First impressions matter; your front garden is the first thing visitors and passers-by see, setting the tone for your home. This guide offers ideas and practical tips for designing a beautiful front garden.
It’s worth noting that this article will focus on plants suitable for front garden designs in autumn, which we have now entered! If you want to try some tips in another season, research which plants are best for that time of year.
Large front garden
In the UK, typical garden sizes range from 23 square metres to 490 square metres. Larger front gardens have more room for experimentation, so it's worth making the most of this luxury.
Good flowers and trees
Focus on plants that provide late-season colour, interesting textures or evergreen structures - as they don’t lose their leaves in the winter.
Flowers
- Winter-flowering Violas are great for autumn and winter colours, and can continue presenting blossoms throughout.
- Autumn Sedums are excellent for adding structure to your garden and attracting pollinators like bumblebees and butterflies.
- Japanese anemones offer delicate pink or white blooms that can bring a soft touch to your front garden.
Trees
- Autumn-specific foliage: Acer (maple) varieties come in traditionally autumnal colours like red, orange and yellow. Sorbus (rowan) creates the same colours as the leaves fall off and provides berries.
- Trees that work year-round: Evergreen Magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora) provide constant colour and have a lovely scent.
Good vegetables or herbs
While less common in purely decorative or smaller front gardens, some vegetables can be incorporated aesthetically if you have space and the motivation to maintain them. Choose attractive varieties that thrive or look good in cooler autumn and can be grown in decorative containers.
Herbs
- Rosemary, Thyme and Sage are all beautiful and fragrant.
Leafy greens
- Decorative kales, Swiss chard (especially colourful varieties), and mustard greens.
Small plants
- Ornamental gourds or miniature pumpkins in pots
Furniture
If you have a large front garden, you might have enough space for a small seating area, like a bench or even an outdoor dinner table set (if it complements your home's style and doesn't obstruct views or pathways).
Privacy
Consider how to make your front garden private. If you prioritise privacy, you can use hedges, fencing or front garden gates. Trellises with climbing plants like roses or clematis can also add a sense of enclosure without being too heavy.
Small front garden ideas
Smaller front gardens can be tricky to design as space is limited. Here are some tips to maximise your space and add accessories to make the most of your garden.
Good plants and shrubs
For a small front garden, choose compact plants that can grow vertically and have a long season of interest. Focus on creating impact without overcrowding.
- Dwarf conifers, Hebe and Physocarpus all offer autumnal colours like oranges, blacks and purples.
Perennials
- Hostas and Ferns are great for foliage and tend to be low-maintenance.
Climbers
- Clematis (late-flowering varieties), climbing roses, and Ivy on a trellis or wall provide space-efficient vertical greenery.
Accessories
Accessories are vital in small gardens. They add personality and visual interest without taking up too much space:
- Consider a few stylish pots if you have excess space for potted plants.
- Solar-powered lights can define pathways and create an atmosphere.
- Extend your garden's style to your front door and add seasonal wreaths.
Integrating your home exterior
Ensure your garden complements your home’s architectural style to create a cohesive and welcoming look. For example, a property with cottage doors or a thatched roof might suit a colourful garden with lots of variety that matches the traditional aesthetic.
Summary of tips
So, do you want to create a front garden that makes your neighbours stop and stare? With a bit of planning, this is a very achievable goal. Consider your home's style, available space and the appropriate plants for the season. Enjoy your journey and happy gardening!
