Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! As always, each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week let's explore the front yard landscape.

A BUFFER SPACE

The front yard is the space between the front of your house and street...and it's often the most underutilized "room" in our garden.

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This space serves an interesting role: its the transition between a public space (the street and walks) and your private home. Think of it as a buffer of sorts between the two.

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In the simplest sense the front yard landscape integrates both the house and landscape into a lovely welcome area by directing guests to your front door, while also framing the architecture and softly connecting it to the ground. But, this transition zone can take on any function you'd like!

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Resource: The Front Garden by Mary Riley Smith

FRONT YARD FUNCTION

The three items listed below are typical functions for this public space:

• To accentuate the front door to your home
• Frame your house while also grounding it (be careful to not block doors and windows with taller plants)
• Curb appeal (this means different things to different people...what's your take?) 

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How else can you use this front space? Consider some of the additions below depending on your site conditions and lifestyle. And, BTW, the three items above can be combined with any function below and more. 

• A vegetable garden (this might be the only place you have sun)
• A small sitting area (maybe you don't have space in the back or you simply enjoy talking to your neighbors as they walk by)
• A fabulous pollinator garden (minus the lawn and instead: flowers, flowers everywhere!)

This list can go on and on. ♥︎ What is the function of your front yard landscape?

FRONT YARD INSPIRATION

Visit a garden walk so you can experience amazing front yards in person. We recently attended GARDEN WALK BUFFALO in Buffalo, New York and were in awe of the front yards (and right-of-ways) overflowing with plants. Another tour to add to your list is the COOPER-YOUNG GARDEN WALK in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Here is a great article from Garden Design on FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING IDEAS. You may want to tag this as a resource. So many lovely ideas packed into one place.

LET'S DO THIS! 

Grab some paper and a pencil to start exploring ideas of how your front yard can function perfectly for you. Keep it conceptual and have fun.

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Did you know that we will re-open our awesome membership, THE GARDEN DESIGN COLLECTIVE next month? More soon, but you're welcome to jump on the waiting list for updates.

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And one last super cool thing: Monrovia Nursery recently won a GardenComm Gold Media Award for their publication, BACKYARD HABITAT GUIDE. I was privileged to be able to draw the landscape plans in this guide. They are a talented team and I'm thrilled to be part of their magic. ♥︎

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Wishing you happiness in your lovely outdoor spaces.

All my best, 

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for designing the lovely graphics in all these newsletters.