Front gardens are generally somewhat neglected, with attention often focused on getting back gardens in shape. That's not to say gardeners don't keep them neat, but there can be a lack of creativity and flair for front garden design.
These front garden ideas will show you how to make the most of a smaller space, creating an attractive entrance you'll not only love coming home to, but will also impress guests.
Pausing to dip under an archway of greenery or brushing past a fragrant shrub is all part of the appeal, and they can easily be incorporated to add both character and charm.
After all, a front garden is the first impression of your home, and can be an opportunity to bring greenery and vibrancy to a city or suburban setting. Front gardens are also potentially sociable places that encourage interaction with neighbours and passers-by.
These are eight inspiring ways to dress up a front garden and make the most of your space, from potted plants and climbers that will add interest to inventive garden path ideas.
8 front garden ideas to try
We've enlisted the help of gardening editor Paula McWaters to come up with an inspiring list of front garden ideas that will help you transform your space.
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1. Plant a climber
Climbers are an easy way to boost curb appeal, softening a harsher facade and adding some colour.
"Walls offer the ideal planting opportunity, especially where space is limited," Paula explains. "A climbing rose is the ultimate cottage garden favourite, enhancing a pretty property or helping to disguise less-than-attractive architectural features.
She adds: "Clematis armandii and wisteria have sweetly scented flowers, while on a sunny wall you could try star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) or the flamboyant trumpet vine Campsis x tagliabuana 'Madame Galen'.
"For autumn colour, consider Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia, right), the crimson glory vine (Vitis coignetiae) or Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)."
2. Add an attractive arch
A garden arch feels wonderfully romantic despite its simplicity. "There is something compelling about an arch – place one over a pathway, and you will always feel drawn to pass under it," Paula explains.
You can buy a ready-made arch from places like Agri Frames, Tristen May, Garden Requisites, or Secret Gardens Furniture, or rain hedging plants such as yew to make an evergreen arch.
"Deciduous beech or hornbeam also adapts well to being trained – either as a single arch or repeated to form a tunnel. In winter, their bare branches add strong structure to an entrance," Paula explains.
3. Add potted plants
One of the easiest ways to transform a small space is with potted plants. Herbs work particularly well, adding a subtle fragrance to your entrance.
"Rustic baskets are great for growing herbs to keep handy by the door, and because they are lightweight, they can be easily moved or swapped about," Paula suggests.
"Line the baskets with plastic cut from old compost bags and punctured with a few holes to improve drainage. Oregano, mint, rosemary, thyme and sage all thrive in pots."
4. Add interest with a new gate
Refreshing a front garden gate can be a quick win when it comes to a front garden makeover. Swapping an iron gate for a wooden fixture will instantly soften the overall look.
"Greenwood, where the natural shape of the wood has been left unchanged, makes for an original and organic effect that sits well in a country garden," Paula explains. "Durable sweet chestnut and oak are the timbers most frequently used."
Look for local coppice workers to supply suitable wood (find one near you at Coppice Products), or try bespoke gate makers such as Ed Brooks and Green Man Woodcrafts.
5. Try outdoor tiles
Garden tiles can add some extra polish to a front garden, or some colour if you opt for bolder shades.
"Outdoor tiles are effective in narrow front gardens and can zone the approach to your front door. They're a practical solution for smoothing uneven terrain, and tiles can also give your potted plants a more stable surface to frame your entrance."
6. Add a new lick of paint
Add a new colour scheme to a front garden for an instant refresh — whether that means painting the front door a new shade, a brick wall, fence or even plant pots leading up to the front door.
"Understated colours are easy on the eye and create a harmonious first impression, especially if you keep to a limited palette for both planting and paintwork," Paula explains.
"Cool greys and natural creams used on walls and doors provide a great backdrop for everything from clipped evergreens to more exuberant sun-bleached grasses and flowering perennials."
7. Consider an ornamental tree
Ornamental trees will instantly liven up a front garden and provide an attractive focal point.
Choose a tree that changes through the seasons: a crab apple tree is a great choice for a front garden, offering all-year-round interest with spring blossom, autumn fruit and foliage that shifts colour throughout the year.
8. Create a seasonal table
For the creative gardeners among us, a seasonal table is a great way to add some character to a front garden.
"If you have a veranda or a space by your entranceway that is under the protection of a porch, add interest there with an old piece of painted furniture, such as a table or dresser base," Paula suggests.
"It's a great opportunity to create an outdoor display, mixing vintage pieces with small pots and containers showcasing plants that deserve to be admired at close quarters."
You can switch up what's on the table each season, as Paula suggests: "In winter, this could be miniature cyclamen or a collection of heathers, to be exchanged in early spring for some choice hellebores or favourite snowdrops."
Gardening must-haves
Filberts of Dorset Gardeners Hand Salve
Haywards Garden Bee and Butterfly Water Stations, Garden Décor, set of three colourful bee water cups .
Home Sussex Handmade Peg Apron
Painted Garden Label/Marker
The Fae Potter Wild Bird Feeder ceramic hanging
