Putting up a good front

York Gate front garden showing how it's done

What is the key to designing a beautiful front garden?

The truth is that front gardens require a lot of thought.  A good design can add value to your home - so-called 'kerb appeal'.  However, it is not just about aesthetics.  Here are some things to consider:

1.  Where will you put your bins?

2. How much room do you need for the car to come in and turn or reverse out again?

3.  Where are the services coming into and off the property?

4.  Do you want to screen your front garden or show it off?

​5.  How will you light the entrance to your garden?

6.  Will your design be SUDS compliant? (SUDS is short for sustainable urban drainage system - the law requires you to think about this before you pave your front garden.)

Beyond the practical aspects, it's a matter of assessing an appropriate theme or concept for your garden around which to develop the design.  Some people believe that front gardens should be formal and tidy.  I think that's ok but too restrictive.  Yes, a formal garden could be just the thing to complement a Georgian style house but may look inappropriate in a more natural setting.  A good design will take all these points on board as well as accommodating what you want to do in your front garden.