A beautiful landscape is a wonderful thing to behold. Somehow it adds order and beauty to our complicated lives, allowing us to breathe in nature for just a moment and forget troubles. Curb appeal is nice for visitors, but it’s even nicer for those who reside in their own home. If you’ve been thinking that curb appeal is reserved for those with large budgets or a lot of time, think again! An interesting feature such as a retractable flagpole so you can proudly wave your flag, or a seating area to encourage guests to sit and chat doesn’t have to be too costly or time-consuming. With that in mind, here are six ways to improve your own landscape simply and without a large expenditure of money.
Begin With Your Front Door
An entrance door can be easily painted to coordinate its color with the rest of the home. Remove and replace any old hardware on the door. Add a feature to the outside that will enhance the look of the door, such as a brass doorknocker or a welcome sign. Replace any other brass or metal items that are rusty, scratched or dirty beyond repair, such as your mailbox or address numbers. These small items can make a big impact in the look of your entrance.
Potted Flower Garden
You may not have the time to grow an extended flower garden, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t add a punch of color to your landscape with potted flowers. Try grouping bunches of potted flowers in one focal point near your front door. Add hanging pots of trailing leaves to the eaves of your home. Purchase window boxes that are easily installed on your window ledge, and fill them with small potted flowers. Ask your garden center what potted flowers are the hardiest for your weather zone, especially if you aren’t gifted with a green thumb. When the weather turns too cold to have potted flowers outside, you can still display them at your front windows from within. You can also add dried flower wreaths at your front door for a perennial winter display.
Install A Small Fountain
It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t enjoy the look of a running fountain. Contrary to what you might think, modern fountains don’t have to waste tons of water. They simply recycle the same water over and over. Garden fountains run from the whimsical, such as a hanging bucket in a well, to the more modern approach of stylized art. They look beautiful in a front landscape, even when the water is not running. Ideally, a front landscape ought to be balanced, with visual features that are the correct size for the landscape they are on. This may be difficult to achieve on a lot of acreage. If you are unsure of the best way to decorate your landscape, ask a professional landscaper for help.
Solar Lighting
The most beautiful landscapes have lighting which gives off a soft glow at night. Lights with colored diffusion are even prettier. Solar lights can be placed anywhere on your landscape to highlight an area or define it. Try placing them along your walkway or nearby garden art as an accent. The advantage of solar lights is that while they are not particularly bright, they take their energy from the sun. No electrical wires need to be installed. You simply stake them into the ground wherever they are needed.
An Inviting Garden Trellis
For years, the garden trellis has been used as a symbol of love. To this day, wedding couples are photographed beneath it. A garden trellis can be an inviting open doorway calling visitors onto your walkway. If you long for the nostalgia of a country scene, consider placing a trellis or garden arbor at your entrance way. Enhance it with delicate flowers planted at its base.
Cast Iron Fire Pit
Fire is another visual feature that is loved by most people, particularly in the summertime at night. There’s no reason to confine it to your back patio. Choose a tall fire pit that emits a vertical flame, placed somewhere near the front steps. Just be sure the fire is contained within the pit, and the pit itself is heavy and durable. Be sure to supervise its use for safety.
Simplicity is the key to a beautiful landscape. Simple features added to your front landscape can have a very pleasing effect, if they are chosen to harmonize with the look of your home. Professional landscaping in Provo, UT can make your yard look great without all the extra hassle. Be sure to get expert help on designing your yard.
