Posts tagged entryways

The entrances to your home should be designed to provide easy access through your landscaping. First impressions count for a lot, so aesthetic appeal surrounding your landscaping ideas and entryways is important. It’s easiest to start with the highest traffic access area which is usually how you’ll reach your home from your parking area. Next, assess the paths and walkways to and from all access areas of your home. The plants around these areas should guide your visitors’ eye towards your entry or exit points. If you use a side entrance as often, or more often, than your front door, focus attention here as well. Colorful blooms, walkways, foundation beds, and outdoor lighting may be used.

If you plant to create some height, start by building up towards your house. Start lower and then increase the height of your plants as they get closer to the house. Doing this will help direct attention to the entryway. Landscaping beds that border a walkway can distract attention away from the entryway. Think of the beginning of your path or sidewalk simply as an opening directing you towards your door.

Your entryway should be inviting as well as safe. If your neighborhood is poorly lit, some good lighting and moderate visibility can help ensure your safety at night when walking to or from your parking area. If your home has a mudroom, laundry room, or any other type of utility room that sits next to your front or rear entryway, plan for making it look good as well as functional for traffic.  

So what is the best way to guide visitors through your access and entry areas? Most professional landscaping contractors basically follow the same pattern here. Sidewalks, privacy fences, border gardens, edging, walls, trellises, screens, and also rails are more choices. Add a planter box to frame and accent entryways to certain areas. Fences, raised beds, and screening can also be used to hide spots that have visible utilities from view.

When planting to define access and entry areas, consider the mature size and spread of the plants when spacing. This is often a forgotten consideration in landscaping. Since your access walks and paths will usually lead to or near your house, plants sted with enough distance from your foundation so that you can maintain both the plantings and home should be plan. Plant plants so they’re spaced far enough from any buildings so that you will be able to tend to them once they are full grown. Shrubs and hedges given time to grow provide a natural boundary and screen, while fencing offers immediacy once installed.

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