A $1,500 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR GINA

Now that the gardening season is winding down, Gina at Myskinnygarden is busy scheming and dreaming. This time she wants suggestions for a new path in her frontyard. Knowing how thrifty ( cheap ?) she is and how she loves free stuff, May Day Garden Design ( that's moi ) is sending her a gift certificate worth $1,500 of free garden design.

Our frontyards are are pretty much alike, Gina as far as size and shape go . Here are my suggestions : A flagstone path to your front entrance would soften all that harsh concrete and it can be cemented right on top of your existing walk if it's in sound condition. I would suggest removing the strip of grass between you and your neighbor , if that's possible, and widen the walkway there . Flagstone on top of it to match your entry would add interest. I wouldn't add a path along the curved bed because I think less is more in small yards .

GINA I ( Left )
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Alternatives to flagstone would be : Stain your concrete walkway a natural earth tone ( brown perhaps ) to soften it . Is your porch concrete as well ? That could also be stained to tone down all that gray cement . The curved flower bed will break up that rectangular shape.

Notice that all the "Poodles" are gone and in their place I've created a background that is not too formal yet not wild and it is the bones that will provide year round interest ( Azalea and Magnolia blooms in the Spring and the Lilac in the Summer ; the Dwarf White Pine or a Mugo Pine is evergreen ) and structure with both deciduous and evergreen plant material ( I know you're a wild child but I think that a natural, serene setting at the entrance is important ! )

Since your frontyard is small, flat and rectangular, adding height , such as a berm or built-up flower bed ( 8-12 inches ) would give it immediate interest. Plus , plants grow faster and better in a raised garden. Yes, Gina, this means more topsoil to be ordered and delivered.

GINA II ( right )
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You'll note that I've gotten rid of the lawn ( groan, hard labor ! ) and replaced it with some choice round landscape rocks, decorative stones and low growing evergreen Japanese rockgarden cypress ( 1-2 ' tall and spreading ) . The clean lines and naturalistic style go well with the style of your house. Once established it's also pretty low maintenance.

Hope you like your Christmas present. Are you Scottish by any chance ?