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Bushes in front of house ideas


Best shrubs for the front of the house |

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Planting one of the best shrubs for the front of the house in your front yard will imbue the entrance to your home with character and personality, creating structure, a refuge for wildlife and a frame for your front porch. 

Introducing greenery and foliage to your front yard ideas will increase the curb appeal, while adding flowering shrubs will bring with them beauty and fragrance in equal measure. When planted in the right location, the right shrubs for the front of the house can also be used to provide privacy, block unsightly views and reduce noise pollution – so working them into your front yard landscaping ideas is a must.

‘When choosing a shrub for your front yard – pay more attention to your local hardiness zone than anything else. Your hardiness zone determines which shrubs will survive and thrive in your front yard,’ says Elle Meager, founder and CEO of Outdoor Happens .

Shrubs for the front of the house

There are species of shrubs for the front of the house to suit almost any type of home and garden. From towering specimens that are great for achieving your garden privacy ideas, to the prettiest floral varieties and the best low growing shrubs for the front of the house to incorporate into your small front garden ideas, adding one of these shrubs will help you to create a warm welcome to your home. 

The best shrubs for the front of the house are also great companions for the best trees for front yards, as together they will add height, color and texture to the front of your home. Landscaping with evergreens is also the most environmentally friendly option.

1. Best floral shrub for the front of the house

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Shrub roses make for stunning front yard cottage garden ideas. Unlike other types of roses, shrub roses have a bushy appearance making them a great addition to front yard flower bed ideas as well as to rose gardens. 

According to experts at David Austen : 'Shrub roses look best when planted in groups of three or more of the same variety. They will then grow together to form one dense shrub, which will provide a more continuous display and make a more definite statement in the border.'

If growing shrub roses, then it is important that you know how to prune roses. 'For bush and shrub roses prune down to half their height in spring and remove all dead wood,' advises Period Living garden expert Leigh Clapp. 'Don’t, however, prune English shrub roses too hard over the first couple of years, until they have established, to help the stems mature and support the blooms.'

2. Best low growing shrub for the front of the house

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If you only have a small front yard, then looking for low growing shrubs for the front of the house will be a better option. Despite only having a small footprint, lavender makes a big impression. Lavender are great low growing shrubs for the front of the house and has a signature fragrance that offers a warm welcome as you approach your front door.  

'Though it can only grow about one foot in height, its 2 inch wide blossoms are loved by butterflies and bees,' says gardening expert Lindsey Hyland of Urban Organic Yield . This makes them a great choice if you are trying to incorporate more wildlife garden ideas into your front yard.

A staple of front yard walkway ideas, 'lavender is a popular choice for foundation plantings and when established, they are drought tolerant plants, but they are best placed in full sun,' continues Lindsey. Planting drought tolerant shrubs in the front of the house will help to keep your front yard even during the driest summers.

3. Best shrub for the front of the house for a show-stopping display

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Part of the rhododendron family, azaleas are beautiful flowering shrubs that are favored for their long-lasting blooms. Popular plants for flower bed ideas, azaleas are great shrubs for the front of the house as their large size makes a bold impression. 'The azalea features long, leathery, egg-shaped leaves as well as showy white, magenta pink flowers with ruffled petals. This outstanding flower can become the focal point of every garden,' says Victoria Kuchinskaya, a plant physiologist for the NatureID app .

If deciding to grow azalea shrubs for the front of the house, it is also important that you know how to prune azaleas to enjoy the best from them.

4. Best evergreen shrubs for the front of the house

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Evergreen shrubs are one of the best shrubs for the front of the house as they offer year-round character and interest to your front garden ideas.

'Winter Gem Boxwood shrub is a common type of low-growing shrub that is perfect for growing at the front of your house,' says Shannon Bernadin, botanist and creator of The African Garden . 'It is a dense and bushy shrub that is evergreen and super easy to maintain. It will provide greenery to the front of your house all year round. '

Plus, boxwood shrubs are one of the best low growing shrubs for the front of the house.

5. Best winter interest shrubs for the front of the house

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Holly shrubs can be grown as either a small tree or a shrub and is a great addition to the front of the house. Characterized by dark green, sharp leaves, they are great evergreen trees for gardens and can also be grown into a hedge to provide garden privacy.

Holly comes into its own in the winter, with its bright red berries adding vibrancy to your garden during the bleakest winter months. As well as providing aesthetic interest, the berries are also great for feeding birds in winter.

'Another tremendous benefit of holly shrubs is that they come in many cultivars. Whether you live in North Carolina or frosty New England – you can find a holly shrub that will acclimate to your area,' says Elle Meager. 'However, one word of warning: holly shrub cultivars vary substantially in their size. Some maintain a height of only a few feet, while others skyrocket to over 30 feet.’

6. Best colorful shrub for the front of the house

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Hydrangeas are unusual in the fact that their color is defined by the soil pH. 'An acid soil ( pH below 7) will usually produce flower color closer to blue, whereas an alkaline soil (pH above 7) will produce pinker flowers,' explains Victoria Kuchinskaya. Hydrangeas can be grown either in the ground or in a pot, making them a great choice for small front garden ideas.

Most hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, however there are some evergreen varieties that can make for great shrubs for the front of the house. 'Hydrangeas are a versatile choice with an array of options on offer to match your color scheme and work beautifully in more formal front gardens. They prefer sun in the morning with some shade in the afternoon,' says garden expert Leigh Clapp.

7. Best floral shrub for the front of the house

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Part of the verbena family, Lantana camara is a fast-growing shrub that is native to Central and South America. Characterized by its colorful flowers in carnival shades, its pretty blooms catch the eye and produce a sweet tutti frutti scent. Typically growing around 2m tall, it creates a bold statement that will make it a welcome addition to the front of the house. 

Furthermore, they're a great addition to other wildlife garden ideas. 'All butterflies and bees go mad for this, and it's incredibly easy to grow in a pot or border,' says plantswoman Sarah Raven .

8. Best flowering winter shrub for the front of the house

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Camellias have seen a rise in popularity in recent years, quickly becoming favorite shrubs for the front of the house. Loved for their flamboyant flowers, they are one of the first flowers, offering a cheery display through the darker months of the year. 

'Camellias have been hybridized to create more durable flowers and longer bloom times and the pink 'Winter's Star' is lovely in late fall and early winter. Camellia 'Winter's Snowman" blooms earlier in white, usually in October or November where we are in Washington,' says Robert Bell, principal at Bell Design .

As such, camellias are one of the best winter plants for pots and borders, and would make a stunning container display on the front porch. If growing these beautiful shrubs, it is vital to know how to prune camellias to get the best out of these pretty plants.

9. The best wildife shrubs for the front of the house bush (Buddleja davidii)

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If you are looking for shrubs for the front of the house that will help you to incorporate wildlife garden ideas into your plot, then buddleja is a must.

'Perfect for adding to front yard cottage garden ideas, buddleja can be grown as an ornamental plant pretty much anywhere,' says Victoria Kuchinskaya. 'Furthermore, it is fast-growing and not in the least fastidious. Unfortunately, however, Buddleja davidii is considered to be an invasive species in some U.S. regions so be careful before you add it into your garden.'

10. Best shrub for the front of the house for privacy

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You can't help but fall in love with the cheery yellow color of forsythia's flowers. They are characterful shrubs for the front of the house that will brighten even the greyest spring day. 

'They offer speedy growth, beautiful blossoms in the spring. Because they grow so fast and offer thick foliage, they make unrivaled screeners – especially if you want a privacy hedge in front of your home quickly,' says Elle Meager. In fact forsythia are one of the best fast-growing hedges for both privacy and interest.

'You'll need to prune your forsythia regularly because they grow seemingly overnight! Expect them to grow well over 12 inches per year. Some may reach a height of up to 10 feet – and some even slightly taller. However, there are smaller cultivars that are great for incorporating into your small front garden ideas,' continues Elle.

Which small shrubs for the front of the house look good year-round?

Evergreen small shrubs look good all year round. Since they don't lose their leaves they continually add life to the front of your house. Holly, camellias and boxwoods are all good options that bring year round interest to the front of your house.

What shrubs look good in front of the house?

Lavender, shrub roses, forsythia and hydrangeas are all shrubs that look good in front of the house. 'I always recommend a variety of shrubs, plants, and flowers for the front of your home – especially if you intend on building a privacy screen or supporting wildlife,' says Elle Meager.

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature.  

21 Best Shrubs & Perennials For The Front Of House

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Foundation plants are the first thing people see when they come to your home. So it’s important to choose the ones that looks the best. In this post, I share a list of my favorite perennials and shrubs for landscaping around your house.

One of the best ways to increase curb appeal in front of your house is to use stunning foundation plants.

From evergreen bushes to flowering perennials, there are many landscaping ideas you can use to add visual interest to your home.

Don’t be overwhelmed by all the choices. This guide will show you the best foundation shrubs and perennials, so you’ll be able to pick out your favorites without any stress.

What Are Foundation Plants?

Foundation plants started as a way to hide the unsightly cement or blocks around the base of newly constructed homes.

Now people add them around their house to enhance the beauty, and break up the monotonous look of a treeless yard, or siding that reaches to the ground.

Landscapers use a mixture of bushes, flowers, and shrubs as a way to create artistic visual interest.

With the right shape, size and color, you can draw someone’s eye around your yard, up the walk, and to the front door. It’s like interior design, but outdoors.

Related Post: How To Design A Front Yard Foundation Planting

When you are looking for foundation plants, these are the attributes that are the most important:

Related Post: 17 Best Ground Cover Plants That Grow Well In The Shade

21 Foundation Plants & Shrubs For Front Of House

I split up the list into two sections to make it easier for you to find what you need. First, we will look at the best shrubs for the front of your house.

Then, you will discover the most popular flowers and perennials that you can use to dress up your home landscaping quickly.

Best Shrubs To Plant In Front Of The House

Shrubs and bushes are the most popular foundation plants for the front of the house. They’re easy to care for, make the best base for corners, and anchor your landscaping. Below are some good options.

1. Boxwood

One of the most common foundation shrubs is the boxwood because it’s easy to shape with some hedge trimmers.

These evergreen bushes can reach 6-8’, and do well in partial to full sun. Most people use them as the base or backdrop for their landscaping, and place other colorful specimens around them.

2. Roses

This classic bush comes in a bunch of different shapes and sizes.

You can find them in just about any hue from pink or red, to yellow, orange, and even shades of white, blue, or purple. Simply choose your favorite colors.

Roses also have a variety of heights. Find them in dwarf forms that only reach 1-3’, or larger shrubs and climbers that can get anywhere from 8-20’ tall.

3. Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are another fantastic way to add pops of color to the front of your house.

Their showy flowers bloom in the late summer or early fall. They come in varieties with either pink, green, blue, purple, or even white blossoms.

They do best in zones 4-9, and can reach heights of either 4-6’ or 6-8’, depending on the type you own. Learn how to grow hydrangeas here.

Hydrangeas are popular foundation shrubs

4. Japanese Maple

A much taller option is the Japanese maple, which you can find either as a bush or in a small tree form.

Some of the bush varieties reach 12-15’, and the trees can be 15-20’. So make sure you give them plenty of space, and don’t put them too close to your house.

They are breathtaking in the fall when the leaves change from green to a vibrant red. This deciduous tree or shrub does best in zones 6-9 with full sun.

5. Juniper

This common evergreen shrub is often used by the pros as the bones or an anchor in front yard landscape design.

The juniper is known for its unmistakable berries that grow in between the pines on some species.

It’s a conifer that prefers full sun, and can reach 4-6’. The ones that make the best foundation plants are those that stay closer to the ground, rather than the ones that look like tall trees.

6. Dogwood

In general there are two basic types of dogwoods, a tree and a shrub. While the trees look great, at 15-20’ they can be a bit too large to put right next to your house.

The bushes do best in full sun, and can reach 8-12’. Both are deciduous and thrive in zones 5-8.

Some will even bloom in mid-spring, with lovely pink or white flowers that are highly fragrant and attractive to pollinators.

Dogwood are good bushes for front of house

7. Elderberry

The elderberry is a pretty specimen that bears edible fruit. The sweet berries can be used to make jams and deserts, and the birds love feasting on them too.

Though it prefers full sun, it can do well in partial shade as well. This beautiful bush is hardy in zones 3-9, where it can reach 8-10’.

In the late spring and early summer it blooms with white flowers, which are a delightful contrast to the dark maroon foliage.

8. Dwarf Lilac

The dwarf lilac is a fantastic way to line your sidewalks or add color to the front of your house.

Reaching 4-6’ tall, this shrub is easy to trim into stunning round shapes, and small enough to make the perfect foundation plant.

It does best in zones 3-7. In late spring it will come alive with pink or fuchsia blooms that smell heavenly.

9. Weigela

If you’re looking for a bush that has good fall colors to brighten up your yard, try weigela. It does best in sun or partial shade in zones 5-9.

It reaches 36-48” tall, though dwarf varieties can be much smaller. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer with pink, red, or white petals.

Unfortunately, they aren’t fragrant when they bloom. But the brilliant colors are stunning, and really stand out against the light green foliage.

Weigela flowering shrub next to the house

10. Mock Orange

Don’t let the name fool you. The mock orange has white flowers that look and smell like those on an orange tree, but it doesn’t produce any fruit.

Also known as English dogwood, this large bush towers at 8-10’, and prefers partial shade in zones 4-8.

The highly fragrant blooms appear in late spring and early summer. Place them near a window so you can enjoy the heavenly aroma inside your home when they’re in full bloom.

11. Azalea / Rhododendron

There are lots of types of azalea and rhododendron that you can choose from. All of them are dazzling.

Growing anywhere from 36-48” for the dwarf varieties, or as large as 10-12’ for larger ones, they prefer shade and acidic soil.

They are the epitome of spring in zones 3-8, blooming in late spring with showy flowers and bright colors.

From whites to pinks and shades of purple, to red, orange, and even yellow, they dress up a home’s front landscape.

12. Spirea

With tons of different varieties to choose from, spirea is a popular foundation shrub because it stays fairly small. Most will only reach 24-36” tall.

It’s also a favorite because it’s resistant to deer, and does well in a wide range of zones, from 4 to 9.

The foliage is pretty, and the pink or white blossoms appear in mid-spring.

Spirea shrubs in front of house

13. Japanese Yew

Another great anchor, the Japanese yew is a low-maintenance coniferous bush that looks captivating in the winter.

The shortest ones, which are 8-10’, make the best foundation shrubs. The taller ones can reach 15-20’, and are better to use farther away from your house.

This is a popular choice for evergreen privacy, and a nice addition to any front garden bed.

Best Foundation Perennials

When it comes to picking out foundation perennial plants, you have a ton to choose from.

The best ones will depend on the color, size, and shape of your home and the existing landscaping. Here are some of my favorites.

14. Lilies

Lilies add artistic beauty to the front of your home, and there are so many varieties that you can pick from.

The sizes range from 1-3’ for the shorter ones, all the way up to an impressive 8’ for the tallest. Though the hardiness varies depending on the species, you can find them for just about any zone.

Most will bloom in late spring or early summer and have stunning, often fragrant, flowers that come in an array of patterns and colors.

15. Hostas

With solid or multicolored leaves that look like they came straight out of a painting, hostas add visual interest to your landscaping.

They only reach 18-28” tall and wide, and do best in shady spots in zones 3-8.

The trumpet-shaped blossoms appear in late summer, and can be anywhere from pale or light purple to white.

Using hostas as foundation plants

16. Astilbe

Also called false goat’s beard, astilbe has bold red, white, or pink flowers that bloom in mid-spring and early summer.

The colors are electric, and really command attention. They are also fantastic for cutting and adding to your indoor bouquet.

This excellent foundation plant will reach 18-24” and, depending on the variety, can thrive in anywhere from partial shade to full sun in zones 4-9. Learn exactly how to grow astilbe here.

17. Iris

There are hundreds of species of this romantic flower that you can choose from. The most popular is the bearded iris.

Depending on the type you choose, they can reach anywhere from 24-36”. The spiky foliage makes a great backdrop, and the blossoms open in the spring.

They come in a variety of colors, from lavender or blue, to yellow, white, pink, salmon, and dark purple. Some smell wonderful too.

18. Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Also called coral bells, Heucheras add vibrance and texture, and are a classic addition to any landscape.

When the pink or white flowers bloom in early summer, they can reach 18”. But the foliage is the star of the show, and you can find them in just about any color of the rainbow.

They can thrive anywhere from shade to full sun in zones 4-9, and can tolerate drought conditions.

Coral bells add color around house foundation

19. Phlox

Very broadly, there are two popular kinds of phlox: tall and creeping. Both require full sun, and are hardy in zones 4-8.

Tall varieties do well in partial shade to full sun, and get to be 36-48”. They have fragrant white, pink, purple, or magenta blooms that appear around the middle of summer.

The creeping ones have a sprawling habit, and barely reach 6” tall. They bloom in early spring, and also come in various colors.

20. Yucca

The yucca is an effortless choice for beginners. These tough evergreen perennials are perfect for drier soils that are typical around a house foundation.

It’s rounded shape with lots of sharp-pointed leaves is easy to spot. Though most commonly used as a desert perennial in zones 9-11, there are cold-hardy varieties that can survive down to zone 3.

When it blooms in late spring, the tall flower spikes stick straight out of the center. They’re usually either pale yellow, pink, or a shade of white, and smell amazing.

The bloom spikes stay short on some types, only reaching 18-36″, while others can get up to 30′ tall. When not in bloom, the foliage is only 18-24”.

21. Peony

There are a bunch of varieties of peonies you can choose from, with a range of different sizes and colors.

The most common one for people to use as foundation perennials is the Chinese peony. It grows 24-36”, and thrives in full exposure.

The showy flowers are well known for their intoxicating fragrance, and bloom in late spring and early summer in zones 2-8. Learn how to care for peonies here.

Peonies planted at the corner of my house

With this list of the best foundation plants for the front of your house, you’re sure to find tons of options. Add some visual interest and beauty to your home with any of these stunning bushes, shrubs, and perennials.

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Share you favorite types of foundation plants in the comment section below.

layout, design, plant selection and interesting ideas

A small plot of land between the facade and the fence can tell a lot about the owners of the house. If the yard is not fenced with a high fence and is open to the eyes of neighbors and passers-by, the design of the front garden is treated with great scrupulousness. Traditionally, the most beautiful plants are planted in it, interesting flower arrangements are created with garden figures, ponds, stones or other interesting landscape details.

Contents

What to consider when planning a front garden

The arrangement of any piece of land requires a systematic approach. It is impossible in a fit of desire to buy the first plants you like, randomly plant them and expect a satisfying result. In the design of the front garden, it is important to consider at least 3 determining factors. They are a hint in what and where to plant.

What to consider when choosing plants for the front garden:

  1. Plant habit. nine0015 With a lack of space, the spreading crown of trees and shrubs will take up too much space, branches can reach the window and knock on the glass in strong winds;
  2. How much time will be allocated for front garden maintenance . Capricious plant species require more attention, while unpretentious ones are content with minimal care;
  3. Orientation to the cardinal direction. Sun-loving plants are planted on the sunny side, shade-tolerant plants in the shade.

    Shade garden plants: hostas, ferns, etc. nine0026

Material costs are also an important aspect. High-quality planting material is not cheap and it is not always possible to buy everything planned at once. In this case, you can fill the front garden gradually, over several years. Temporarily empty places in this case are sown with annual flowers.

Violas in different colors

They do not form a strong root system, so they are easy to get rid of when it's time to plant something more substantial. Seeds collected from annuals are used to create mixed flower beds. nine0003

Subtleties in the design of the front garden

It is believed that the design of the front garden should have something in common with the exterior of the house. This is true, they can be kept in the same style if the owners set out to create a certain image on their site. For example, if the architecture of the house has strict geometric lines, then the space in front of the house should not be overfilled with unnecessary details either. A path made of paving slabs, a mowed lawn, standard trees, topiary from conifers - this is enough for a front garden in a modern style. nine0003

A more colorful flower garden looks harmoniously against the background of a house made of logs. Depending on the availability of free space, here you can plant berries, ornamental shrubs, break a mixborder.

Rockery near the house with conifers and hydrangea

Tips for creating a landscape around the house:

  • The gable of the house with a majestic exterior does not need to be obscured by lush vegetation. It should emphasize the beauty of the structure, and not overshadow it; nine0016
  • If there is a very narrow space between the fence and the house, the flower garden can be laid out behind the fence;
  • It is not recommended to create an exquisite landscape near a house with an unremarkable design. He only focuses on the prosaic structure. It can be decorated with beautifully flowering (but not exclusive) plants;
  • If the fence is not solid (sparse picket fence, forging), it is better that the most favorable viewpoint is from the street, and not from the yard;
  • The view of the front garden with a blank fence should be more attractive from the windows of the house. nine0016

Plants for the front garden

Vegetation plays a central role in the design of the front garden. Even if it is a small paved area, you still cannot do without plants. They are planted in containers and placed along walls, fences, on the porch, hung on hooks driven into the wall of the house.

In addition, small windows are made in the paving, in which perennial grasses, annuals and even small shrubs are planted.

Perennials

The main planting type in the front garden is perennials. You can use one type of plant of different varieties, or you can combine different types to create a continuously blooming flower garden.

Which perennials are suitable for the front garden:

Coniferous plants

In front garden landscaping, undersized or creeping forms of junipers, firs, cypress and other evergreens are used.

You should not overload the landscape with conifers too much, as it will lose its expressiveness. Tui and junipers with a regular pyramidal or spherical crown look perfect on a mowed lawn.

You can plant several plants of the same type and complete the composition with a flower border or a small mono-bed of bright annuals.

Of course, if the area of ​​the front garden allows, it is allowed to plant tall coniferous trees, but there should not be many of them. nine0003

An exception is hedges, where the plants form a dense wall due to being close to each other. But even in this case, it is recommended to use vegetation with a small annual increase.

Slow growing conifers:

  • Western thuja Smaragd ;
  • Western thuja Globosa ;
  • Rock Juniper Blue Arrow ;
  • Rock Juniper Skyrocet ;
  • Scaly Juniper Blue Carpet;
  • Dwarf spruce Glauca Globosa ;
  • Dwarf spruce Little Gem .

Ornamental shrubs

Deciduous shrubs are often the basis for the composition in the front garden. They are planted singly or in groups on a green lawn, depending on the habit of the plants and the availability of free space. Also, the green mass of the bushes is an excellent backdrop for perennial and annual flowers. Bushes in the background are especially often used in mixborders. nine0003

Deciduous shrubs for the front garden:

  • Thunberg barberry - within the species there is a great variety in leaf color, which are light green, burgundy, and yellow;
  • Sumpia - inflorescences are lush voluminous panicles, which is why the plant seems to be shrouded in mist during the flowering period;
  • Tamarisk - small scale-like leaves resemble short needles, blooms with pink elongated inflorescences collected in panicles; nine0016
  • Euonymus - variegated subspecies are especially spectacular.

Shrubs are often used for hedges. If the hedge will be sheared, it is better to plant privet , snowberry , mock orange and other species with a dense crown. They grow rapidly and create a solid wall impervious to wind and road dust.

Privet Hedge

Evergreens

Plants with perennial foliage can be used to create interesting summer and winter arrangements. Green leaves sprinkled with snow look unusual holly mahonia and holly .

Holly mahonia in winter

Low bushes Potentilla are suitable for creating a colorful border along the path. From late spring to mid-summer, it blooms with bright yellow flowers with shiny petals, and the rest of the time it does not lose its attractiveness thanks to small evergreen leaves.

Curtains of rockrose are interesting, which does not shed its leaves in winter, provided that it is provided with abundant watering in summer. Don't Forget About boxwood , a hardy shrub that looks like a miniature tree. From winter-green ground cover plants, chistets and periwinkles can be used.

Periwinkle Blue

Important. In winter, it is not necessary to rely on the decorativeness of ground cover evergreens, since they are still hidden under the snow. Their main value lies in the fact that in early spring, immediately after the snow melts, the picturesque green curtains of these plants appear first. nine0003

Annual flowers

A strong feature of annuals is the brightness of colors and the splendor of flowering. When used correctly, they are able to show themselves from an unexpected side. They are used in combination with perennials, conifers, shrubs and other vegetation. Almost no flower bed can do without annuals, they are planted in borders, discounts, mixborders, on alpine slides.

The most popular annual flowers are zinnia, petunia, tagetes, snapdragon, ageratum, salvia, celosia, Chinese aster, alyssum, bordered spurge. nine0026 If you need to create an atmosphere of exoticism, this task is easy to do by sowing seeds of statice, cineraria, gazania, ornamental cabbage, castor bean and, of course, cochia broom in the front garden.

Grasses

Ornamental grasses help create a front garden with a landscape close to natural conditions. They are planted in small curtains on the lawn, in flowerpots, used to fill the space in the mixborder.

Front garden herbs:

  • Blue fescue ;
  • Mane barley ;
  • Miscanthus ;
  • Shaggy chamois ;
  • Lagurus (haretail) .

cortaderia or pampas grass stand out for their expressive appearance. Tall stems of sprawling rosettes are crowned with stunning fluffy inflorescences.

ofiopogon is also highly decorative. Depending on the variety, its linear leathery leaves are green, almost black, green with a white or yellow stripe, white with a narrow green stripe.

Black ophiopogon

Cylindrical Imperata will also add a lot of creativity to the front garden design. Its thin tall leaves resemble an artist's brush dipped in red paint. In terms of picturesqueness, Imperata is able to compete with the brightest annuals. nine0003 Cylindrical Imperata

How to beautifully arrange flower beds with Fescue - see our video:

How to make a fence

The fence separating the front garden of the road is called the "palisade". Initially, it was a high impregnable palisade, and only a protective function was assigned to it. Over time, the design of the fence improved, its height decreased somewhat, the stakes were replaced by a picket fence, and even began to be decorated with carvings. Modern palisades are very diverse, and all of them can be divided into deaf and open. nine0003

Blind fences for the front garden

Such a fence can be installed when the distance from the front of the house to the fence is at least 4 meters . Otherwise, the view from the windows on a solid wall will not please. If the space to the fence is sufficient, it is filled with vegetation that will hide the high fence.

Blind fence can be made of brick, wood, concrete and metal. For a brick fence, a shallow strip foundation is first poured, and already brickwork is carried out on it. So that the wall does not seem monotonous, pillars of brick of a different shade are displayed at an equal distance. nine0003

A concrete fence is made according to a similar principle and is lined with brick-like clinker, flagstone, or plastered.

Fences made of corrugated board are mounted on metal poles-supports installed at a distance 2.5 - 3 m from one another . Transverse profiled pipes are attached to the supports from below and from above (can be replaced with a beam), and purlins from a metal profile are already screwed onto them.

A metal fence can also be made on a concrete foundation, and the pipe supports can be overlaid with bricks. In this case, the transverse strips are first welded to the posts, on which the corrugated board will be attached, and after that the masonry is performed. nine0003

Wooden fence is structurally quite simple. It is made from planed boards, fitted close to one another. The slab fence looks original. Of course, the material must first be processed: sanded, varnished. You can arrange the boards in the fence vertically, horizontally and even at an angle. Such a fence is ideal for a wooden house, especially when the landscape is created in a rustic style.

Open fences

An open fence obliges the owners of the house to maintain the front garden in perfect condition, as it is always in sight. The easiest fence option is classic wooden fence . It is compatible with any landscape and type of building, but requires regular maintenance: you need to repair damaged parts, once every 2-3 years and cover with paint or varnish.

A good analogue of wood is metal fence . It does not dry out, does not break, and it needs to be painted much less often. In appearance, metal slats almost do not differ from wooden ones, so such a fence looks quite aesthetically pleasing. nine0003

Wrought iron railing looks great near a cottage made of brick or stone . It doesn't matter how high it is, because even a high forged fence provides an excellent view from both sides, from the yard to the street, and from the road to the front garden.

Open fences on a brick base are very beautiful. Between the brick columns, spans of picket fence or forged gratings are mounted. The height of the base is made at will, and it happens from half a meter to half the total height of the fence. nine0003

If you need to install an open fence, but you want to provide some privacy to the yard, it is better to order a wrought iron fence with polycarbonate. The translucent material transmits light well, but through it it is almost impossible to see what is happening outside the fence. In addition, it looks quite original and representative.

Open-type fences also include chain-link mesh and welded fences. They are not as aesthetic as wooden and forged ones, but their construction is somewhat cheaper. The lack of a mesh fence is made up for by climbing plants allowed to trail along the fence. nine0003

Interesting ideas for a front garden

In a front garden decorated in a classic style, a dominant plant is used, around which the whole composition is built. The basis is bright, colorful plants with a long flowering period ( roses, hydrangeas, begonias ) and the rest of the space is filled with annuals and herbaceous perennials. There are other design techniques for the front garden.

Container garden

The idea came to us from Western Europe and was liked by many gardeners. The vegetation is planted in pots of different sizes, and placed in various places: on the steps of the porch, along the path, near the wall of the house on the shore of an artificial reservoir. You can create a combined flower garden in which plants in containers are adjacent to plantings in open ground.

All plants can be grown in pots: annuals, bulbs, perennials, evergreen shrubs and trees. Instead of pots, any suitable containers are used. For example, wooden boxes, tubs, carts are suitable. nine0003

Ponds

The composition with an artificial pond in the front garden deserves attention in any case. The proximity of water favors a special microclimate, thanks to which the plantations look fresher and more attractive. You can also put a bench near the water, fencing it off with a green screen created on a pergola. To enhance the impression of the naturalness of the water landscape, the shore of the reservoir is decorated with stones and moisture-loving plants.

When space is scarce, a miniature reservoir is created from a plastic container. A bath, a large basin or other suitable vessel is dug into the soil, lined with pebbles and filled with water. The picture will be complemented by garden figurines of frogs, ducks and other living creatures that live near the water. nine0003

Hedge

Few people dare to fence off the estate from the road with a hedge. But it can be arranged behind a fence. If the house is located on a busy street, it will be an excellent screen that does not let dust and exhaust gases into the yard. If a blind fence is built, lush vegetation planted near it will brighten up the dullness of the structure.

White Derain as a hedge

Low, neatly trimmed bushes, used for edging paths, planted along the perimeter of flower beds, along a wide blind area. In this case, the hedge acts as a barrier that keeps the earth from spreading over paving and paving slabs. nine0003 Spirea border

There are many more ideas for front garden design: strict green lawn, multicolored Moorish meadow, rock garden, vertical gardening.

Decorative stones for the garden

You can arrange various types of flower beds, create flower arches, build well log cabins and windmills - the main thing is that all the details are combined with each other and leave a pleasant impression.

dizlandshafta

Landscaping at the entrance to the house: 10 ideas and photos on how to set up a front garden in front of the house, tips on what to plant at the entrance to the house

A vegetable garden in front of the house is a great way to stand out from the city landscape and provide your family with delicious and healthy food. But not all neighbors are sympathetic to enthusiastic gardeners and more than unusual plants in front gardens. If you want to plant fruits and vegetables in front of your house and still be on good terms with others, these 10 tips will definitely come in handy.

Steve Masley Consulting and Design

1. Grow beautiful vegetables
Dark purple eggplants, red peppers, giant artichokes, kale and rainbow chard are just as beautiful as pure ornamental plants. Moreover, they have a solid advantage over flowers and bushes, because they are a source of tasty and healthy food on your table.

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

2. Tame Sprawling Plants by Planting in a Container
. Zucchini, zucchini, cucumbers and tomatoes quickly get out of hand. Plus, by the end of the season, their leaves do not look nearly as attractive as at the beginning. nine0003

If you still decide to grow a few spreading plants, plant them in a tall flower bed or in any container. This will give the creepers some semblance of shape and be less likely to take over your entire garden. When shopping for seeds or seedlings, ask the salesperson which species grow well in containers.

3. Harvest not all of the beds
When it comes to leaving some edible plants just to bloom in the beds, artichokes and chives, with their beautiful lilac flowers, come to mind first. Plant more of them, then you won't have to harvest the entire crop, and you will be able to admire flowers that you won't find in a regular store. nine0003

Waterwise Landscapes Incorporated

4. Attract Birds and Butterflies
With pollinators such as small birds, bees and butterflies, your garden will bloom luxuriantly. And who doesn't like a flock of butterflies? Alternate vegetable beds with plants that attract pollinators, and it will be hard to take your eyes off your vegetable garden. Do not forget to put miniature birdbaths, then the birds will not want to fly away from you.

Melissa, lavender, echinacea, sage and verbena plant in bunches of three or more - and pollinators will definitely not fly around your garden. nine0003

Paintbox Garden

5. Replace ornamental leaves with edible ones
When you're converting your front garden into a vegetable garden, the easiest place to start is by replacing ornamental leafy plants with different types of lettuce, cabbage, chard, and even rhubarb. They will delight you with the same lush greenery as their decorative counterparts and, moreover, will become the basis of a healthy diet.

Important Point: If your front garden is not surrounded by a high fence, it is likely that the plants at the very edge of the yard will become a favorite place for dog “visits” and will instantly turn from edible to inedible. To protect yourself from unpleasant surprises, plant vegetables and herbs close to home or in tall containers. Cats can be a problem too, but they are more likely to choose bare ground for their litter box. Therefore, leave minimal gaps between plants or plant them with grass. nine0003

Shades Of Green Landscape Architecture

6. Add a dwarf fruit tree to your composition
You don't need an entire garden to enjoy fruit right from a branch from time to time. Dwarf trees can be planted in the ground, in a large pot, or grown on trellises near the fence (if space is sorely lacking). When you buy seedlings, be sure to ask for advice. Qualified staff will tell you which species grow best in your climate. nine0003

SEE ALSO…
Gardening Essentials: Trimming Trees and Shrubs

Monrovia

7. Plant Berry Bushes
will give you fresh berries for milkshakes and muffins?

Like any plant, berry bushes require maintenance, so plant them where they can be easily reached. A good option is along the boundaries of the site, then it will be easy to share the berries with neighbors. nine0003

SEE ALSO
Gardening Essentials: Vegetable Rotation and Plant Compatibility

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

that the neighbors will notice if it is empty at the end of summer (when the harvest from all the beds is harvested). To keep your front garden always looking its best, it's important to include perennials and evergreens, as well as landscaping elements such as mini-sculptures, decorative props, paths, and a beautiful fence. nine0003

SEE ALSO
All-Season Gardening: Basic Rules for Building

Hoi Ning Wong

9. Stow Tools
If you are in too much of a hurry to tidy up properly, you can leave soil bags, gardening gloves, and unused in the backyard. But the area in front of the house should always look neat. The ideal option for storing tools is a small shed or closet with a beautiful finish.

Learn more