Extra curb appeal, please!

Making the journey to the front door more than a quick hike up a path adds interest, but also helps nestle the house into the landscaping.

The main path passes through low privacy screens, leading to an entry courtyard with a metal trellis accent and the front door. There’s a gravel driveway next to the concrete driveway for guest parking, hidden by a row of heavenly bamboo (nandina).

The design needed to work with a large tree. Although most think of shade, the other concern is giving the tree a healthy root zone and minimizing root damage during construction. Done right, the tree will thrive as will the new plants underneath. Another benefit: removing lawn reduces competition with the tree’s roots, giving it more nutrients.

Path lights flank the path, giving way to step lights mounted on the privacy screens. This creates a path of light leading to the front door.

 

Published by mike

Mike is a licensed landscape architect. He's also an artist, photographer and occasional chef. Luciole Design specializes in sustainable, contemporary, modern landscape design - and traditional landscape styles that fit into California's Mediterranean climate. Sacramento, California.