Five Easy Ways to Get Picture-Perfect Curb Appeal
Investing a little time in your front yard will pay off for years to come. Learn five easy ways to get picture-perfect curb appeal in this video by Better Homes and Gardens:
Containers
One of the easiest ways to increase curb appeal is with containers. Some people prefer symmetry with the same plant on both sides of the front door, like a boxwood, but you can mix it up with (for example) two pots on one side and three pots on the other, creating similar masses. Stick to a limited color palette. Be aware of where the containers are going to be (sunny or shaded area) and choose plant appropriately. Make sure to water the pots and use a light fertilizer application so you can get as many blooms as possible.
Try to buy plants that work well as a unit and containers with a width of 12-18 inches. Think of your containers as providing seasonal decoration. As you go through the year, interchange spring bulbs, summer annuals, pumpkins, fall leaves, chrysanthemums and cut evergreen branches.
Fertilizer and Compost
Once you get your curb appeal perfect, you need to think about fertilizing your plantings and containers. Don’t over-fertilize as you can harm the plants. Use a light application, and use it more sporadically. Also, make sure your lawn is well fed to cut down on weed growth, and add some organic fertilizer to your flower beds, trees and shrubs. You can have your soil tested by your local agricultural extension service; they can tell you if you need certain soil amendments. You can also make your own compost.
Paths
One of the most important things to think about with curb appeal is how you get to the front door. You can have a classic straight path or experiment with a curved path or something more casual, but remember people generally want to get from their car to your front door as quickly as possible. You may notice lines or foot paths in your lawn where people are cutting a corner; in this case, why not formalize the path by installing flagstones or other materials. You need to make sure you path is safe and can sustain foot traffic.
If you have a traditional house, think about brick in all sorts of patterns. If you want a more modern look, think about a concrete sidewalk or individual concrete square pavers with lawn in between.
Lawn
Think about if you want turf or seed. Turf creates a very pristine look, while a seed-sown lawn has a more natural look and is easier to start in hard-to-reach or shady places. You should also have your lawn aerated from time to time to keep it healthy.
Foundation Planting and Mulch
Everyone knows the typical American house has shrubs and bushes right along the front. This is called foundation planting, and it’s the framework that sets up your home to look its best. Think about multiple seasons of interest; you want to have spring and summer flowers, fall colors and winter berries. Using that base of greenery, add annuals, perennials, ferns and other plants to add texture and interest. A foundation planting that’s all evergreens is pretty dull. Make sure you’re not hanging onto plants for the wrong reason if you have an older home.
Think about using mulch that’s very natural looking. Use a dark mulch; too light of a mulch will pull attention away from your flowers.
Lastly, an easy way to think about what plants should go in a certain space is to think about which way your house faces. If it faces north, it should be full shade. if it faces south, it should be full sun. East or west will be partial sun.
