Front Yards
There are many ways to design the space in a front yard. The traditional "Foundation Planting' is certainly one way, but is sometimes not practical or doesn't do justice to the potential of the space. Below are creative ideas for how to move beyond the traditional planting approach. These designs incorporate hillsides, create privacy, surprise guests with a two-way garden, build community and ..... the possibilities are endless........
After decades in the house decided this homeowner updated her front yard. Goals and challenges: front hill, shade from tree, low maintenance and diseased lawn.
BEFORE
CONCEPT
PLAN
Sunset Hills: DIY (Homeowner Installed) Front and Back Yard
I wish I had taken before pictures. The lesson here is that hillsides can be beautiful and functional. The transformation was amazing. This homeowner's sweat equity in installing the patio, wall and landscaping shows that with some braun and great planning, all things are possible.
South Hills DIY
This veteran and his wife worked their buns off to install the entire landscape. What an amazing feat of work that even incorporated a play area for the kiddos.
Suburban Cabin
The engineers that own this home needed privacy from a busy road that leads to a shopping mall. The house had exposure on all sides and had doors and steps leading to no where in the front yard. We added paths to direct flow and plants to soften the horizontal lines of the logs. Owners wanted natives and perennials to attract birds and butterflies, but NOT deer. They had butterflies during their first summer. I look forward to posting pictures as this landscape matures.
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New Construction
The engineers that own this home needed privacy from a busy road that leads to a shopping mall. The house had exposure on all sides and had doors and steps leading to no where in the front yard. We added paths to direct flow and plants to soften the horizontal lines of the logs. Owners wanted natives and perennials to attract birds and butterflies, but NOT deer. They had butterflies during their first summer. I look forward to posting pictures as this landscape matures.
South Hills Front Yard
2-Way Garden and Privacy Screen
So what is a two-way garden? It offers two different perspectives.....public and private. This landscape was installed at least 8 years ago....or more. It is located on a busy corner. The sidewalk from the steps leads guests through a 'mini' garden and the grass path directs visitors to the front porch. The view from the porch offers a quiet contemplative sanctuary looking into flowers, annuals and statuary which is a 'discovery' once on the property. The variety in views offers interest and the careful planning prevents a 'hodge podge' look.. The side of the yard has arborvitae to screen a back patio from the street. These owners have done a stellar job maintaining shrub size and planting annuals.
Freshen Up Entrance
Plants don't live forever and it was time to update the planting.
Landscape Redesign
This Landscape was installed in phases. The situated on a hill and on a corner required some screening.
Ranch in the Country
This was installed right before the ground froze in 2015. I can't wait to post some 2016 pictures.
Mt. Lebanon Home
New Construction and 2-Way Garden
This new construction set on a hill. The original builders design was the traditional concrete sidewalk that led to the driveway. Eventually a stone step stair was installed to tie the house to the street. There was a '2-way' garden installed. The public view sees a more traditional shrub border. Once a person walks up to the house they enjoy a perennial garden and water fountain which are also viewed from the outside seating area, and from inside the living & dining rooms.
Squirrel Hill Privacy and 2-Way Garden
This lovely home in Squirrel Hill needed privacy on sides and open view to the street. We tried to balance removing overgrown shrubs while keeping the lovely rhododendrons. The foundation planting offers a nice street view and tucked behind the shrubs is a shade perennial garden for viewing from the porch. Notice that we removed the hedge in front of the house.
East End DIY
No Project is too much for this energetic couple. They have created a lovely oasis right near the zoo. The island installed by previous owners was overgrown and ravaged by deer. We updated the look and reused existing perennials. As part of the project the homeowners had previously built a substantial fire pit on the side of the house. We created a woodland retreat out of the space.
City Annual Garden Design--Building a 'Community'
No Project is too small. This client worked hard to create raised beds and fill them with the most amazing soil. His healthy soil makes it possible to use no chemicals to ward of disease and pests. Maybe the saying for humans can be applied to plants....."you are what you eat." This was a fun project where the homeowner and I collaborated on colors. This is a spontaneous public garden. He shares flowers and cuttings with all the neighbors who stroll by. His garden builds 'community' in the neighborhood. We experimented with some non traditional bedding plants in 2015. In 2016 we are trying more hibiscus and some surprises....stay tuned.
Front & Back Renovation
This clients grew up in the house and bought from parents. They raised their family and as they embark on empty-nesting and high school aged children, they wanted a total renovation.
BEFORE
PROPOSED CONCEPT
PROPOSED PLAN