Updated: 24th February 2025

The front garden can often be overlooked. However, it's usually the first thing people notice when they visit your home or walk down your street. Many of us dedicate time and energy to perfecting our back gardens, creating spaces to unwind and relax.

For our homes, it goes without saying that the front garden is important. It creates the first impression of your home and boosts your curb appeal. In this guide, we will share helpful tips and inspiring ideas. These will help you create a beautiful and welcoming front garden.

1. What is the style of your Home and Area

When designing your front garden, it's essential to take into account the style of your home as well as the wider neighbourhood. Every street or village has its own distinct character, and your garden should complement it. If you live in an older house, a classic British cottage garden might be just right to match the house. When you think of an older British cottage garden, you think of roses, lavender, and a nice fence. 

If your home is modern, you might choose a minimalist design. This style features clean lines and contemporary planters. To keep your front garden looking good, match its style with your home and surroundings. This will make it feel cohesive and well-designed.

2. Think about the Symmetry and Structure

Simplicity and symmetry can go a long way in creating a balanced, welcoming front garden. For example, if your home has a central front path, you may want to match it on both sides. You can use similar plants, shrubs, or decorative features.

Symmetrical designs can create a sense of order and elegance. If your garden space is considered as a small area, you should consider using a repetitive planting scheme or identical planters on either side of the entrance. This can create a pleasing, balanced look without planting too much.

However, don't be afraid to add subtle touches of asymmetry for character and variety, just ensure that the overall design feels balanced.

3. Consider Functionality

A beautiful front garden should also be functional. When planning your garden, consider practical aspects such as access to your front door, parking space, and ease of maintenance. If you live in a busy area, choose plants that are hardy and low-maintenance. Keep any tall plants, hedges or other tall greenery clear of windows to ensure they don’t block the view or natural light into your home.

If you have a driveway or car park in front of your house, think about how the garden can complement or frame it without obstructing access. For example, a low hedge or decorative fencing can delineate the parking area while still allowing for clear access to the front entrance.

4. Choose the Right Products and Materials

The materials and products you use can significantly influence the look and feel of your front garden. When selecting products, it’s important to choose ones that complement the character of your home. If you have a rustic or cottage-style home, consider our range of rustic brick pavers or decorative gravels to create a charming path or driveway. 

For more contemporary designs, sleek stone or large paving slabs can add a modern touch. Don’t forget to add finishing touches like lanterns, outdoor lighting, and stylish planters to elevate the overall design. Our range of outdoor products is perfect for helping you achieve the right balance of beauty and functionality in your front garden.

5. Create a Home for Wildlife

One of the best things about a front garden is the opportunity to turn it into a welcoming space for local wildlife. You can create a small haven for bees, butterflies, and birds by including wildlife-friendly plants and features. For example, plant nectar-rich flowers like lavender, daisies, and foxgloves to attract pollinators. 

Additionally, consider installing a bird feeder or creating a small pond for birds to drink from. Native plants not only support local wildlife but are also easier to care for and often better suited to your garden's climate. 

You can visit the RHS website for detailed advice on which plants will encourage biodiversity in your garden. Creating a wildlife-friendly space adds both beauty and purpose to your garden, helping to support the natural environment.