If you have taken the time to stroll through some of the quieter patches of Edinburgh this summer, you may have stumbled across an aspect of home life that many consider to be something of a dying breed.
We don’t all have a front garden, of course. Heck, a back garden in itself is something of a rare luxury here in the city. But, for those that do, a quick glance from a solitary passer-by will quite often confirm what has long been suspected over the years: the front garden is becoming yesterday’s news.
Now, this might sound all very dramatic and overblown. On your travels you have no doubt seen some truly fabulous lawns and grounds that, quite literally, took your breath away. They are out there. And they’re a wonder to behold.
But, the truth of the matter is, many of us now tend to focus our attention on creating a garden world around the back of our property and neglect to explore the possibilities of what could be fashioned out front. This is a mistake. And, if you’re looking to sell that property sometime in the near future, a pretty darn big one.
Let’s face it, if the outside of your home looks worn and overgrown, you aren’t going to win too many admirers. You may very well have made the inside absolutely spectacular, but it’s going to mean nothing if your lawn looks like a tornado has torn right through it.
So what do you do? Run off to the garden centre and stack the car boot full of enough nick nacks to sink an aircraft carrier? Well, no. Not quite, at least.
Before you go crazy and purchase something you and everyone else will almost definitely come to regret, let’s take a look at some ways in which you can add a bit of magic to your front garden and . give it that little bit of curb appeal it may be missing, Perhaps without the introduction of a garden gnome?…Okay, we will see about the garden gnome.
Quirky Gate: To get things started, why not replace that rusty old monstrosity you call a gate with something a little bit more…wow! It doesn’t have to be anything too overboard, but try to think about what it is your garden is saying. Much like the front door to your house, the garden gate is an opportunity to do something fresh and signal what it is that lies beyond it. If your gate is perfectly fine, then maybe a lick of paint will do it some good. And if it squeaks like an angry mouse…well…best get it sorted.
Lawn Art: This one is obvious, but worthy of mention. If you are fortunate enough to have a lawn out front then, please, do not neglect it. Yes, we know, it can be tough, particularly in the winter months and, most certainly, in Scotland. But, if it starts to look like a jungle out there, then you are going to find it so much harder to find yourself a buyer. Do yourself a favour. Do what you can, when you can, and it will look so much better for it. And you will feel so much better for doing it.
Walk Under Arch: To pull this one off, it’s best to have a pathway that leads up to your house. Not everyone will have one but, if you do, a walk under arch can add a bit of magic and exotic elegance to the party. It is almost impossible to resist walking under one of these decorative delights, even as an adult. If you lay out repeated archways to form a tunnel, the temptation is all the greater and it’s all the more fun. What are you waiting for?
Garden Furniture: You might want to leave the bulk of any garden furniture for around the back, but don’t think that it would be entirely misjudged on the other side. A nice bench sitting out front can add a nice bit of life to the place and introduce a very inviting quality. Of course, there’s no need to overrun the place. The privacy of a back garden may be far better suited to quiet al fresco dining and a mid-afternoon snooze. But a subtle dusting of furnishing in and around the front lawn is no bad thing. In fact, it might just be the little touch of loveliness that was required.
Potted Charm: If you think your garden may be lacking slightly in the plant life department, then don’t be shy to get some potted plants involved in the situation. You know what you like and what might fit in with the rest of the show, so let your imagination run wild. What about having some flowers leading up to your front door? Or what about hanging from a wall? The choice is yours. But be mindful of the toxicity of some plants. You don’t want to harm yourself or any domestic animals that may be close by. Do some research before making a purchase.
Whether it’s a complete makeover or a touching up here and there, the front garden is an opportunity to advertise your creative spark to the world. Yes, the function of a front garden tends to be a bit more show-offy than practical, but a little bit of showing off never hurt anyone. And, if you’re looking to sell your property, it might actually be the key to your success.
From everyone here at Belvoir Edinburgh, we hope you are all keeping well during this difficult time. We hope that you have enjoyed our little piece and that we have inspired you to give your front garden the love that it no doubt deserves.
Have a fantastic week. And Happy Housekeeping.
