Front Lawn Landscaping Ideas

Photo by Steve A. Gunther

Front Yard: Before

This West Hollywood front yard went from dull to dazzling with this makeover by designer Katherine Spitz (katherinespitzassociates.com). The problem before was a boring lawn, with no privacy (West Hollywood bans any kind of fence taller than 42 inches that fully encloses a front yard).

Photo by Steve A. Gunther

Front Yard: After

As a solution Spitz ditched the lawn and got creative with screening

Photo by Steve A. Gunther

Step 1: Put up some color panels

Freestanding panels of thick, cranberry-hued glass (anchored in concrete) provide the illusion of privacy.

Photo by Steve A. Gunther

Step 2: Add vivid plants

Orange epidendrums and a photinia hedge with red new leaves flank the center panel. Dymondia, Mexican weeping bamboo, and Pittosporum crassi folium ‘Nana’ cool the heat.

Photo by Steve A. Gunther

Step 3: Build a pole “fence”

Lodgepole pine posts, their bases also anchored in concrete, are staggered to allow light through.

Photo by Steve A. Gunther

Step 4: Make the “firepit” multiuse

A concrete water trough doubles as a reflecting pool and an ice bucket for chilling drinks during parties. Gas jets in its back rim feed flames.

Photo by Steve A. Gunther

Step 5: Add a sitting area

This one occupies the part of the driveway just outside the garage; cushions top the built-in bench, while redwood strips freshen the cinder-block wall behind.

5 steps to a beautiful front yard

Front Yard: Before

Front Yard: After

Step 1: Put up some color panels

Step 2: Add vivid plants

Step 3: Build a pole “fence”

Step 4: Make the “firepit” multiuse

Step 5: Add a sitting area