This guest post is by Frank Bateson
If you are like me, you are always trying to come up with easy and unique solutions for bland curb appeal. Generally, I prefer to keep things simple - my ideal project only requires a few materials and tools, nothing special. But that doesn’t mean the end result can’t be unique. The best projects are when you use very standard materials in a creative and unusual manner. For these three simple projects I made the most of three materials found outside of everyone’s home: rock, wood, and mulch.
One step, Two Step...
Pathways are inviting and create a sense of depth - plus they only require a few steps. Try changing up the usual stone or pebble walkway for a less traditional wooden path.
- Start by digging out where you want your path to be - it can be as simple as from your front door to your garage, or it can circle around your yard. You only really need to dig deep enough to clear the area - typically two inches at the most. All you are going to do is fill the area with dark bark mulch.
- The real interest comes with the addition of wood planks. Depending on your taste, you can add large planks, arranging them close enough so you can step from one to the next comfortably. Or you can use smaller planks of differing lengths, placing them snug together.
Rock and Roll
Rocks come in all shapes, sizes and colors - offering a ton of variety and character year round. Place them among your shrubs and flowers for variation and texture.
- For a colorful and customizable twist – try painting your rocks. Spray paint the entire rock one solid color, such as white, sea green, yellow, or black. You can either leave it at that or go one step further by taking a paint brush to it. Use simple lines or geometric patterns in various colors to create an artistic and unique flair without going overboard.
Garden Party
For a modern twist using classic landscaping components - create a checkerboard groundcover at the edge of your yard or near your deck.
- Start by clearing and leveling the desired area by digging it out roughly two inches deep. Naturally you will want a square or rectangle shape and to do this, as well as create an even checkerboard pattern, you will need to measure first to create little equal squares that will compose the checkerboard. The size is dependent upon the space you have available and your personal taste.
- Use 1 by 2’s to separate each square. First place long boards equal distances apart lengthwise to create a striped pattern, then cut the rest into equal lengths to fit perpendicularly between each long board to create the checkerboard. Again, the lengths will depend on how large or small you want this feature to be.
- After all the boards are in place, fill in every other square with dark bark chips. Fill in the other squares with small rocks of your choosing, preferably a lighter color to contrast with the dark mulch. For additional interest and color, add low growing succulents.
And there you go - all you need is a few wheelbarrows full of mulch, rocks, and wood planks to boost your front yard into an attractive, inviting, and unique space.
About the Author
https://plus.google.com/115204223120734466093 Frank Bateson is a retired appraiser who is now dipping his toes into blogging. He is considered an expert on http://www.brainardridge.com/ Windham, New York Real Estate. When he's not plugging away at his keyboard, Frank enjoys tracking the stock market, lowering his golf handicap, and working in his yard.
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