The first thing I did when I moved into my new house was tear out the front sidewalk, misshapen yews, river rock and concrete retaining block that was unnecessarily bordering the straight shot sidewalk from the driveway to the front stoop. The walk was so narrow that company would have to walk in single file to the front door. I wanted people to feel comfortable and welcome when they paid my family a visit. The new sidewalk widened from 2.5’ to 6’ and I replaced my gray sidewalk with warm colored pavers that complimented the existing brick on the front of my home. I included space for future containers to display my seasonal annuals, and followed with simple plantings that softened the new sidewalk.
There are many ways to create an experience for visitors as they approach your front door. It is always important to reflect architectural elements and material from your home into the landscape. Always direct the eye towards focal points which of course includes the front door.
The design of a front entry is strongest when hardscape features lean towards a formal style and are softened by plantings or furnishings. When designing or redesigning a front entry look at the architectural features of the home and find ways to tie the landscape in so that it looks like it was cohesively designed at the same time. Always look for that special design touch that will set your home apart from others and expresses your personal character. Use brick or stone that compliments or matches the material used on the homes façade. Pavers are a great way to add color and interest to your entries and small sitting spaces. The great attribute of pavers is that they are a flexible material that does not crack like concrete and can be easily repaired. Paver inlays of various shapes and designs add a unique design element and conversation piece.
Draw the eye towards the front entry by using colorful bulbs and annuals, water features, artwork or container displays with seasonal plants. Use these elements carefully and simply, not to overwhelm the eye. Keep plantings simple and in masses. During the night time hours lighting can be an effective tool for directing visitors safely to your front door and to highlight unique garden features. These focal points can be used to guide your company’s eye through the landscape and direct them.
Go into your front yard and take a step back. Look at your home’s entry and think about what kind of experience you are creating for your visitors. You can improve the appearance of your home dramatically by applying these principles. Ask yourself, what can I do to make the entry experience of my home more interesting and enjoyable?
By Alyssa Eyman
