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Writer's pictureSarah Kay

5 Key Principles of Front Garden Design

I've designed many and varied London front gardens over the years. I think that any front garden design, whatever the size and style should follow these 5 guiding principles.


  1. Use evergreens for all year round appeal


Evergreen hedges, climbers, ferns and grasses help to keep your front garden looking lush all year round. In this Finchley garden a Fagus sylvatica purpurea (Purple Beech) hedge will change colour but hold it's leaves all year round and is underplanted with Luzula nivea and Asplenium ferns.

2. Hide or disguise practical elements


The bike storage in this N16 Front Garden is hidden by a Prunus Lustanica (Portugese Laurel) and a brick and cedar bin store houses the unsightly bins and is softened with a variegated Ivy.

A Pitttosporum hedge provides privacy for the basement kitchen and hides a bike store sited behind

in this Clapton basement front garden.


3. Use SUDs compliant materials


Gravel is a fantastic (and cost effective) SUDs compliant surface which blends seamlessly with other natural hard landscaping materials. Large planting beds also create a SUDs compliant garden, ensuring that all rainwater is absorbed into your own garden and not the public drains.


4. Create a focal point


A small but striking tree, such as an Acer is the perfect focal point for a front garden. Most Acers don't like too much sun or wind so ensure that you choose the right variety for your spot.


5. Stay sympathetic to the architecture



This Wanstead front garden echoes the Victorian architecture of the house with a Victorian style chequerboard path, rope edging and metal railings.


If you need any help designing a front garden with kerb appeal, contact Sarah Kay Garden Design today to arrange a consultation.



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