Front Yard Landscaping Ideas for a Ranch-Style Home

Walkways

• Ranch-style homes tend to be long and narrow, with a porch that runs along the front of the house. Directly in front of the porch, create a garden of low maintenance drought tolerant plants, such as lavender, salvia and butterfly bush. Removing parts of the lawn may be necessary, but this creates a water-wise garden and breaks up the large lawn area into more interesting spaces. Divide other areas of the lawn into garden sections, where you can plant ornamental grasses, such as blue fescue and fountain grass. Complete with tall terra cotta containers filled with cascading colorful plants, such as nasturtiums or coleus. Add a layer of mulch over the soil to retain moisture and keep weed growth down. For instant color, plant annuals, such as petunias, zinnias, marigolds and violas.

Steps and Patio

• For down-sloping lots, add steps that stop at the sidewalk. This creates a beautiful entry for guests, and adds value and curbside appeal. Use slate for the steps and include ground-level lighting for safety. Continue the modern look of slate by building in a terraced patio near your front door and think of it as a gathering spot for friends and neighbors. Place a small café table and a few chairs on the patio and you now have a friendly space that is low on maintenance, but high on charm. Have an electrician install lighting on the patio and place tea lights on the steps for soft candlelight. Include potted trees on the patio such as Japanese maple, olive or dogwood and add up-lighting for an intimate atmosphere.

Design from Nature

• A dry creek bed works well on a large narrow yard, and can flow naturally through the yard. For this design, consider how a creek naturally deposits rocks. Avoid lining the edge with large rocks; instead, scatter them naturally throughout the creek bed. Place medium rocks inside the creek bed and along the edge, as well, and smaller ones that tumble naturally all the way down. Design your greenscape around the edge of the creek bed with easy-care daylilies, lantana and lavender for color and to attract bees and butterflies. Cluster birch trees in groups of three; adding a woodsy style to the front yard with natural shade and a habitat for birds.