Have you been wondering how to give your home a makeover without a huge budget? While there are benefits to updating the roof or your home’s paint colour, incorporating landscaping into your front wall design can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your property.
It goes without saying that a well-thought-out design can contribute to the overall curb appeal, create a welcoming atmosphere and serve some practical purposes you may never have considered, such as security and noise reduction.
There are plenty of options when looking to integrate landscaping into your front wall design, but here are just a few of ours.
Greenery and Planting
Install vertical planters or trellises on the front wall to create a lush green wall. This not only adds a beautiful natural element but also helps in reducing heat and providing insulation.
Incorporate planting beds along the base of the wall, allowing for a mix of flowers, shrubs, and ground cover. Choose plants that thrive in your climate and require low maintenance.
Water Features
Integrate water features into the front wall design for a calming and visually appealing effect. The sound of running water can enhance the overall ambiance and create a more tranquil environment.
Functional Elements
Design seating areas or benches within the front wall. This not only adds functionality but also creates a space for residents or visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Consider incorporating hidden storage spaces within the wall for practical use. This could be for garden tools, outdoor equipment, or even as a parcel drop-off point.
Lighting
Install lighting fixtures within the front wall to illuminate the landscaping at night. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves security and safety around the property.
Artistic Elements
Consider adding artistic elements to the front wall, such as mosaic patterns or murals. This can be a unique way to express creativity and add a personalised touch to your property.
Materials and Texture
Choose materials for the front wall that complement the natural surroundings. Natural stone or textured finishes can add depth and visual interest to the design.
Architectural Features
Integrate archways or pergolas into the front wall design. This not only adds architectural interest but also provides support for climbing plants, adding a dynamic, living element.
Sustainability
Opt for drought-tolerant or low water plants to promote sustainability and reduce water consumption. This choice can contribute to a low-maintenance and eco-friendly landscaping design. Remember to consider the climate, maintenance requirements, and your personal preferences when incorporating landscaping into your front wall design. A well-balanced combination of aesthetics and functionality can significantly enhance the overall appeal of your property.
Why Landscaping the Front of Your Home is Essential
Landscaping is often something left to last, but there are several reasons to start considering the landscaping of your front wall or yard if you haven’t already. These reasons encompass both practical and aesthetic considerations.
Kerb Appeal
The front of your home is the first thing that people see when visiting or passing by your home. A well-designed and maintained front area enhances the kerb appeal, which not only makes your property more attractive and inviting, but if you are considering selling, it can add appeal and value to your home.
Property Value
A thoughtfully and planned landscaped front yard can significantly increase the value of your property. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for a home with an appealing exterior and well-maintained landscaping, as it means they don’t need to worry about this area of the home.
Aesthetics
A well landscaped front wall design adds a great level of beauty and visual interest to your home. It allows you to not only express your personal style, but also create a welcoming environment that can complement the architectural features of your home, as well as bring the style you are looking for.
Environmental Benefits
One factor that many don’t realise is that properly placed trees and plants can provide shade, which in turn, can help to reduce the overall temperature of your home. This may then contribute to lower power bills in the warmer seasons.
In addition to this, plants contribute to improved air quality around your home, releasing oxygen, and filtering out pollutants and dust particles.
Community Aesthetics
Did you know that a well-landscaped and well-maintained front yard contributes to the overall look and character of your neighbourhood? Your garden and front yard could help to foster a sense of community pride, as well as encouraging other homeowners to maintain, or redo their front wall landscaping.
How Much Value Can A Front Garden Add To Your Home
A question that is often asked is how much value can a professionally landscaped front garden or front entry add to your property? While it is an area that varies depending on location, property size and the overall real estate market at the time, it can certainly help.
In the case of a well-designed front entry landscape, it is suggested that you could expect between a 5-15% increase in value.
But like anything there are factors that come into play when talking about property values.
Impact of Kerb Appeal
The front garden is the first thing potential buyers or visitors see. A well-kept and aesthetically pleasing front garden enhances kerb appeal, making a positive first impression that can influence the perceived value of the property.
Regional Differences
The impact of landscaping on home value can be influenced by regional preferences, climate, and the local real estate market. In some areas, outdoor spaces and landscaping may be highly valued, while in others, it might have a more modest impact.
Functional Outdoor Spaces
Creating functional outdoor spaces in the front yard, such as patios, seating areas, or well-designed gardens, can enhance the perceived living space of the property. This is particularly valuable in areas where outdoor living is popular.
Professional Landscaping
Homes with professionally designed and landscaped front yards may see a higher return on investment. A cohesive and well-executed design can enhance the overall appeal of the property.
What are the Best Plants to Use in Your Front Wall Design?
The best plants for your front garden will depend on various factors, including your soil type, sunlight conditions, and personal preferences.
However, here is a diverse selection of plants that are often popular for front gardens due to their adaptability, visual appeal, and ease of maintenance:
Evergreen Shrubs
- Boxwood (Buxus): A versatile evergreen shrub that can be shaped into hedges or topiaries, providing structure to the garden year-round.
- Dwarf Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides ‘Radicans’): Known for its fragrant white flowers, it’s a compact evergreen shrub suitable for smaller spaces.
Flowering Shrubs
- Lilac (Syringa): Offers fragrant blooms in spring and comes in various colours. Choose a dwarf variety for smaller front yards.
- Forsythia (Forsythia spp.): Early bloomer with bright yellow flowers, adding a burst of colour in early spring.
Perennials
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis): These hardy perennials come in various colours and bloom throughout the summer, providing a long-lasting display.
- Hostas (Hosta spp.): Known for their lush foliage, hostas are excellent for adding texture and thrive in shaded areas.
Groundcovers
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): A low-growing groundcover with bright yellow-green foliage, suitable for both sun and partial shade.
- Ajuga (Ajuga reptans): Offers dense ground coverage and has attractive foliage, often with colourful spikes of flowers.
Ornamental Grasses
- Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum): Adds texture and movement to the garden with its arching blades and feathery plumes.
- Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca): Compact, blue-grey foliage that adds a cool tone to the garden.
Flowering Perennials
- Coneflowers (Echinacea): Drought-tolerant perennials with distinctive cone-shaped flowers, attracting butterflies and bees.
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Vibrant yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to fall.
Small Trees
- Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Adds a touch of elegance with its delicate foliage and vibrant fall colours. There are compact varieties suitable for smaller spaces.
- Dogwood (Cornus florida): Known for its spring flowers and colourful fall foliage, making it an attractive year-round choice.
Flowering Vines
- Clematis: Comes in various varieties with different bloom times and colours, ideal for climbing on trellises or arbours.
- Honeysuckle (Lonicera): Fragrant flowers and attractive foliage, suitable for growing on fences or walls.
Bulbs
- Tulips and Daffodils: Plant bulbs in the fall for a burst of colour in the spring. They are low-maintenance and come in various colours and varieties.
Drought-Tolerant Plants
- Lavender (Lavandula): Fragrant and drought-tolerant, lavender is well-suited for sunny front gardens.
- Sedum (Sedum spp.): Succulent plants that are low-maintenance and come in various sizes and colours.
Before selecting plants, consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil quality, and weather conditions in your area. It’s also essential to plan for a mix of plants that provide interest throughout the seasons and complement each other in terms of colour, texture, and height.
Additionally, local landscapers, nurseries and gardening centres can offer valuable advice based on your specific location and conditions.
Professional Landscaping in Perth
Are you looking to re-landscape your front yard or front boundary wall? Talk to our friendly team today about the possibilities you have for your home.