How to Landscape for an Entry to an Old Home

Remove an old walkway if it is too damaged to repair, or fix the existing surface. The front walkway is a key element in making the entry accessible and inviting. If needed, add a walkway that complements the natural contours of your front yard. For instance, construct a brick or stone walkway that curves from the entry to the side driveway instead of cutting through the center of the yard.

Frame the front door with flowering shrubs and evergreens. Plant the largest shrubs on the outer corners of the house. Arrange plants to decrease in size as they draw near the front door.

Plant a tree in the front at the beginning of the walkway. Trees offer shade and once they mature, large oak trees or fragrant citrus trees draw the eye up toward the home.

Edge the walkway and driveway with medium-sized stones. Stones have a reassuring sense of permanence that complements an old home's craftsmanship.

Plant a garden of perennials around the mid-point of the walkway to add warmth. Choose plants that were common during the time the house was built. For example, roses, hyacinths, hydrangeas and zinnias were often planted in Victorian gardens.

Install hanging baskets across the front porch or front door overhang. Plant cascading ferns for a fresh burst of color and texture.

Set an outdoor chair or porch swing near the front door or along the walkway. Choose an old-fashioned cast iron or wooden chair that goes with the style of the home.