From Blah Landscape to Perfect Curb Appeal in One Day
We're going to transform Amy's lackluster front landscape and porch into a space bursting with curb appeal, all in a single day!
Table of contents
Before
Amy, a longtime resident of Mobile's Midtown with two children, had renovated her house's interior but neglected the exterior. She craved a welcoming porch for herself and her neighbors. Upon arrival, the first thing that struck us was the undeniable lack of curb appeal. This charming house deserved better!
"At the moment, our porch, which is wonderful, we do sit out there occasionally, but it always tends to be a clutter magnet for scooters and bicycles and toys," Amy explained.
"I know we have so much potential; it's a beautiful home on a beautiful street. We have wonderful neighbors, everybody knows everybody, all the kids play out in the front yards in the afternoons, but my porch is not really a place that people who want to congregate because it's always such a wreck."
Amy's vision was for her porch to reflect her and her children, not just an afterthought attached to the house. However, she wasn't sure where to begin.
Plants
The front landscape faces west, receiving shade in the mornings and scorching afternoon sun. Choosing the right plants to thrive in these conditions was crucial.
"I kill every plant that I touch," Amy admitted. "Every plant that I've tried to put in my yard burns up. The hot sunny conditions on the front of this house are something that I needed a little bit of help with."
Seeking expert advice, we visited Tony Seymour at his garden center. Tony offered plants specifically chosen to withstand Mobile's intense heat. "Many customers have the exact same situation as this home facing west," Tony said. "Everything is burning up."
Selecting compatible plants with similar water needs was paramount, especially for the afternoon sun. The advantage of shopping at a local garden center like Tony’s is that everything he grows there and buys to have in his garden center grows here in Mobile, ensuring the plants thrive in the local environment.
Drift roses were chosen to provide color throughout most of the year, while evergreen corner shrubs would add permanent structure.
For the roses, we made sure that we chose light colors, such as yellow-white and apricot, rather than red, as the front of Amy’s house is quite dark. Then we’ll layer white angelonia in front of those for height.
Landscaping
Back at Amy's house, the transformation began. The existing landscape was removed, replaced with the new plants, and the fresh seasonal color filled the containers. The focus then shifted to styling the porch.
Planters
While the initial plan involved refurbishing the existing planters, Tony pointed out their limitations for plant care. Larger, more manageable planters were chosen instead.
Rain chain
Addressing another challenge, Amy's porch suffered from poor rain runoff. Tony devised a creative solution – installing a rain chain, a first for him!
The conventional method involves a gutter system, but in the absence of gutters, this innovative approach provided both functionality and visual appeal.
Rugs
Rugs were the foundation of the porch design, their colors guiding the overall aesthetic.
Furniture
Amy's existing furniture, previously painted a dark, heat-absorbing color, was given a lighter refresh. The furniture was then placed back in its original position, now more inviting than ever.
Accessories
The final touches involved accessorizing the space. Drawing from the rug's colors – navy blue, gray, and cream – throw pillows, natural wood elements, greenery, lanterns, and bowls were incorporated.
These elements not only offered visual interest but also created a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
By the end of the day, the transformation was complete. Amy's once-blah porch was now a beautiful and functional space, a true reflection of her personality. It was the perfect spot to relax, entertain loved ones, and enjoy the outdoors.
Comments
Join the conversation