Plants Are Welcoming

Farmhouse Exterior by Atlanta Architects & Building Designers Historical Concepts
 
Right or wrong we all have perceived views on what lies ahead. We also have different expectations on what is appealing and important in our lives. When you first walk up to a house of someone you don't know, do you look at their property and think, what are they going to be like? What will their house be like inside? If nothing is planted in the yard, and the fence paint is fading, do you feel like the house will either be simple or messy inside because of the lack of attention to the outside? Probably, but we all know people that don't garden but love to have a beautiful home and a well kept living space. While others can have a beautiful yard and a house either immaculate or a complete mess inside. With or without plants, in your front yard you can make a difference whether visitors feel welcome.
 
Traditional Landscape by Encinitas Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers The Design Build Company

Take them on a journey from their first step onto your property. Simple flower pots on either side of the garage and one close to the front door along with a hanging basket can add a pop of colour and soften the hardness of the traditional materials used to make a home. It will also add life to your property and almost say hello to your visitor as they approach the front sidewalk. Have fun with your planters and give your visitors a surprise by gardening on the edge, with not only annuals but perennials, shrubs, evergreens and tropical house plants. With the addition of a tree and a few shrubs the visitor will be drawn in and the walk to the door will be slow as they begin to take it all in. Create flowerbeds with large meandering curves making it hard for them to see everything, leaving them wanting to see what is in store around each corner. Your visitor will be left wanting to see more. Top it off with a few specimen plants like a Weeping White or Weeping Blue spruce, tree form Lime Light hydrangea, Campfire rose or Purple Spire flowering crabapple. With a well-maintained yard a homeowner will not only feel a sense of community but also exude a sense of community.

In the colder regions of Canada you may also want to increase the percentage of evergreens in the front yard. With your yard being covered with snow or dormant brown grass for half the year the blue and green from the evergreens will give your property life. A great way to research plants to help welcome people to your property is by using the Bylands.com website or by visiting your local garden center and speaking to a garden centre professional.

Happy Gardening!

For more ideas ask your local garden center professionals and make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest for other help tips and hints.

Rich

Guest post by Rich - Bylands Account Representative

My personal garden is now 17 years old and most of the trees 19 years. shrubs, evergreens and perennial beds are all bordered with large sandstone boulders.  Two reasons I have had to replant each year are: Shasta Daisy was a white German Shepherd and Georgia Peach is a caramel with white and black Shepherd, Husky something cross.  My dogs are always named after plants.

Photo Credit via Houzz