.
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I don't think that closing in the porch with a garden is going to make it seem more welcoming. Whatever changes are made should start with expanding the paving approaching the stoop so that people don't have to worry about stepping off the walk or tripping over plants. Then, keep the approach visible. If you wanted to enclose the sitting area, I'd keep it low. Tall wispy flowers would be OK since the effect would be semi-transparent. Your picture does not show right side, but I suspect the house could benefit from seeming somewhat sheltered and separated from the house next door.
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Gorgeous spot- looks like you have a lot of food for thought, but here's my 2 cents. You have good bones with the stone placement. I like the suggestion to further delineate your property from the road by tucking in low growing, spreading evergreens behind the stones that border the road. You'll have lots of choice in this category from gold tips to deep greens, some that have berries like the junipers; also height-wise some will creep on the ground, crawling over and softening the stones, others growing a foot tall and reaching up. I think layering two different types would look good to define the leading edge of your property. Also these plants are tough and drought tolerant once they're established. Secondly add groups of larger rocks, they don't have to be major boulders, but bump up in scale will add interesting level changes, an opportunity to plunk a pot of something trailing - or if you do get a boulder or three about -18/20 inches - they become a good spot to plunk your backside. Just one last comment, groupings and odd numbers make the most effective display (also makes any maintenance easier) Don't worry about matching different pots or troughs, it all just adds interest and flexibility. Have fun!
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Rocks retain water, so be careful about having it right up against the house. I would go to a local nursery. They should be able to suggest plant that will do well in your local. Look for a mix of evergreen and flowering shrubs, perennials and annuals with a variety of texture and heights. Plant well away from the foundation to allow the plant to grow to maturity at about a foot from the house. Look for a pretty ornamental tree to plant out in the yard in the middle of the left side of the house.
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Christopher CNC
2 years ago
Why are the drapes hanging outside of the right side windows? If I am seeing this correctly, the left side is a sliding door and the right side are windows. The seating area goes on the right side. Make it a room. Use the pots to make the street side wall that is see through or not depending on what makes you tranquil. Run more prayer flags on the left between posts.
frankielynnsie
2 years ago
Houzz ate my response. Clear everything out and just place the furniture with your preferred view.

Step back and take some new pictures and submit them. Take a picture of what else is available to put in the area. Submit that photo. Others will chime in.

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