Front Garden Design Ideas - Planting options

​We often neglect our front gardens as we spend so little time in them, choosing to relax and entertain in the privacy of our back gardens.  However as we use them numerous times a day when we leave and return to our home, with a little effort a neat, tidy and uncluttered front garden can be a very welcome site at the end on a hard day at work.  The way we present our front garden also sets the tone for our home so considering the garden design and planting design options is worthwhile. Unlike our secluded rear gardens the space at the front of our property is on show to all of those who pass by, our visitors, our neighbours and even the postie! Whether you have a small postage stamp size space or a grand sweeping driveway, sprucing up the front garden is a benefit not only to ourselves but to our community too.  ​

For tiny front gardens a few key plants which provide evergreen structure work well such as topiary, Hebes, Euonymous. Select plants which are low maintenance and suitable for the space is key. Many new properties suffer with huge shrubs planted by the builders which get to be out of hand, so replacing with slow growing compact plants is recommended. Colour can be added with a few pots of bright seasonal colour or a hanging basket.
For small-medium front gardens combining low maintenance shrubs with ornamental grasses and perennials can give a softer look in contrast to the hard lines of the surrounding buildings. The key is to have a good backbone of evergreen and structural shrubs to provide interest throughout the year.  All of these work well planted through gravel with an underlying membrane so they can be used in conjunction with hard-standing for vehicles.
For those with space, a tree can offer screening from the neighbours and from road noise, but choose wisely. Avoid large vigorous trees which can get out of hand and cause problems with drainage and building foundations. Instead opt for dwarf or naturally small growing trees like Flowering Cherries, Crab Apples, ornamental Hawthorns or Amelanchier.

If you would like help tackling your front garden or you are in need of Garden Design and Planting Design i’d be happy to help. I offer a bespoke service from consultations through to full design packages. Take a look at my website for more details www.belgrierson.co.uk  Give me a ring on 07506 750250 or Message me.

Author - Bel Grierson

Expert Plantswoman and Garden Designer with 20 years experience in horticulture.  Bel loves to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with those with gardens large and small.

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