Posted: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 6:30 am
Burlington County Times
We envy the neighborhood home which showcases a balance of pretty shrubs and trees, with pops of seasonal, colorful flowers.
Homeowners face the challenge of creating a pleasing landscape, particularly at the front of the house. Your landscaping guides are: (1) take note of those yards that you like; (2) incorporate what you are familiar with and love; and (3) keep it simple and enjoyable.
Years ago I bought a 1910 home with a 5-foot-tall hedge about two feet from the entire front of the home. A friend suggested we trim it down so the home was showcased — and because she worried that someone could lurk there while I unlocked the front door.
This laborious trimming also let me put window boxes at the windows facing the street. My lesson for you: less is more when planting shrubs because they really do get much bigger.
An important element in planning your gardens and your landscape is taking a digital photo and printing it out (or draw the outline of your home’s front).
Start with what you have. Keep favorite shrubs and small trees that balance the bulky door of the garage. Cut back bushes that block light from coming into your home. Scan your back and side yards for perennials that you can relocate.
Ask friends and relatives for overgrown plants you can divide this spring by digging up and moving to your yard (also share with them as you re-landscape).
Highlight the front door by planting a slim bush on either side, or plant showy flowers in pots. A welcoming gravel path to your front door is affordable, and reduces mowing time. Make sure to line it with edging strips or bricks so gravel stays in the walkway.
And as for lawns, seasonal maintenance will help you keep a lush, green base to your design. If, however, the grass is not up to par, consult with a local nursery about a plan of action.
Your front yard does not have to be magazine-worthy to look great. Simply stick with plants that you enjoy and that are native to your area for easy-care landscaping.
Deborah Krusen learned early how to garden from her mother. Today she grows flowers, herbs and vegetables in spite of visiting deer and an intruding woodchuck in her Burlington County backyard. Contact her with questions or comments at dreamgarden@sent.com
More about Gardening A To Z
- ARTICLE: Gardening A to Z: ‘J’ is for jams
- ARTICLE: Gardening A to Z: ‘H’ is for holiday fruit
- ARTICLE: Gardening A to Z: G is for glass gardens
- ARTICLE: Gardening A to Z” ‘E’ is for earth
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