ENTRYWAY This Alamo home's
central courtyard should be thought of as an outdoor
"room." Its design and decoration can set a welcoming
tone.
Answer: Your design dilemma is challenging for
any landscape designer. The courtyard's symmetrical
layout focuses on the space intended for the fountain
without regard to the fact that it's also the main
approach to your front door.
The feeling of an "outdoor room" would be
spectacular.
First, while the sound of flowing water is pleasing at
a home's entrance, because your fountain is not being
used I recommend that it be removed altogether. It
obstructs the passage to the door and is out of scale for
the space. A water element can be added later, as you
will see.
Once the fountain is gone the space will take on a
whole new feeling and will seem larger. Now we can focus
on how to make the practical more decorative.
Next, the concrete on the patio should be replaced.
It's regularity is tedious in such a wide expanse. Much
like an interesting carpet defines the space of an indoor
room, so does the surface in a garden space.
I suggest replacing the concrete with paving stones.
They add interest and complement the architectural aspect
of the bricks nicely. Make sure you select a stone that
is not slippery in the wet weather.
If low garden maintenance is a priority, use cement
between the stones. Otherwise, put soil between each
stone and use a low ground cover like baby tears or
isotoma, which require only an occasional pruning. The
green element visually breaks up the large area. As well,
it sets the tone for the landscaping to come.
Showcase the Door
Next, let's design the front door area to make it
compelling and inviting for your guests. This area is
hidden by an overgrown tree and the dark color of the
door. To let more light in, prune the overhanging tree
near the entry.
Since we're following a "room" metaphor, the next
aspect is color. Imagine how the entrance would look if
the door were painted a strong color, let's say red. Red
is exciting, dynamic and, in feng shui, invites good
energy into your home.
The lighting at the front door should be bright. Even
in the daytime, lamps help define the entry. Use a pair
of shiny, brass lanterns on either side of the door to
act as beacons when on or off.
A Wonderful First Impression
A brass door knob, knocker and kick plate are other
decorative elements that add sparkle and help open the
area. Colorful potted plants that spill out of the
recessed door area onto the patio also announce the entry
to your guests. There should never again be any doubt as
to where the front door is!
The next challenge is landscaping. Much of what was
planted years ago badly needs pruning and maintenance.
Pruning allows air and light to filter into the sides of
the garden, making them seem less daunting.
Underneath the deciduous plants install colorful
"underplantings" -- those low-to-the-ground plants that
bloom and create blankets of color.
Since the front door is red, keep the color palette of
the flowers in your garden harmonious -- soft pinks and
coral, purple, lilac and white. Bright yellows and
oranges are bold colors that may be too strong for this
garden.
Use Plants as "Art"
The large brick wall that contains the entry gate is a
perfect backdrop for climbing plants. Create espalier
lattices or find trellises that have creative shapes and
trompe l'oeil effects. This element breaks up the long
lines of brick and gives the illusion of "art" on the
walls of the room visible from inside the house. Choose
plants that bear fruit or have flowers to add color to
your "room."
Incorporate a recirculating wall fountain into the
design on one of your other large brick expanses and add
plants around it.
Don't overlook the importance of your interior window
treatments and the effect they have on the garden.
They'll be seen from outside as well and become part of
the decor of this new "room."
Finally, select outdoor furniture that suits the
garden motif and place these pieces in small, intimate
groupings.
Once complete, your new garden "room" will be
welcoming for your guests and a place of enjoyment for
your family.
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