Front Yard Makeover

Spring 2010

Landscape Design by Alan Meadows

Budget around $19,000

The homeowner's main goal was to eliminate all grass in favor of a fully landscaped front yard that is fun and whimsical while also having form and function. The only survivor of the makeover is a stunning weeping Redbud. Additions of Weeping Alaskan Cedar and Pom Pom Scotch Pines add height, dimension and texture against the size of the house. A meandering dry creekbed serves as a drainage trench, and is softened by ornamental grasses and Golden Threadbranch Cypress.

Two natural stone walls add interest and function. The first serves to display a beautiful Weeping Japanese Maple, which is surrounded by golden yellow, summer blooming Daylily and variegated Liriope. The second forms a erosion slowing barrier between the home and the neighboring woods, while supporting a line of spring and fall blooming Encore Azaleas.

Unusual plantings such as Contorted Filbert, Kosteri Cypress and Graham Blandy Boxwood appeal to the homeowners sense of style. A paver walkway was installed to provide greater access to the front door while "trapping" a pom pom pine in a ground level planter. The plan was finished off with a multitude of purple, yellow and red perennial flowers and flowering bushes that will provide color year round.

Before

After