Landscape Ideas for the Front Yard Walkway

Landscaping Basics

• Select landscaping features that are a good match for your climate and lifestyle. Take into account the amount of time and money you are willing to spend to take care of your yard, how the space will be used and weather trends. Keep the overall look you want to create in mind when selecting individual landscaping elements as well. Single items that look great solo may result in a cluttered, unorganized mess when placed together. A common front yard landscaping strategy to combat this problem is to pick a single element, such as a particular form or a color, and repeat it throughout your design. This creates a feeling of unity. For example, selecting a monochromatic color scheme that includes your lawn furniture and flowering plants creates a put-together look. Circular shapes, curves or straight lines can also be used as a unifying feature. Just incorporate your selection into the shaping of the pathway, pruning of the bushes and water features silhouettes.

Pathway Ideas

• A traditional concrete walkway can create a simple elegant look, but it is not your only option. A whimsical alternative is to create a path of stepping stones embedded in the earth. This path can be created using large uniform blocks, prefabricated circular stones or even different shapes and kinds of rock assembled together like a mosaic. Customized tiles and bricks can also be used to create a similar pathway to your front door. Another option is to use loose pebbles to create a walkway -- but you will need some kind of border to keep the tiny stones in place. You can use larger rocks or raised wooden guardrails to accomplish this. A third option is to create a fixed stone path. The base of this type of path is created with concrete or limestone. While the base is still settling, pebbles are placed in the mixture. Once dry, you have a lasting decorative trail.

Lighting Ideas

• Landscape lighting showcases design elements, provides additional security for your property and makes your space usable in the evening. Plus, a wide variety of fixtures is available, so there is something appropriate for every type of design. For example, achieve a rustic look by hanging solar-powered or electrical lanterns from hooks or on curved poles. Create a dramatic, almost magical look by silhouetting trees or other elements on your property: Just position lights under and behind the feature you want to highlight. To give your pathway or entire front yard a soft glow, place small dim lights around the area. Just keep considerable space between each light so the overall effect does not become overpowering. If you have a water feature, consider adding colored submerged lights for added flair.