Updating your landscaping is a wonderful way to create a welcoming and appealing front facade. Even if you don’t want to do anything fancy, being mindful of the following will help you choose and locate just the right plants for your home! As a house facade designer and Street Appeal expert, here are my top tips on what to consider:
House colours: If your home is predominantly a darker colour, then consider using lighter and mid-coloured plants so they stand out. Conversely, if your house is a light colour, then go for a combination of mid and dark coloured species of plants.
Scale/size of your home: You’ll want to choose plants that are in proportion to the size of your home. For example, if you have a large home, you’ll want to choose larger plants to fill out the space and feel more in scale with it. On the other hand, if you have a smaller home, you’re best to choose plants that are more compact and won’t overpower the space.
Consider the climate: Different plants thrive in different climates, so it’s important to choose plants that are well-suited to your area (including type of soil). For example, if you live in a hot and dry climate, succulents and plants that require minimal watering are a perfect choice. Likewise, if you live in a cooler climate, be sure to use plants that suit the cool and probably plenty of rain too!
Take into account the amount of sunlight: Different plants have different sunlight requirements, so choose plants that will receive the right amount of sun for their needs. For example, if the front of your home is north facing, consider plants that will tolerate full sun. If it’s south facing, you’ll need plants that like some shade – particularly those that are located close to the house which will be in shadow most of the day.
Think about maintenance: While it’s always nice to have a beautiful garden, it’s important to consider the amount of time and effort you’re willing to put into maintaining it. If you don’t have a lot of time to devote to gardening, choose more low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for.
Get creative: There’s no rule that says you have to stick to traditional plants when it comes to your front garden. Consider using herbs, fruit trees as well as a combination of other more traditional species to add some interest and functionality to your space.
When it comes to choosing plants for the front of your home, the most important thing is to choose ones that you love and that will thrive in your specific environment. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create a beautiful and welcoming front garden that adds value and charm to your home.
Jane Eyles-Bennett x
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