Inviting Entranceways

Wondering what is around the corner

     The saying in real estate is 'curb appeal'.


Seasonal interest draws eye to entrance



Does your home have it?  Whether you live in a large home or small condo, the entrance is the first impression others have of your home.  It is a statement of your personality, and hopefully, a clue to what is beyond the front door.

      I have always tried to impress upon my clients during the construction and landscaping process, that the outside needs to blend with the inside.

      Are you more comfortable with things being symmetrical?  Do you have everything in pairs?
Then, you should probably have a front entryway that has matching shrubs,or possibly cupolas as shown. Even though this photo by me was taken at an angle, you can see that what is on the right side is matched on the left.  My impression would be that the people that live in this house are orderly, conservative and organized.


     On the other hand, the photo below is more artistic, with a mixture of textures, plants, and is asymmetrical.
I would expect the person who lives here to be creative, social, and spontaneous.

      What ever your style or personality, try to carry the color from the outside in. The color of your front door should coordinate with the rooms it opens onto and can be seen from the foyer
.
     If the style in the front of your home is formal, then the entryway would also call for more formality.
Always consider the style and structure of your home.  Georgian would certainly be more formal than a cottage.

    This is a perfect time of the year to do planting of trees and shrubs if you are in zone 6 or higher. It will give the plants a chance to establish their root systems before spring.  When you are planting, these are the essential elements that should give you success.

     Always purchase from a reputable source.

     Amend your soil.  It is not a good idea to put planting soil in a hole and expect things to live.  You must mix the existing soil with compost, manure, and I used pulverized bark or decomposed granite here with my heavy clay soil.  The roots need to have good drainage and air to extend out and get the nutrients they need.

     Dig your hole twice the width of your root ball, and plant at the height the plant was in the pot.  Make sure the hole should not be a  depression for water to collect in.  It should be slightly higher than the ground, because it will settle some.  After you do the planting in the amended solid, tamp it down and water it well.
You should be rewarded with a beautiful plant, whether it is a tree, shrub or perennial.  Remember that the first year goes to establishing the root system, so be patient.  Remember...'patience is a virtue'

   

Acharming entrance to small courtyard