How to improve front garden?

[Thierry]

Hi Team

Trust you are all well.

Just wondering how can I inprove my front garden. I have pruned /trimmed the plants. What else are missing? As you can also see there's a small creek in the middle. 

Also on the side of the house, i have some olive trees that's requiring pruning. What tools do I need and appreciate on the shape and height.

 

 

Cheers

Thierry

[JacobZ]

Hi @Thierry,

Thank you for your question about your front and side gardens.

Your plants look wonderful and healthy as they are, but there are certainly some things you could do to improve this space and the depth and beauty of the area. 

Some ideas include -

• Adding garden edging to define and accentuate different zones in the garden. Check out How To Install Garden Edging for some guidance.
   
• Adding a stepped paver pathway. Check out How To Lay A Stepping Stone Pathway for guidance.
   
• Adding mulch. This Red Cypress Mulch would add a nice pop of colour. Check out Mulch And How To Use It for some info.
   
• Plant some colourful groundcovers such as Scaevolas or Grevilleas. Check out 11 Ground Covers For Your Garden.
   
• Add a birdbath or native bee sanctuary to encourage wildlife that will benefit from and contribute to your garden's ecology.

These are just a few ideas. I am sure @mich1972, @Noelle and @Dave-1 will have more.

With your olive trees, I'd suggest checking out How To Plant, Grow And Prune An Olive Tree for some guidance.

Make sure you use clean, sharp secateurs to ensure your olive trees health after pruning.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @Thierry 

I saw your mention of a creek and my head just about snapped around  Tho cant see it? Is there a missing photo? Ahh bingo! I just found it! 

Any chance of a few extra photos of the creek and where it goes from and to? I have ALWAYS wanted a watercourse through the yard as I figure it can add so much to the area. 

Is the creek more decorative or functional is the first question I have? The area looks a little dry so I am already heading towards using whatever water that is captuired by the creek for your benifit I have built a watercourse in my front yard to maximise the use of the water. There is also another member who has done somethings imilar tho he had LOTS more space then either you or me

Do you want a path between the front and back yard? Functional or winding?

Is the brickwork at the bottom of the photo your front fenceline?

Will wait for some more photos (crossing fingers as yeah I am keen on watrecourses lol) But here are some suggestions.

Sketch it out, draw up your yard as a top down look, add in trees, fence lines, creeks, those wooden vertical posts.

Add measurements between the major bits.

Do a couple of side profile sketches. One that is from the street, one that is from the side fence so you can see how it would look, factor in the path of the creek.

Olive trees, I wouldnt touch them until you work out how your yard will go. Do they fruit or are they more privacy type deal? When you do get to them, Lop them so they are managable heights (8 foot ladder minus the top two steps as you should NEVER stand on those) Also creat air flow in the center of them, think wine glass where the branches spread like a wine glass with the ability of air to circulate in the "cup" area.

Excited about ideas for your garden, looking forward to some more photos

Dave