Most people underestimate the impact of front garden design. In an age of driveways and gravel, it can be easy to discount your front garden to utility; but you only have to step into one of our villages to see it done right. Your front garden is the first impression for visitors, the last thing you see before you leave for work and the scene which welcomes you home. Not to mention the impact it can have on the price of your house when selling – front garden design is a huge part of our jobs and we relish every chance to change people’s minds.
That being said, we’ve compiled some of our team’s top tips with those of our favourite designers; to give you a flavour of how to get started:
SIZE AND VARIETY
Of course, size is rather limited by the physical space available – but we’re talking about ‘thinking big’ here. You will want a variety of species in your front garden, so when designing your garden make sure that you install beds that will accommodate them. A good rule of thumb is to design what you think, then add 20% to that. Root systems and competition for space can both turn a beautiful bed into a forest disaster. In terms of species, go for up to 5 perennials, 5 shrubs and 1 or 2 types of tree. You’re looking for variety, not (normally) overcrowding. If you want eclectic, wildflower seed mixes are your friend.
FLOWING AND FRAMING
It goes without saying that your front garden needs to utilise navigational design. Whilst adding curb appeal and welcoming you home are both important aspects, the front garden is a route from the street to your home – so consider the paths and directions when designing. Don’t send the postman 10 metres out of his way to get to your door, or else he’ll be tramping across your lawn by the second week. Frame the door and steer the lines toward it, use borders to keep visitors away from your windows or back entrances; and don’t meander with paths too much.
GREEN, GREEN GRASS OF HOME
You won’t find many front gardens without a lawn, but it’s not a necessity. If you’re looking for beautiful flowers and space to park your car, sometimes you’ll have to sacrifice the lawn. Don’t be tempted to create a small square of green for the sake of it, it will look as silly as it sounds. That being said, if you have the space then by all means a lawn will help to open up a garden. You can get creative with the shape and size of your lawn, but make sure you choose a hardy mix or even a good artificial turf.
Eden Restored is a team of passionate garden designers working throughout London, Kent and Surrey.
We deliver value-for-money on projects of any size, from inner-city courtyards to countryside cottages.
To discuss your ideas and how we can help throughout the entire process, get in touch.