Front Gardens & Entrances

If you need to park your car in your front garden, avoid tarmacking or paving the area – for which you may require planning permission from your local council. Gravel is a far better option, as it allows water drainage and is hard wearing enough to withstand the rigours of regular parking. Lay a permeable plastic membrane below the gravel to keep the weeds at bay, or plant something like creeping thyme, which will cover the area quickly with attractive foliage, flowers in summer and the added benefit of a lovely scent every time it’s crushed!

The simplest idea for a front garden is a lawn surrounded by flowerbeds. However, this can be quite high maintenance. The lawn needs to be mowed regularly to keep it looking neat, so bear in mind how easy it is to get your lawn mower to the front of the house. If you have a large lawn area, consider shaping it or planting an ornamental fruit tree in the centre for added interest. And give some thought to where your garden path is. We all like to cut corners, but you might not be so happy if your postman walks across the grass every day! Mark out your preferred access route with a gravel or slabbed path or stepping stones.

Whether your car takes up most of the space, or you only have a very small garden to play with, there is always room for plants in the front garden. Look for the ‘dead space’ – space that’s not being used for anything – and fill it with flowers! Beds under the windows don’t take up much room and can be planted with a mix of flowering shrubs and bulbs for a display that changes throughout the seasons. Evergreens like Pyracantha Firethorn and holly provide interest all year round and are a valuable food source for birds. Rambling roses and other climbers such as clematis create a showy display when grown up a trellis, and topiary trees or bay trees make a statement when displayed in pairs either side of the front door. And containers or a hanging basket or two are easy ways to add a splash of colour that can be updated throughout the year. Our designers have lots of ideas for the correct plants to use in various situations.

Don’t forget that your front garden will be viewed from two angles – it needs to look good from your windows, and also have kerb appeal. When planning the design bear this in mind. Choose plants and materials that complement the colours and style of your house rather than clashing with them. For example, a symmetrical house will be enhanced by a more formal garden, just as a rambling rose garden will work best with a cottage-style house. Tall grasses can provide some privacy for windows close to the pavement without blocking out the light, and climbing plants like jasmine, hydrangea and wisteria add interest to blank walls or can cover unsightly fencing. Steer clear of Virginia creeper or ivy, however, which may look attractive but can cause damage to walls.

Finally, if you have the space you might want to create a seating area in your front garden. The ultimate garden seating can be created with decking, but even a small patio with a bistro table and chairs will give you a pleasant spot to enjoy your morning coffee and watch the world go by.