How to Design Landscaping at a Front Entrance

You only have one first impression. When visitors come to your home, their first impression of your home will likely be based on the front entrance area. Therefore, create a landscape at your front entrance that is appealing and welcoming. There are many ways to create that perfect landscape, so decide which best fits your situation and one that you will enjoy.

Grid paper

Measuring tape

Pencil

Pavers or bricks

Paint

Take measurements and sketch out a map of your space on grid paper. Mark the location of the front door and windows on the map. Label the windows with the distance from the ground to the bottom of the windows to help you select plants to grow there. If you have existing trees, shrubs and plants you want to keep, mark these on the map as well. The map will help you determine how much space you have and how many plants you should buy.

Make a clear path to the front door from the street or driveway to lead visitors to the front entrance. If necessary, plan a pathway with bricks or pavers. A curved rather than straight pathway to the door adds interest to the space. Note that a fresh coat of paint on your door also makes your front landscape more appealing.

Decide where you want to grow your plants. If you have a corner near your entrance, grow a shrub at the corner to soften the area. If you don't have a garden bed near your front entrance, you can grow plants in containers. Wine barrels can make interesting plant containers near a front entrance.

Balance out the area at the front entrance. The landscape does not need to be symmetrical, but it should feel balanced. A large tree, some shrubs and a handful of flowers on one side of the door, opposing just a few small plants on the other side will seem off balance. Instead, plant a tree and a few plants on one side, and two shrubs and a few plants on the other.

Grow plants that are smaller in height near the front of the entrance. Create a garden bed that extends to the ends of the house and around the corner, if desired. As you get closer to the ends of the home, grow plants, shrubs and trees that are taller and larger. Create a curved garden border so it balances out the straight lines of the house.

Grow flowers to add a splash of color near the front door. This is especially nice if the door or house is a neutral color. If your perennials, trees and shrubs do not offer a lot of color, plant colorful annuals near them that bloom throughout the warm months.

Grow plants with similar needs near each other. Plant shrubs that all need pruning in the spring rather than ones that need pruning at different times of the year for easier maintenance. Consider a fragrant shrub next to the entrance to greet you and your visitors as they go in and out of the front door. Fragrant shrubs also work well near an open window or in the porch area.

Do not grow large shrubs that cover windows or doorways, since these can hide burglars and other unwelcome guests.