How to Plan a Front Garden

Overview

The front yard tells a lot about the homeowner. It also introduces your home to those who will enter it, as well to people who pass by the yard. Landscaping design is important. You may choose a formal look, or a welcoming one. Perhaps a natural look is more your style. An Asian-styled yard would work for some people, while an English cottage look will work for others. There are numerous styles from which you can choose.

Planning the Garden

Step 1

Record what purpose the garden will serve. Consider whether or not food will be grown, or flowers. Decide whether or not ground covers and shrubs will be utilized. Think about a multipurpose garden, using a combination of plant types. List the manner in which things will be planted. Using containers and raised beds are a couple of options that will work together.

Step 2

Measure the areas of the front yard where gardening will be done. Draw this out on graph paper or in a notebook. Spend time looking through home and garden magazines to see what types of things you would like to incorporate into your front garden. Look at books and use the computer for more ideas. Read books on different gardening methods as well. Record your findings. Map out the different types of gardening methods that will be used where. Include such features as desired fencing, rock walls and water features. Plan for walkways and stepping stones, as well as mulch placement.

Step 3

Look through gardening catalogs to determine exactly what you will grow, and what gardening supplies and equipment you may need to purchase. Put in orders for the desired items, being sure to order enough of everything.

Step 4

Start staking out the different the areas of the yard that you will be gardening in. Use twine to rope these areas off, and a hammer to drive the stakes into the ground. Work the ground where necessary in order to be prepared for the coming seeds and plants. Post signs so people are aware that yard work is going on, and that they should be careful of holes and such when they enter the yard. Mark off areas for trees, walk ways and other features as well. Change the areas now if they do not seem right. Remember that that the separate areas of the front yard should flow naturally into each other. Be sure to incorporate all areas of the front property into the natural flow of the garden.