6 tips to refresh your front garden

As the idiom says, 'people shouldn’t judge a book by its cover', but how many of us can honestly say that we follow this saying in everyday life?

Despite knowing better, everyone has - at least once - judged a book by its cover, and homes are of no exception! Family, friends, guests and - if you’re selling - potential buyers will form their first impression of your home in the first seven seconds of seeing it - your front garden is the gateway to your home and, whether it’s tidy or messy, bland or interesting, it’s going to shape people’s opinions of the space.

So why not give them a first impression they won't ever forget!

In this blog, we’ve put together some quick and simple tips to help you create a low maintenance, show-stopping front garden which you can be proud of and neighbours can be envious of.

1. Dressing the doorstep

Believe it or not, adding simple decor to your front door step can make a HUGE impact! Whether it's a fresh new doormat or some colourful hanging baskets, dressing up your front door doesn't not have to be expensive or difficult. So, without further ado - let's get stuck into the methods below!

Creating symmetry

A simple yet effective way to add a cohesive look to your front door step is by creating symmetry.

Outdoor artificial topiary trees or hanging baskets are excellent way to do this, simply pop a tree or hanging basket either side of your door and voila!

For larger entryways, such as a double door entrance, you may opt to feature both trees and hanging baskets! If you're using tall trees or large potted shrubs, we suggest styling the them close to the door frame and then placing the hanging baskets a foot or two outer from the trees - creating a beautiful stand-out doorway!

Alternatively, for a more subtle look, use shorter trees or small shrubbery close to the doorframe and simply pop the hanging baskets above them.

Hanging baskets, trees and shrubs can sometimes be difficult to keep it they're placed or a doorstep or entryway - often due to the hassle of watering and less than ideal lighting conditions. Thankfully, we have the solution!

If you're wanting something a little more low maintenance, there's a variety of artificial front door plants that you could opt for - small artificial trees, like our 3ft boxwood tower, are even ideal for apartments!

And if you're feeling creative, you can design your own faux hanging basket to get exactly the look you're after, without any wilting or watering!

Now we know what greenery to add, let's move onto how to find the right doormat for your space!

Adding a doormat

Sounds simple right? It's because it is! Switch up your old, boring doormat for something far more fun!

No matter your style, there is sure to be a doormat out there for you.

Not sure where to start? Here our some of our front garden inspiration doormat ideas...

Modern & chic

Nothing says modern and chic quite like a simple pattern! Black or brown and coir patterned doormats can be such a simple yet effective way of adding some wow-factor to your door!

When looking at patterns, try to find one that will compliment the features of your doorstep.

Still unsure, or perhaps overwhelmed by choice - we think you cannot go wrong with a classic, stylish black and coir checkerboard or diamond printed doormat.

Minimalistic & earthy

If large or geometric patterns are not for you, why not opt for something more earthy and subtle. Gentle floral doormats bring a cosy vibe to your front door step and can be a great option for introducing some colour! Alternatively, if your doorstep already features a lot of colourful florals, you may opt for natural plain doormat.

If a plain doormat is the one for you, don't just go for a basic run-of-the-mill mat, instead explore different materials - we think a chunky jute doormat brings a cosy, homely vibe to your front doorstep!

Fun & creative

A doormat used to be simply something to wipe your shoes on, but now they are a decorative welcome sign into your home!

The trendy, funky look is back in style and we are all over it! From wacky shapes to bright, bold colours, there really is something for everyone!

If you are wanting your doormat to make a BIG statement, pick a funky doormat with contrasting colours to your door - if you have a red door, you may opt for a yellow and blue doormat, for example.

Are doormats just not your thing? Don't worry! There are a few other ways you may choose to refresh your doorstep.

Refreshing your front door

Your front door is the face of your home which means decorating your door can be one of the easiest ways to transform the overall appearance of your front garden.

What you can do here really depends on the type of door you have though. If you have a modern PVC or composite door then your options are limited, whereas if you’ve got a wooden door then your options are much more vast.

With either door type, a good place to start is by giving it a good clean! Cleaning your door can make an immediate difference!

PVC or composite doors can sometimes lack a homely feel to them, but you can counteract this by adding a decorative wreath to the door. A wreath is a great way to introduce a pop of colour and texture to an otherwise bland door and is a great non-permanent, budget-friendly option. Fancy getting creative? Why not have a go at creating your own DIY wreath!

If you’ve got a wooden door then your have many more options...

If your door is still natural wood coloured then we’d recommend re-staining it with a quality wood stain. Alternatively, if it's looking a little tired or you just fancy a change up, then why not use splash of colourful paint. Whether you’re staining or painting your door, B&Q have a handy tips and tricks tutorial on YouTube that you could follow.

2. Don't neglect your footpath

A footpath may not be the primary focus of your front garden, however, that doesn't mean it should be forgotten!

Dedicate some time to deweed and spruce up your path, go all out and pressure wash your stepping stones or pathway and give the walkway to your home some much needed TLC.

Modern front garden ideas are often very plain - and can sometimes lack character - so why not try switching out your basic stones for something fancier or add some patio planters to dress your path up a bit.

3. Define your boundaries

Make your garden feel like yours, and yours only by defining your boundaries. Some people like to make their front garden feel enclosed with tall hedges or high fences, whilst others prefer a more open look to their front yard. Whatever your preference, we will be breaking down the benefits of fences and hedges for your front garden - as well as some artificial alternatives!

Fences vs. hedging

Adding a fence or simple hedge around the edge of your garden is a tried and tested method for defining your boundaries.

If there is already fencing in place, give it a new lease of life with a lick of paint or wood stain! New build front garden ideas will always tell you to go for a basic option when decorating your house, and sometimes you just cannot beat a classic! If you're looking at getting a fence for your front garden, the timeless picket fence is a great option.

If your garden already has established hedging, prune it down to size. A traditional box shape is a neat and attractive way to surround your garden. If you haven’t got the tools or are not green fingered, a local gardener, neighbour or handyman may be able to help.

Other alternatives

If you feel too nervous to commit to installing a fence, worry over the maintenance of a hedge, or renting and would not be able to install anything permanent, artificial screening and hedging may be the solution for you.

Artificial screening has all the style but none of the fuss!

Artificial hedging not for you? Here's some other front garden border ideas:

• If plants or greenery is not your style, try creating a modern border using large rocks, or stones instead - keep the rocks natural for a minimalist look or be bold and paint them fun colours!

• Instead of defining your boundaries, decorate them! If fences or hedges aren't for you, why not define your boundaries with flower borders instead - allowing you to bring a pop of colour to even the further corners of your outdoor space.

4. Introducing colours or themes

Trying to find a colour palette or theme that works for your front garden can be tricky, however seasonal decor may be a good place to start!

Here are some of our top suggestions for how you can create simple yet seasonal decor:

Autumn

The season of warm colours and colder weather, Autumn is all about introducing golden ambers and vivid reds to your, traditionally green, garden. 
 
To keep your garden seasonal, yet understated, you may choose to include some colour in small, delicate shrubbery. Berry bushes like the 'Red Sprite' shrub can add colour while carrying over well into the Winter period. Alternatively, you can select roses that have vibrant red hips - such as the dog rose (Rosa canina).  
 
Trees, such as the sugar maple tree, are perfect for any seasonal garden landscape; their leaves are green in the warmer temperatures, and, during the colder months, their leaves change to an opulent sunset orange. 
 
Planting flowers and greenery that will transition well from season to season creates an understated, but themed look to your garden - this also means these gardenscapes are more manageable, requiring less effort than that of novelty-style seasonal gardens.
 
For a more novelty Autumnal garden look, you may choose to focus your outdoor decor on the Fall harvest or Halloween. 
 
For a harvest-themed front entryway, you may choose to feature pumpkins on your front door step, alongside natural materials, like a woven doormat. You could even add some colour and texture to your entryway with a sunflower and Pampas grass wreath!
 
A Halloween-themed entryway, however, will include all Halloween novelty items, such as carved pumpkins, faux cobwebbing and ornamental lawn decor.

Halloween, similarly to Christmas, is a seasonal holiday which means that what is popular or trendy can change year by year. 

Winter

Winter is the time for friendly neighbourhood competition on which household has the grandest winter garden. 
 
For a novelty winter-themed turf, you may venture down the traditional Christmas route - ornamental reindeer, faux snow, north pole signage, and an abundance of festive lighting are the typical household go to! Why not take your home to the next level and feature uncommon Christmas decor, such as a sleigh! 
 
For a more understated look, berry bushes, like holly, work well during the winter period.

If you don't celebrate Christmas, but still would like to capture the festive magic in your garden, you could try adding warm white fairy lights to your outdoor trees and shrubbery.

Alternatively, non-Christmas ornamental winter pieces, like penguins, could become a feature in your garden. 

Spring

As the weather begins to warm, your garden will begin to bud and bloom.

Feature flowers, such as English shrub roses or dog roses, in combination with tulips and primroses will bring your outdoor space to life.

If you want to create a simple, understated garden - small annual or perennial flowers are a good option to ensure your garden is tamable and flows effortlessly with the rolling seasonal themes. 

Want to make it more Easter themed? Simply scatter some ornamental hares, and colourful eggs around your lawn - you could even add some pastel bunting to your front entrance to finish the look! 

Summer

Summertime in the time to sit back and relax! Your budding spring garden should have taken full bloom and now it's time to accessorise your outdoor space with some garden furniture. 
 
Introduce colourful outdoor furniture - go bold and opt for teal or pink outdoor couch cushions or alternatively, get paint a fence or bench a new vibrant colour! 
 
Summertime doesn't have any specific themes in itself, however common items associated to the summer weather are tropical fruits; such as pineapples and exotic birds, like flamingos.

Gravelled or paved front gardens are an increasingly common sight, particularly when parking is in short supply. But just because your garden might not be optimised for parking, it doesn’t mean it has to be devoid of colour and interest.

Use patio planters and window boxes to turn your front garden into a haven that breathes life and colour. The beauty of these planters is that they’re easy to move if they’re in the way or you can swap the flowers in the quickly between seasons.

For the truly low maintenance approach check out our range of artificial planters. Alternatively if you prefer the natural approach look at low or no maintenance flowers like lavender, heather and crocus.

5. Consider the maintenance

Before you design the garden of your dreams, it is important to consider if you can maintain it! Big garden projects require lots of time and care to keep them looking fresh and tidy - and if you can't keep on top of your garden - it will soon transform into an unruly jungle!

If, for any reason, you cannot maintain your garden yourself, you could always hire a landscaper or gardener. To learn more about the cost of Britain's gardens, check out our blog post.

If hiring a landscaper or gardener isn't in your budget, why not opt for a minimal, zero-hassle garden by incorporating plants and flowers that require little to no care - such as artificial greenergy.

To learn how to transform your outdoor space using artificial plants and greenery, read our 'Creating a low-maintenance artificial garden' blog post!

6. Hide the unsightly bins

Unfortunately bins are an ugly necessity. We all need them but don’t really want to see them. Wheelie bin storage options are becoming increasingly popular - hide those ugly bins in these micro-sheds and prevent them from wrecking your homes curb appeal!

If you don’t have room for a bin store, you could use trellis to mask the bins location.

For added green points, plant aromatic climbing plants like jasmine around the bin store or trellis which can entwine itself with the screening. Not only will this naturalise the bin storage area but you’ll mask the smell too!

Transforming your garden does not need to be a chore or that expensive. With some careful and creative planning, a little bit of elbow grease, paint, plants (real or artificial) and possibly some gravel your garden could be completely transformed in a matter of hours!

Need help with front garden inspiration?

Check out our guidance and inspiration hub for more ideas, explore the articles below, or reach out to our team for help!.