Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Sep 21, 2012 11:01 am Hi guys , I am interested to do a makeover of our frontyard. At the moment it looks very unorganized. I definitely thought of adding artificial turf during makeover , although I dont want to just have plain turf across entire area as that will make it very boring. I want to have some sort of pattern\design that has some area in turf and some may be with stones etc. Also as seen in pics , this area has a slant so and a water meter in middle , so i am confused shall I be adding a retaining wall and try to level it . If yes , what will have to water meter etc. Would appreciate some ideas here !! Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Frontyard makeover ideas 2Oct 01, 2012 6:09 pm Perhaps read Fu's threads on artificial turf before going down that path. It's really bad for the environment. If you don't want to be mowing real lawn, then don't have any lawn at all. It doesn't appear to be a very steep slope, so I wouldn't go to the trouble of terracing. Your redesign could include a garden bed that would encompass your tap and water meter - it would be less noticeable amongst low plants. Alternatively, you can have the meter sunk below ground level with a lift-up cover over it and relocate your tap, perhaps to the side of the house. You'd need a plumber to do both of those... The main problem with the garden as it is now is lack of plants. There are lots of water wise varieties available, including some gorgeous natives - but they need good soil and regular mulching. The pebbles/gravel aren't going to help you achieve a lush garden. I found a few pictures that might inspire you. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ You might want to add a feature - a pair of potted plants, one either side of your front windows; an urn or statue; a beautiful feature tree. I love this: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ The best thing is, that pot would cost next to nothing, as the supplier would be happy to be rid of broken stock - but how good does it look? You could even have some decorative pebbles spilling out of it. Another favourite of mine is the dry creek bed. A "stream" of pebbles running through the garden in an irregular line, with plants on either "bank". Like this: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ One easy thing you could do to immediately improve things is find somewhere else to store your bins. It really detracts from the front yard. If you can't add a side gate or store them in or behind the garage, perhaps you can add a screen to hide them from view? Ours sit against the side of the house but out of sight behind a hardwood screen: Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ I hope some of my suggestions help you come up with a fabulous design. Edited to add more fabulous ideas... Re: Frontyard makeover ideas 3Oct 22, 2012 6:19 pm A bit late in responding but thanks much for your reply. I am also considering getting a design and quote from a proff. gardner\landscaper. Any recommendation for someone who covers Western Melb suburbs ? Re: Frontyard makeover ideas 4Oct 23, 2012 10:31 pm I don't know of any myself, but check the listings here: http://www.homeone.com.au/vic/melbourne/landscaping Re: Frontyard makeover ideas 5Oct 31, 2012 7:33 pm Thanks . I did tried few but they asking me more than my budget. thinking of doing DIY. But I dont want to put grass (real or fake) , what else can i put . I have design in mind. I want to have rectangle in middle surrounded by pavers and river pebbles but not sure what shall i have in that rectangle area . Initially i was thinking of putting fake grass but not anymore after reading its adverse envnior, effects. So not sure what can go there.. Re: Frontyard makeover ideas 6Nov 05, 2012 7:25 pm There are lots of groundcover plants with dense growth habits - you could install a garden bed, mulch it and plant a number of small plants which will spread to cover the area. Here are a few ideas: Myoporum parvifolium (creeping boobiala. Dense green foliage, small white flowers Banksia "birthday candles" Scleranthus biflorus. Gorgeous green mounds of mossy-looking growth. I have a number of these and they're doing really well. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ There are plenty of other plant options: Check out your local nursery for more. Did you want to plant a feature tree? Something to provide some shade for the front of the house, maybe? 3 6556 I would say both styles you have pictured are steel. The lower chord of the first pic would be a massive lump if made using timber considering the size of the rafters. If… 1 6137 Hi guys We have just removed a very large grape vine which was mounted to a structure along this wall. This is a shared wall with our neighbour, and after removal, we… 0 3949 |