Front Lawn Landscaping IdeasFor Your Front Porch and YardUse some or all of our front lawn landscaping ideas around your front porch and yard. We were not happy with our previous landscaping and decided to make some changes.Mary and I wanted to create a cottage-style flower garden and a solid color background against our porch for year-round color. 
We love our fresh new landscaping compared to what we previously had!Like almost all landscaping projects, there are difficulties you must overcome.We had a few which we will share below along with a plant guide which we always find most helpful. 
Before: our old landscaping just after winter (sad!)Obstacles in Our WayWe had two major issues to overcome or resolve for our landscaping.Water and ClayOur soil is clay and our yard is fairly flat. Water drainage is a problem and have we've lost several plants because they've had too much water. The other was rocks - lots of them (and big too)!To resolve the water issue, we chose more ground cover type plants to place in front (where we have more of a water issue). These plants normally have more shallow root systems and should do well. We also dug out a lot of the clay and replaced it with a combination of garden soil, top soil, and compost mix. Raised beds are another option if you have a similar issue with water. Rock CityWe have lots of rocks. I encountered a Goliath of a rock when I dug the last hole for the holly (it's always the last one that gets you).There was no way (other than a raised platform) I could plant that holly where I needed it unless I removed the rock. Suffice to say, after pounding on it and digging around it I resorted to drilling three holes about six-inches deep into the rock with a hammer drill and bit. One hit with a sledge and I was able to crack it into two pieces which I was then able to extract. Where there's a will, there's a way! 
Use rocks for interestPlacing rocks strategically in your landscaping, rocks can add interest to the overall appeal. Fortunately, we have access to many rocks and would be glad to give some to you if you lived nearby.Video: Our Porch Landscaping MakeoverPlant GuidePorch Foundation PlantsThe shrubs next to the porch foundation were not aesthetically pleasing as the only foliage was at the tops. We needed something with a fuller look.
Original landscaping with undesirable shrubberyWe transplanted the original shrubs to the backyard and replaced them with a mix of soft-tough compact hollies and boxwoods. Both can be shaped easily and maintained at the height we needed (about 2-3 feet tall).
New landscaping with soft-touch hollies and boxwoodsThe combination of hollies and boxwoods offer different colors and textures. You may choose to use only one or the other.Let's Talk AzaleasOur azaleas did very well the first year; however, not so good after that. We experienced a colder winter and not enough drainage. That combination took its toll on the plants.
Our azaleas have seen better daysWe removed two of the four and transplanted one to the back yard and one to the side of the porch. Of the two that are remaining, one is doing very well and the other is about to bloom although it has seen better days.We will transplant it after it blooms and replace it with other more compatible plants. Front Lawn Landscaping Ideas - Plant Directory
Getting my hands dirtyWe try to use a variety of perennials in predominately pinks and blues. You will want to choose a color scheme that fits your home and personal preferences. Here's our landscape plant guide:
Blooming dahlias
Cheddar Pinks - Dianthus Hybrid
Lithodora
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Merleau ™ Blue Salvia
Barberry Plants
Dwarf Garden Phlox
Dark Goura
Hibiscus
Furman's Red Autumn Sage
Pentas
Soft Compact Holly
Penstemon
Green Velvet Boxwood
Mandevilla on PorchNew Front Lawn Landscaping Ideas ProjectWe are anxious to watch our new landscaping blossom. We believe it will definitely enhance the beauty of our front porch.
Our new cottage-style front porch landscaping
Our new porch flower garden
Our garden follows the curve of our new walkwayPorch Lawn Landscaping Ideas - Cottage Style DIY Walkway
We constructed our cottage-style walkway using crushed stone and pea gravel.
Crushed stone works really well as it compacts and drains nicely.
We covered it with a thin layer of pea gravel.
Often times, folks use too much pea gravel which makes it more difficult on which to walk. A thin layer will give you the look you want without feeling like you are walking in sand.
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