Porch, Garden & Outdoors
The bluestone path and patio are composed in a somewhat randomized ashlar pattern. Eyebrow-shaped beds of Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) and variegated Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’) break up the stone. The pachysandra planting was controlled. “While troublesome in some locales, pachysandra is an evergreen, deer-resistant, shade tolerant ground cover that provides a classic and timeless beauty,” Algozzini says. “It is unmatched in the Midwest as a companion plant to shade-loving perennials.” Note: Check to see if pachysandra is invasive in your region and in the conditions it’s been selected for before choosing it for a project.
Kevin worked out the lighting scheme, which includes low landscape lights, seen here along the path, cafe lights on the privacy screen, uplights on the mature trees and LED lighting underneath the outdoor kitchen’s countertop. Previous photo About 90% of the backyard is shade-covered. When choosing ground covers and perennials, Algozzini chose shade-loving plants and featured the purple and white blooms Melanie had on her wishlist. He included variegated Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’), dwarf astilbe (Astilbe chinensis var. pumila), ‘Bridal Veil’ astilbe (Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’), Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) and hosta, including ‘Big Daddy’ (Hosta ‘Big Daddy’), ‘Royal Standard’ (Hosta ‘Royal Standard’) and Guacamole (Hosta ‘Guacamole’).
About 90% of the backyard is shade-covered. When choosing ground covers and perennials, Algozzini chose shade-loving plants and featured the purple and white blooms Melanie had on her wishlist. He included variegated Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’), dwarf astilbe (Astilbe chinensis var. pumila), ‘Bridal Veil’ astilbe (Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’), Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) and hosta, including ‘Big Daddy’ (Hosta ‘Big Daddy’), ‘Royal Standard’ (Hosta ‘Royal Standard’) and Guacamole (Hosta ‘Guacamole’).
The material palette of the project is predominantly thermal blue Pennsylvania bluestone on the ground and some accents; Wisconsin limestone on the walls, stepping stone path, bar and post bases; and cedar on the privacy screen, pergola and some of the outdoor furniture. The existing deck on the right was dismantled and rebuilt out of cedar after the photo shoot.
Driveway Repair, enhance or replace? Repairing an existing driveway or path costs far less, and takes less time, than replacing it. Cracked asphalt can be filled and a new layer of asphalt added over the old. For badly cracked concrete drives and walks, however, repairing is not an option. If your existing driveway and front walk are in good condition already, consider adding a decorative edging made from brick or pavers to boost curb appeal.
Vertical siding 13. Upgrade night lighting. In the evening a well-lit porch is welcoming to come home to and more fun to hang out on, and makes the space look bigger. If your porch has a single porch light, consider hiring an electrician to install one or two additional lights. For instance, if your porch has a single overhead fixture, add a pair of sconce lights flanking the door. If you have a long pathway leading to your door, consider adding landscape lighting as well — your guests will thank you.
10. Check the condition of the garage and driveway. The garage and driveway often take up a lot of visual real estate in the front of a house, so problems here can seriously detract from curb appeal. Have any driveway cracks repaired and freshen up the garage with a coat of paint, sconce lighting and flower boxes.
Driveway
10. Add Curb Appeal First impressions count. Keep the front yard tidy, water the plants and do the updates that need to be done. Peeling paint and cracked exterior walls do not make a good first impression. If you’re adding new plants, try to select ones that are low-maintenance.
7. Redo the driveway. The driveway is a piece of the exterior puzzle that you may not notice — if it’s in great shape. But if your driveway has taken a beating or simply does not match the style of your home, it could be dragging down your home’s curb appeal. Brick, masonry or stained concrete can all make for beautiful, durable driveways.
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