Ideas for Landscaping a Front Yard with Shrubs

Borders

• For an orderly landscaping design, use shrubs as borders. If you have a walkway that leads through your front yard, use shrubs on either side to lend an air of formality and drama; you can use the same principle on a driveway, making sure to end the shrub far enough from the sidewalk or road to provide easy visibility and turning. For front yards with flower beds or trees, use shrubs to create a clearly delineated border. If your house does not have a flower border, a line of shrubs can camouflage a less than attractive edge or create a natural baseline for the house.

Fence Replacement

• Fences are an effective way to keep kids and dogs off of your lawn, but they can lend a harsh or unattractive look to your yard. Instead of a fence, use a tall shrub to keep your lawn safe without reducing visibility or using unsightly fencing. Depending on the amount of privacy you want, choose a dense shrub of medium to tall height. Plant it along the edge of the yard bordering the sidewalk and sides of the yard. If you have neighbors, make sure that your shrub line is inside of your property line to avoid disputes.

Mixed Colors

• Because shrubs come in a variety of colors and textures, you can use them as a visually interesting and less time-consuming replacement for a flower garden. Lay out an area in your front yard that would normally be occupied by flowers: along the front of the house, for example, around a tree, or radiating from a corner. In the designated area, lay out a pattern using different colors and textures. Depending on the shape of the shrubs yo choose, you might use a starburst, stripes or a radial pattern.

Multiple Level

• If you want to create a dynamic landscaping scheme with shrubs, use multiple levels. Choose shrubs with a loose, natural growth pattern and different heights; for a natural look, look for varying shades of green that will create a gradient. Organize them in your front yard so the levels are prominent; you can follow an orderly step pattern for an intentional look, or a more organic layout to make it look as though the shrubs grow naturally.