Watershed Texas

Realtors talk about curb appeal—that first glimpse that captures the eyes and emotions of a potential buyer, beckoning the person with a welcoming sensation. Would your front yard pass the drive-by test? What would entice someone to linger at your walkway or be interested in knowing the person beyond the front door? Front yards used to be places where neighbors met regularly to chat or to exchange garden tips, recipes, or the gossip of the day. Above all, front yards were stopping points where neighbors got to know each other and acquired that sense of place.

More often than not in our current neighborhoods, the front yard acts as a barrier, a moat if you will, to keep us safe behind our castle walls. As deed restrictions and landscape ordinances have evolved, conformity with a manicured appearance has taken precedence. Landscapes have become so regimented there seems to be no room for creativity much less making a space to welcome neighbors. An old saying states that the front yard is your reputation while the backyard is your personality. If that still holds true, I would prefer to have it reversed. Of course, it is important to follow homeowner association landscape covenants and municipal codes; however, there are ways to bring back the front yard while keeping the peace.

Create reasons to slow down rather than race to the front door. A curving sidewalk edged with fragrant blooms, a collection of herbs by the door, or a small island of mixed perennials will capture your attention as well as your visitor’s.  Add more interest to that line of foundation plants, often referred to as a mustache planting for its unimaginative row of shrubs, by bringing the front edge of the bed out a foot or two. This can be gradually expanded with a variety of colorful native shrubs and clumping grasses, such as Gulf Muhly, Muhlenbergia capillaris or Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, leaving less lawn to mow and more places for water to be absorbed. Remember to repeat elements or plants to bring continuity to the design and keep the area from looking too hodge-podge. A birdbath along with shrubs that develop fruit or berries, like American Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, will attract winged neighbors and add a flutter of activity. If your taste leads to artwork, why not incorporate garden sculpture—formal or whimsical?

Where less stringent regulations for front yards exist, some homeowners have decided to extend planting areas to the curb. Before you conjure up visions of a weedy, vacant lot, remember, it is still important to follow basic design principles and maintenance practices. Incorporate pathways to make maintenance easier. Coordinating color, texture, and height make the space feel harmonious. Perennials, trees and shrubs give structure to the gardens while annuals provide seasonal color.  Plan for winter interest with shrubs such as Possumhaw Holly, Ilex decidua, whose branches will be lined with crimson berries. Including some edibles gives you an opportunity to share your bounty and make instant friendships when you offer some basil tucked into that basket of luscious, juicy-red tomatoes. 

If you are fortunate enough to have a porch, this is an easy way to bring interest to the forefront of your property. Porches were built onto homes for many reasons—to cool hot breezes before they came through the open windows before air conditioning, a place to sip ice tea or lemonade at the end of the day, or to enjoy the porch swing with a new beau. Neighbors kept a finger on the pulse of the community and watched out for each other. Once someone was ensconced on the porch, it signaled an open invitation for an impromptu chat. As building styles changed, porches were forgotten, forcing us to migrate from our front yard to the backyard. With this trend we became disengaged from our community and the world around us. We began cultivating isolation rather than friendships. In neighborhoods with historic homes, builders seem to be catching on to the front porch concept again, but the space is often only large enough to function as protection from the elements. 

No front porch you say? Patios do not have to be relegated to the backyard. Make your front patio an intimate and welcoming space by skirting it with flowers or small shrubs. Or create an outdoor room as an extension of your indoor space simply by moving the garden furniture to the front yard. Drape tiny white lights through a tree or across the shrubs for an instant party atmosphere. Invite neighbors to dine at a long, cloth covered table decorated with a bouquet of freshly picked blooms from your cutting garden. For some friendly competition, bring out some old-fashioned lawn sports like croquet, ring toss games or badminton. Your front yard will be the toast of the neighborhood and the banquet will fill your soul as well as your stomach.