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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Front Yard Landscaping Ideas That Are Not Boring

By 10:13 AM


Many Front Yard Landscaping Ideas are simply boring. While you don't want to do anything that would get you kicked out of the homeowner's association, you can still have an interesting and unique design. Here are a few suggestions.

Rocks, Stones and Boulders

You may have seen a large boulder in a neighbor's yard and just assumed it was a part of the landscape before the home was built. That could be true. But, if the boulder seems to fit just right, it was probably placed there by a landscape design team.

You can buy decorative boulders, rip-rap rock, granite, river rocks and other stones from a number of different suppliers. Most companies offer free delivery for large heavy orders.
There are several advantages to decorating with rock. First, the stones provide protection against erosion, but require no watering. Second, they help prevent weeds from growing. Third, they look interesting.

Your driveway and front walk can be composed of interlocking paving stones, rather than asphalt or concrete. If you look at some of the online pictures of completed projects, you have to agree that interlocking pavers are much more attractive than conventional materials.

Using pavers is one of the Front Yard Landscaping Ideas that will save you money in the future. Ice expansion will not cause them to crack. They will even give during an earthquake instead of crumbling.

Interlocking or mortar-less stone can be used to create flower beds, fountains, retaining walls and other decorative items. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and the size of your lot.

Plant Herbs, Shrubs, Flowers & Trees

While some people might not agree, I don't think it is possible to have too many flowering plants. Herbs are not only beautiful. They are fragrant and can be used in the kitchen.

For some really unique Front Yard Landscaping Ideas, you might talk to people that have gotten rid of all or most of their grass. While the "barefoot lawn" is still the norm, there are alternatives. Some of them are quite beautiful.

The homeowners that have decided to go grassless make use of ornamental grasses, flowering ground cover and evergreen shrubs like boxwoods.

Boxwoods are a hardy drought-resistant plant that can be used to create a hedge and block traffic noise. The year-round greenery is pleasing to the eye and can be covered with shrub lights at Christmastime.

You can find hundreds of Front Yard Landscaping Ideas online. Just be sure to check with your homeowner's association before you do anything too drastic.

John Hamilton is one of the home improvement journalists at HomeImprovement411.ca. He has worked in many aspects of the home improvement industry for over 20 years. For more great useful home improvement articles please visit: http://www.homeimprovement411.ca.