How to update curb appeal through landscaping?

Question

Hiya!I moved into a 1970’s home a few years ago and I’ve nearly remodeled everything inside the house, but am having trouble outside.Its not in the budget to repaint the house or redo the roof, but I’d like to modernize (or just make more lively) the front yard. I feel like it needs color, everything is a shade of brown lolWe will be painting the front door a burgundy color.We want to redo the trim and garage door.I LOVE all my rose bushes but wouldn't be opposed to moving/rearranging them.We really like tropical style plants BUT we have a west facing home in Southern California so drought resistant is ideal.Any advice is welcome! My neighbors probably think I’m crazy because I’m constantly outside just staring at the house wondering what to do lol

Bbunny42 · Answer

If you could eliminate the arches (maybe converting the pillars to Craftsman-type posts), that would open up the front and give the yard a new look, but it sounds like that might not be financially feasible at this time. I would definitely paint the door a light, bright color to brighten the front; it's very dark. Where you have brown patches of grass/dirt (sorry, can't tell), I think flower beds with gravel mulch and curved/free form edges would look great. And perhaps gravel between the sidewalk and street. For plants, consult a local nursery or buy a plant book appropriate for your area and study plant heights and widths and sun/water requirements. Good luck! Please post pictures of the finished yard.

Joy30150932 · Answer

LOVELY HOME. Just needs some color so I think I would remove the square bushes and install some with colorful flowers.

Janice · Answer

Hi Joscelyn! You home has nice linear lines so I'd suggest softening the look a bit by adding curving flower beds out toward the sidewalk where the glass doesn't seem to be doing well. You could plant perennial flowers and put in a soaking hose system fairly easily so they flourish. They may solve a potential problem of people walking on your lawn so the soil is too packed for grass to thrive. I can't tell if you have brick but if the area beyond the arches are brick you might consider painting it a nice light color.

Julie McCuiston · Answer

Thought I would share some inspiration....https://www.houzz.com/photos/query/california-home-with-exterior-arches/nqrwns

Julie McCuiston · Answer

https://www.houzz.com/photo/1995170-reichel-residence-mediterranean-exterior-orange-county

Julie McCuiston · Answer

https://www.houzz.com/photo/5449149-cord-shiflet-modern-mediterranean-mediterranean-exterior-austin

Julie McCuiston · Answer

https://www.houzz.com/photo/5449149-cord-shiflet-modern-mediterranean-mediterranean-exterior-austin

Julie McCuiston · Answer

https://www.houzz.com/photo/3280524-natural-drought-tolerant-garden-mediterranean-landscape-orange-county

Julie McCuiston · Answer

https://www.houzz.com/photo/5167106-marco-island-mediterranean-exterior-miami

Julie McCuiston · Answer

https://www.houzz.com/photos/query/california-home-with-exterior-arches/nqrwns/p/72

Julie McCuiston · Answer

https://www.houzz.com/photos/query/california-home-with-exterior-arches/nqrwns/p/72

Julie McCuiston · Answer

All of these actually play up the Mediterranean look of your home. If you ever get to the point that you want/can do some exterior work, I would go with the cue you already have. Just take it to the max instead of a mix of California Ranch and Medit/Spanish.

Most of California will allow you a wide choice in planting materials. I LOVE the beautiful yards in West Hollywood surrounding the little medit./spanish bungalows that are largely done in giant lush succulents. If you are anywhere near there, take a drive to check them out. They are very near Cedars Sinai Hosp. They are gorgeous!

Julie McCuiston · Answer

There are alot here.......https://www.houzz.com/photos/query/hollywood-succulent-yards/nqrwns

They make so much sense with the drought conditions of CA

Julie McCuiston · Answer

Or go out to Palm Springs to take a look at the beautiful modern looks with modern landscaping. Truly one of our favorite places in CA.

Kathy green · Answer

A beautiful light oak wood stain door would brighten and added wood accents around your landscape. Wooden trelles with white or red climbing to accent the arches to bring in other colors. If on a budget just adding color is a plus! Good luck you have a beautiful home to build from!

Mindshift · Answer

Your lawn is gone in the curb strip. Replace it with plants that can stand both heat and drought. Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) looks like a yucca, but has no spines. A 1' clump expands over time to 3 to 5' wide and 2' tall, though the flower spikes in spring and early summer can rise to 5'. It is hardy to 10ºF. https://www.villagenurseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Brake-Lights.jpg

Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) has yellow blooms in spring and again in fall, and grows up to 2' high and wide. It is hardy to 10ºF. http://palmdale.watersavingplants.com/PlantMaster/Photos/2302b.jpg

Desert Ruella (R. peninsularis) is hardy to 20ºF, and while it takes heat, sun and dry soil, it will do best with deep watering twice a month in the summer. I would plant it next to the existing trees so it can benefit from the extra water those will continue to need. It blooms heaviest in spring, but sporadically after that. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7203/6848893079_cd6d247650_b.jpg

Set the above plants in groups of 3 to 5 about 18' apart. You will have to water more often the first year whenever you place new plants. Soaker hoses are a good choice for linear beds. If people park in the street, place concrete pavers between the street and the sidewalk between planting sections so your plants won't get trampled. People will take shortcuts unless you put up a barrier or provide an alternate route. Check local nurseries that specialize in native and drought resistant plants for more options. There are lots of choices that do not have spines. You want short plants for the curb strip, but in the future you can replace more lawn with borders of drought tolerant trees, shrubs and perennials.

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