In the Garden: Finding curb appeal in the landscape

Sue Goetz

In the Garden

It usually starts with the notion of selling a home: All the ways to dress to impress potential buyers, paint, new carpet, etc.

After all the work inside, then comes the first impression — the landscape outside. Landscaping can boost the value of a home; statistics show anywhere from 5 to 15 percent.

In this economy, maybe you have decided not to sell, but make the best of what you already have. In the thick of the gardening season, take a look at outside improvements.

What is the meaning of curb appeal? The curb says it’s the front yard, and appeal defines it as something that gets your attention.

It’s what you see when you drive or walk by. It’s the welcoming part that introduces you to the inside.

With that thought, really take a critical look at the front yard and see how it truly defines the rest of your home.

Is it the garbage cans, the monstrous garage doors or boring sidewalk? If it is, you’re probably in need of some curb appeal.

There are some simple steps you can do that won’t break the budget; think camouflage for less attractive parts that can’t be changed; go for easy cleanups or the right plant choices to help areas that can be altered.

The front door

The addition of planters, new paint on the door (or purchasing a different style) or adding attractive size- and garden-appropriate shrubs to both sides can create an entry point that will add color and style.

Making the front entry area less congested and removing visual barriers may be all that’s needed. Consider carefully pruning or removing large shrubs that have overgrown an original foundation planting.

Improve attractive areas with colorful pottery, or permanent plantings that enhance the style of your home.

Drawing the eye to an appealing front entry will help take the focus away from an overbearing garage.

Update

Consider updating the outdoor light fixtures and house numbers. It’s amazing how many yards are tidy and well-manicured, but appeal will be improved with updated numbers and light fixtures.

Entry sidewalk

Most sidewalks are simply meant to go from points A to B, without much to see along the way. Total removal can be costly.

Consider adding a brick or a stone edge to the existing sidewalk. It’s less costly than jack-hammering out the whole walk.

If there’s room, create a planting bed along the way, in order to add interest.

Tidy up the lawn

Keep lawn edges trimmed. It seems like a simple thing to do, but it’s easily overlooked.

Make sure those edges of walkways, paths, house foundations and driveways are neat and trimmed. Renting an edger once a month or so as part of the ritual of mowing lawn will help make the task easier.

Hide the garbage

Hiding those nice big recycle bins can be a challenge. They seem to end up in the yard somewhere or parked along the outside of the garage, leaving them as an unattractive accessory to your yard.

Construct a trellis panel or shed-style hideaway that the waste bins can easily go in and out of. Plant vines or attractive shrubs around it, in order to incorporate it into the landscape.

Take a critical look at the front of your home and consider this short list. Just a day or two of work will go a long way to getting curb appeal right where you need it.

In the Garden columnist Sue Goetz, CPH, is a garden consultant, designer, speaker and writer from Gig Harbor. Visit www.thecreativegardener.com or e-mail questions to info@thecreativegardener.com.