What to Put in an Island in the Front Yard

Garden Islands

• Using a front yard island as a gardening space adds color and texture to your landscape. Ensure that your island is enclosed with a solid border to prevent weeds or unwanted grass from overtaking the garden. One option to narrow down your plant selection is to select a garden theme for your island. For example, if you want to create a bold, tropical space, plant a short palm tree like Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor) or Rock Palm (Brahea dulcis). Shorter palms fan outward like shrubs and won't create distracting vertical space on your yard. Pair the palm with brightly colored flowering bushes like New Guinea (impatiens) or Aurora's Kiss (dahlia). A most casual country garden island might include bugleweeds, forget-me-nots and snapdragons.

Rocks and Hardscaping

• Stone is a low-maintenance and modern option for your front yard island. A rock garden comprised of raked pebbles and one larger offset boulder offers a clean, simple look for your island. If you prefer something more distinctive, create a mosaic design in your island from a range of different colored stones or pebbles. A river stone border with softer white sand in the center is reminiscent of a zen garden. If you opt for an island comprised of mostly stones, select a more natural border of reclaimed logs for the island to provide a transition between the lawn and the stone.

Seating Areas

• A lawn island provides a design space that also serves as a functional outdoor living space when fitted with the right accessories. To keep the look of your island natural, add a bench made from stacked granite stones. If you prefer a more rustic look, a weathered wooden and iron bench provides space for sitting in an island landscaped with flowering shrubs. If your island marks off the space between two large trees, a hammock strung between them transforms the space into a relaxing oasis for reading or napping. If you know that you want to include seating in your island design, consider factors like the proximity to the roadway and the size of the island in your initial design.

Features and Decor

• Islands provide a distinctive space for displaying attractive pieces of lawn decor. Water features are available in a range of designs from rustic, classic pedestal birdbath to more modern fountains that operate using internal pump systems. Another way to include water is to create a small pond within the island itself with a plastic-lined tub buried so that the lip of the tub is level with the ground. A pump circulation system prevents bacteria and algae buildup, but self-contained pump systems are available for island purposes. Another consideration is outdoor lighting to illuminate your island at night. Colored filters are also available if you want to add an unexpected design element to your front yard.