Your front garden is the first thing anyone sees – visitors, neighbours and, if you’re selling, potential buyers. With spring in full swing, there’s no better time to give it a facelift.
A tired front yard can drag down the look of an otherwise beautiful home, while a well-considered one sets the tone before you’ve even opened the door. The good news? You don’t need a full renovation budget to lift your street appeal. Landscape designer Matt Leacy of Landart Landscapes shares five easy ways to make your neighbours green with envy.
1. Spruce Up Your Walkway
Your path is the runway to your front door, so make it count. Swap plain concrete for materials with more character and charm, such as brick, flagstone or pavers. Adding a gentle curve to a straight path is another simple way to make a stylish statement.
To soften the edges, Matt recommends lining the walkway with low-maintenance plants such as camellias, lomandras and birds of paradise – all hardy performers that look good year-round.
2. Fill It With Florals
Make guests feel welcome from the moment they step through the gate with a colourful display of fragrant blooms. Matt recommends flowers in bright, bold hues – his top picks are peonies, Siberian irises and Asiatic lilies, which come in a cheerful range of orange, yellow and purple. Clustering bold colour this way makes the most of even a small front garden.
Tip: peonies need a cold winter to flower well, so they thrive in cooler regions such as the Southern Highlands, Tasmania and Victoria. If you’re gardening in a warmer, humid climate, ask your local nursery for heat-tolerant alternatives with similar colour punch.
3. Create an Oasis
Medium to large plants do double duty out the front: they add privacy from passers-by and create a natural buffer against street noise. According to Matt, a mix of interesting textures, shapes and colours can also create the illusion of space, making your garden feel bigger than it is.
A low hedge is another clever way to bring a sense of calm and intimacy to your entry – without building an unfriendly wall between you and the street.
4. Light It Up
Good lighting transforms a front garden after dark, creating a warm, welcoming entry and a greater sense of security. Strategically placed mood lighting and uplights let you choose exactly which features to highlight – a feature tree, a textured wall or the line of your path.
Choose fittings made from high-quality, waterproof and durable materials such as brass, copper or marine-grade stainless steel so they stand up to the elements. Solar and low-voltage options are easy to install yourself, but any mains-powered (240V) outdoor lighting must be installed by a licensed electrician.
5. Add Space to Entertain
If space permits, Matt suggests adding a patio or small deck to your front garden. The old-fashioned front verandah may have fallen out of favour, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a cold drink out the front with family and friends as the sun goes down. A couple of weatherproof chairs and a side table are all it takes to turn an overlooked corner into your favourite spot.
Selling Soon? First Impressions Count
If your home is heading to market, your front garden does the heavy lifting in listing photos and at the first inspection. A tidy path, fresh mulch, healthy plants and a clean, well-lit entry tell buyers the home has been cared for – before they’ve stepped inside.
What are your top tips for revamping a front garden? Tell us in the comments below.
