Entry Landscaping Ideas

The Balanced Approach

• In every case of landscaping for entryways, the design must take a balanced approach. Look at the design and remember whatever goes on one side of the entryway should go on the other side. For example, a line of shrubs that is broken by the entryway should continue on the other side of the entryway. Adding a line of formal sheared shrubs, such as boxwoods, on each side of the entryway with a taller informal shrub, such as a vitex or wax myrtle, on each side of the entry creates an attractive and balanced look.

Creating a Focal Point

• Make the entryway a focal point by designing flowerbeds and pathways that radiate from the entryway. For example, a common landscaping method is creating a walkway in a straight line with a narrow flower bed on each side from the street to the front entryway. Make the entryway a dramatic focal point by making the walkway and flowerbeds wider at the street and allow them to narrow as they reach the entry

Landscaping for Privacy

• For privacy, allow the access point to the door to flow from the side of the entryway. That way, taller plants and hedges can be planted directly in front of the entryway. This is a good plan if you like to keep open a door that faces the street or a neighbor's house. However, it is not considered safe, as prowlers can hide behind taller shrubbery.

Adding Containers

• An easy way to decorate an entryway is to fill flower pots with perennials or colorful blooming annuals. Use a container that is in scale with the entryway. A container that is too large can look as out of balance as a container that is too small. Placing the same type of container on each side of the entryway creates a balanced look. If grouping containers, remember the basic design rule that an odd number of containers, such as one or three, is more pleasing to the eye than an even- numbered group.

Trellises and Vines

• If there are unsightly additions to the entryway, such as utility boxes, build or add a trellis to each side of the entryway and plant vines to grow and cover the trellis. The trellis can be built far enough away from the wall to provide access to the wall for painting and maintenance, while making the entryway attractive.