Everyday Home Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 47

Front Porch & Walkway

Start in the front , and work your way back . Begin by evaluating your hedges , and the edges of your lawn that meet with the sidewalk . Are you noticing some overgrowth ? Fix this easily by installing edging along the boundaries of your walkway , and trimming off the excess grass and mounds . Line your walkway with solar light posts or small , decorative rocks , etc . Whatever catches your eye and matches your house will give your home curb appeal and make you happy .
If your mailbox could use some TLC , pay attention to your home ’ s trim color . This would be the ideal color to paint your mailbox . If you don ’ t have a trim color , or if you ’ re not too
keen on the idea , simply go for a neutral color . Black or beige will work best , and you can keep the mailbox post as is , or add a pop of color , such as brick red . Wooden mailbox posts are much more appealing than metal , so opt for wood when you get to that point .
Wash and touch up your home ’ s exterior for a finished look . Once you ’ ve completed the task of giving your home ’ s front entrance a facelift , look around . Do you notice any greenery ? Are there pops of color , or is the entire space monochromatic ? If the area is lacking color , it is important to add some , such as window boxes with small , pink annuals , or a few hanging spider plants . You ’ ll be amazed at how far a little foliage can go .

Property Sides

The sides of your property may not seem to be very important , but they should definitely not be overlooked . Think of your lawn as a frame for your home . The sides need to manicured as well . Start by adding the same edging around shrubs and whatever else may be planted along the side of your house . If nothing is there , consider purchasing a few trees and bushes to cover up the naked exterior that will come into view from the street .
Window boxes and / or hanging plants are not recommended for the sides of your property , because these plants can often be forgotten , and by the time you remember they were there , it will be too late to revive them . Opt , instead , for low-sitting bushes , or higher shrubs that don ’ t need much care or sunlight . Always check with your local garden center about what plants need more sunlight , and where the best placement would be . Depending on the direction your house faces , you don ’ t want to plant something that won ’ t be able to survive there .
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