Achieving Curb Appeal

The entry to one's home is important because it makes a statement about the person who lives there and can leave a lasting impression. I like to utilize hardscape, plants, color, texture, water features, gates, and arbors to create welcoming entry statements that compliment a home's architecture. Here are some tips on achieving "curb appeal."

1. Consistency: Keep the design theme consistent. Sometimes homeowners and/or contractors install too many types of things that work against each other. It is preferable to use one type of hardscape or stone that flatters the color of the home as well as the architecture. Whether the design theme is modern or traditional, try to stick with that style and be consistent throughout the landscape. Often times "less is more" and a simple landscape can be most flattering.

2. Visually you want to try and lead people's attention to the front door. You can downplay surrounding areas in order to give the most impact to areas leading to the entry. The impact can be achieved through color of the plant material or front door as well as with a beautiful walkway that draws you in. It is nice when the entry is visible from the street when possible and not overgrown with shrubs and trees.

3. You can often block undesirable elements of a site, such as an unkept neighboring property or a view of a busy street, with strategically placed trees and shrubs.

4. Accessories can be very important elements to a landscape. You can have address numbers, a mailbox, and outdoor furniture that are also consistent with the design theme of the architecture and landscape. Even if you don't plan on sitting in your front yard, a bench properly placed can be very welcoming. Remember, less is more and clutter can be distracting.

5. Don't forget to think about how your landscape and entry will look after the sun has set. A small scale accent tree near an entry that is lit properly can really add to the curb appeal in the evening hours. It is also welcoming in the evening as well as safe to have an entry walk and address numbers well lit. Often outdoor lighting is underutilized and, when it is done properly, it can accent key elements of the landscape as well as the home itself.

To view more photos of Entry Statements designed by Dave Pedersen, please visit our online photo journal at :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dplandscape/sets/72157622227700859/

Our Office Walkway

David Pedersen has been designing landscapes in Orange County, California, for over 25 years. During that period of time he has collected lots of stone samples. For awhile they were stacked around and starting to pile up. In order to better display them we had "Brick's Custom Masonry" create a hodge-podge (for lack of a better term) walkway that leads to our office entrance. Pete's artisans did an amazing job and the walk is quite beautiful. Although the walkway utilizes just a mere fraction of what is available in hardscape, it is very inspirational and can get the ideas happening. Dave is always keeping updated on what Stones and other hardscape materials are available. He is an expert at finding just the right stone for your architectural style. Feel free to stop by and take a look at our gorgeous walkway.

Think "Honeysuckle Pink" suggests Pantone

front door (corbis.com)

http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/outdoor-room-design-ideas (photo above)
























According to "Pantone", the color of the year is forecasted to be "Honeysuckle Pink." It is expected that pink will be popular in the fashion and interior design industry. If you have a desire to carry out the pink theme in your garden, here are some suggestions for people living in the moderate Southern California climates.

Here are the plant names in order from left to right: Azalea, mixed floral basket, Hydrangea, Cyclamen, Calla Lily "Gem", Dianthus, Impatiens, Taylor's Perfection Camellia, Chandleri Elegans Varigated Camellia, Gerber Daisy, Verbena, Hybrid Tea Rose "Bewitched", Geranium species, Black Tulip Magnolia Tree, Primrose, mass planting of ornamental Kale, African Trailing Daisy, Ornamental Kale, Carnation variety, Primrose, Colombine, and Honeysuckle. Most of these are annual color (seasonal), but the Azalea, Hydrangea, Camellias, Geranium, and the Magnolia Tree are Perennials but only bloom seasonally.

If you just want a touch of pink in your garden and don't want the time and financial commitment of changing your landscape you may consider doing "pink themed" containers by your front entry. If you have a cottage style home you could even paint your door a shade of pink and then change it up when "Pantone" comes up with a new favorite for next year. You could also consider adding some pillows on your patio furniture in a pink Sunbrella fabric. Sunbrella is a good fabric choice because it withstands So. Cal. sun and is fade resistant. Whatever you decide to do in your garden enjoy and get ready for some outdoor entertaining. Spring is coming soon.

Photos of flowers taken by Nancy Pedersen.

Photos may not be used without permission of the photographer.

Thank you.