Elegant Landscaping Ideas

Walkway

• Walkways are designed to lead guests and visitors to the house and can serve as a prominent focal point for a front landscape. Consider a classical, straight path wide enough to accommodate three or four people walking side-by-side. Surround the walkway with clean, symmetrical landscaping components, such as ground lighting, trimmed or sculpted small shrubs, or simple flowers. Another simple but elegant embellishment is to place planters on both sides of the walkway entryway.

Driveway

• A horseshoe-shaped driveway allows for a less-traditional approach to this functional structure. A grassy areas in the center can make for neat, orderly rows of flowers and plants. Other elegant touches may include a large water fountain or statue in the U of the horseshoe shape.

Plants and Flowers

• When incorporating plants and flowers into an elegant landscape design, keep in mind that less is more. Elegance often comes from a subdued aesthetic, and too many focal points can detract from the design theme. Complementary flora varieties and textures add depth and visual appeal. For example, plant a row of small, groomed shrubs at foundation of the house along with a row of tulips in front of the shrubs. Consider using understated types of plants and flowers such as stately evergreen bushes and bulb flowers.

Colors

• Stick to one or two colors that complement the palette of the home. For example, use only the color white in your landscaping. Plant trees that have white blooms, such as boxwoods or dogwoods. Complement the trees with white flowers, such as white roses, gardenias and lilies-of-the-valley.