When Hicks designer Craig Donley met the homeowners, the front yard clearly needed help. To reach the door, visitors had to find hidden, narrow steps and cross a sloped lawn. Then, they had to navigate around the bend to reach crumbling stairs and a worn-out landing. Overgrown junipers and poor layout made the entire entry feel awkward and unwelcoming.
A Plan to Enhance Access and Curb Appeal
The homeowners wanted a front yard that felt more open, functional, and beautiful. They also needed better driveway access and plantings that complemented their home. To begin with, the Hicks Landscapes team cleared the old junipers, broken steps, and timber retaining walls. Then, they cut the grade by five feet to create space for a new parking spur. Bluestone retaining walls now hold the slope and shape terraced garden beds. Meanwhile, a concrete paver walk offers a direct path from the driveway to the front door. The team also added stone steps with bluestone treads and risers for a smooth, natural transition.
A Neighbor-Friendly Street View
Next, the team turned their attention to the street. They replaced the large yew hedge with a decorative rail fence and fresh plantings.
As a result, the home now feels more open and connected to the neighborhood. At the gate, a paver landing matches the front walk and provides a welcoming space to gather.
Practical Improvements With Elegant Touches
The team rebuilt the driveway using asphalt with cobblestone edging for a refined look. This new layout also creates more room for parking and turning around. To improve the view, they planted a large holly to block the garage and frame the front walk.
Four-Season Beauty Through Thoughtful Planting
Evergreens like Ilex, Rhododendron, Euonymus, and Prunus ‘Otto Luyken’ give year-round structure. Meanwhile, hydrangeas, carpet roses, and a Magnolia ‘Butterfly’ bring seasonal color and charm. In addition, perennials like daylilies, catmint, geraniums, coneflowers, and Russian sage soften the edges. Finally, a climbing Hydrangea at the chimney will mature and help blend the structure into the landscape.
A Welcoming Aesthetic
Hicks Landscapes turned an overlooked front yard into a warm, garden-style entry that feels right at home.
Learn more about Hicks Landscapes award winning landscape design services here.
