Best front yard plants – 16 charming plants and shrubs for easy impact

The best front yard plants not only enrich your own habitat but can also elevate entire neighborhoods. Gardening is contagious, so if you live in a street of houses where the front yards offer only bicycles or parking spaces, this is your cue to take action. Lift a slab or two, plant a few shrubs and floral specimens, and you never know – you may soon inspire others to follow suit. And since plants attract insect and bird life, formerly barren streets will quickly burst into life and increase everyone’s well-being.

The secret to thriving front yard flower beds lies in planning before paving and planting. For cars, mark out their entry, parking and exit. Keep hedges and trees on the boundary and create beds around the edge. Note the direction of your front yard, too. Those facing south and west catch more sun, and walls can play host to wisteria. Fronts facing north or east will be cooler and the light shade better for honeysuckle. Extra shade might be cast by trees and buildings. You can even introduce fragrance zones in warm sheltered spots for tobacco plants and herbs.

Observe the character of neighboring houses, gardens and yards for inspiration. If in doubt, classic works best. Mix and match a few easy-going front yard plant varieties to give structure all year-round.

BY ANNE SWITHINBANK