How should I landscape front yard?

Mcarreira
by Mcarreira

We are looking to create an area that still has a little grass patch, along with a path of some short. We live in the Bay Area, but get a lot of fog!

  16 answers
  • I would check with a local nursery/landscaper for recommendations. It's important to use the right plants for your area.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 11, 2021

    You could also tour the area and see what other neighbors have done that grows well and looks good.

    It's hard to tell if your lawn is grassy, it looks like the heat and sun has taken a toll on it. You might consider replanting with a grass that is more tolerant to the conditions.

    Visit a local nursery, they'll have grass seeds, bring a picture.

    Not sure what the large bush is in front of the door, I would take it out. Get some colorful potted plants in there to break up the gray.

    Where do you want to path to go to? And, thank you for the picture.


    • Mcarreira Mcarreira on Aug 12, 2021

      Yes, there is no return of our lawn. We would need to reseed. As for the bush in front not sure of the name but it’s just out of session right now but has really pretty purple flowers when in bloom.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Aug 11, 2021

    Hello. Exciting project.

    For the best local professional advice I would highly suggest contacting your cooperative extension. These offices are manned by volunteer master gardeners on site there waiting to answer the communities questions that know your local situation quite well.

    Master gardeners are required to volunteer back designated hours ( plus continuing education) each year to maintain MG certification -this community outreach and education is their goal.


    Most plants success depend on their hardness to geographic planting zones. presenting weather conditions and local soil and sunlight exposure.

    Your local experts should have the ideal suggestions for your need.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Aug 11, 2021

    you could use pavers and they come in large sizes and everything in between - you could add grass around the pavers as well

    I would take a photo of your yard and go to a local nursery (not Home Depot, etc) and ask for info on what to use for your area- I did that when we moved in our home and they were very helpful and gave free advise

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdpiG_bWPM8

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Aug 11, 2021

    As you haven't indicated your growing zone I encourage you to find that out first thing. From there, you can Google grass, flowers, perennials, etc. that are native to your area for best results. Definitely remove the huge shrub near the house. If grass isn't native, there are "walkable ground covers" available. I would place a fast growing tree as a focal point and build garden beds from there filled with perennial flowers so you don't have to replant yearly.

  • Em Em on Aug 11, 2021

    Make a path out of pavers or bricks from left (driveway) to right. Add a bumped out area with a bench, tree and plants. Put a small tree behind the bench and flowers or hosta surrounding that area in large square or circle.

  • Mogie Mogie on Aug 11, 2021

    Whatever you decide on plan it out well. You want this to look intentional and thought out.

    What type of walkway do you want? How wide?

    How much work do you want this to be?

    How much money do you plan on sinking into this?

    Are you going to do the work or hire someone?


  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Aug 12, 2021

    Use grasses

  • Seth Seth on Aug 13, 2021

    Skip grass altogether. It's expensive and time consuming to maintain, uses water needlessly, and has no ecological benefit. Keep a small area as a play space or for entertaining if necessary. Contact your local gardening club for grass alternatives. Think about a rain garden and plants that benefit bees and butterflies suitable for your location.

  • Seth Seth on Aug 13, 2021

    Skip grass altogether. It's expensive and time consuming to maintain, uses water needlessly, and has no ecological benefit. Keep a small area as a play space or for entertaining if necessary. Contact your local gardening club for grass alternatives. Think about a rain garden and plants that benefit bees and butterflies suitable for your location.

  • Mcarreira Mcarreira on Aug 13, 2021

    Thank you everyone for your comments and feedback. I will be checking out our location garden clubs and hope to work with the closely. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

    • Rechard Rechard on Nov 09, 2021

      Hi Mcarreira

      What about your garden. Have you approached any gardening groups for reinstalling the garden?

      One of my friends just had his property landscaped. He intended to grow a variety of grasses and plants, particularly shrubs with a wide range of flowering. He also installed sprinklers points throughout the backyard area to create a moisture atmosphere inside the garden.

  • Daisy@TX Daisy@TX on Aug 13, 2021

    To Seth what is a rain garden ?

    • Seth Seth on Aug 16, 2021

      So sorry I missed your question. Haven’t checked email in a few days.

  • PJ PJ on Aug 14, 2021

    There's lots of potential here. I realize you didn't ask about the actual house, but have you considered shutters or maybe a window box? The window on the left looks lonely. Perhaps trim up the bush blocking the front door. Good luck, it's going to look great whatever you do.

  • Annie Annie on Aug 15, 2021

    all depends how much maintenance you want, You could go with a maint. free type landscape, or some nice flower beds instead of the hedge

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Aug 16, 2021

    have you thought of using ornamental grasses which require no cutting

  • 17335038 17335038 on Aug 22, 2021

    I agree with Seth to abandon the idea of having a lawn in the front yard.

    Having an attractive green lawn is an expensive high maintenance endeavour that requires commitment and much water wasting. With more municipalities adapting water rationing, and more areas experiencing wild fires and drought, landscaping with rocks is the better decision.