Online Reporter
Andrew Mangwarara
ENTRANCES are the hallmark of a property, so due diligence must be applied when designing them.
A first impression is likely to stay with visitors long after they leave.
Make the front yard unique, inviting, attractive and rejuvenating.
The first step is to choose plants that will be appealing throughout the year.
Attractive plants with berries, for example, make for a worthwhile display.
An arch at the entrance brings variety and creates a central point of interest — plant flowering climbers that will gladly adorn it.
An inviting pathway is another way to avoid a boring design.
Place a double-sided plant border with beautiful plants on either side to create a “palace walk-in”. These colourful plants will attract birds and butterflies, creating a glorious and priceless sight.
Try to find an interesting sculpture, pebbles or design element that will excite the passer-by and make them look forward to seeing the next unique house in the neighbourhood.
Even if people do not enter the gate, they should feel they have seen a new place just by how your entrance shines.
There are many good, colourful plants to consider for entrances, such as cherry pie, peruvian lily, clematis, cordyline, cycads, palms, bougainvilleas and some annuals like marigold, petunias, foxglove and alyssum.
In that light, I recently visited another property in Belvedere where they used a combination of palms, hedges and architectural prowess to create a different kind of entrance.
The use of height is appreciated as it creates elegance and affluence in this calm neighbourhood.
You can only wonder what lies beyond the gate.
If you would like to be featured in our green-up campaign, contact us on: [email protected] or [email protected]
