Landscaping Ideas for Gated Entrances

Gate Styles

• The landscaping options for a gated entrance will vary greatly depending on the size and style of the gate. Ideally, plants should be kept in proportion with the gate to prevent the space from feeling overwhelmed. Small gates, for example, are best accented with simple shrubs and flower planting, while larger gates will support small trees, larger shrubs and similar pieces. The addition of an arbor over the gate is perfect for adding creeping plants and vines. Combining plant sizes, colors and shapes will add visual appeal and smart selections will keep color in the space nearly year-round.

Flowering Plants

• Flowering plants, including shrubs and potted plants, are an ideal way to add both pleasing scents and color to the front of a gated yard. The specific selection will vary greatly depending on growing zone, sun exposure and soil conditions. Azalea (rhododendron), daphne, hydrangea and lilacs are all widely used in the gardening world. Each will have its own growing requirements, and each produces fragrant, colorful flowers without overwhelming the space. In areas with cold temperatures, select an evergreen or two; they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Foliage

• Adding low-growing plants to either side of the gate will produce a visually appealing look for the garden. These plants fill in gaps and empty spaces and bring a bit of greenery to the garden gate. The majority of low-lying plants thrive in shade and will provide color after flowers have bloomed and died back for the season. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) is one such plant, and like other foliage plants grows low -- between 6 and 12 inches -- and spreads wide using underground stolons (horizontal shoots). Several dozen varieties are available, each with its own growing requirements and overall look. The size and shape of these additions will change over time, occasionally requiring shaping, pruning or even an addition or two to fill gaps.

Design Principles

• An ideal landscape design will take varying weather conditions and seasons into account. Selecting plants which have attractive features year-round aids in keeping the entryway inviting. Unity is key to creating good curb appeal, and involves each piece working together to create visual appeal, so the homeowner should choose plants that are complementary and group them accordingly. Additional style options include a symmetrical or asymmetrical design, both of which provide balance to a gated entryway. A symmetrical layout features identical plantings on both sides of the gate. Asymmetry is a more free-form, informal style that involves placing unequal, but visually interesting plants to both sides of the gate.