Welcoming Entry

For a welcoming entry, the homeowner replaced the concrete path with pavers and added natural travertine tile to the porch and steps. The new wooden door has an arch that echoes the curves of the plant bed and pergola.

Inspired by its California ranch style, this home’s landscape update makes edibles a big part of the plan. Before, a narrow rectangular bed mimicked the shape of the house. To soften the look, the homeowner designed a large curved bed that sweeps into the diagonal line of the driveway. A short retaining wall on the left side of the garden creates a flat area, which was planted with a base of flowering shrubs and filled in with vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. A cedar pergola with an Asian twist enhances the home’s facade, anchors the entry and provides a spot for growing vines, such as grapes, in the future.

 

“It’s so convenient to have my veggies in the front yard. I can pick tomatoes on my way to the door.”

 

Garden Fare

1. Large cages give tomatoes ample room to grow. Follow our step-by-step instructions to make your own.

2. Clean-lined lanterns with beveled glass brighten the porch and accentuate the home’s modern style.

3. Flowering plants are trained on a custom-made standing trellis, which fills the space between two windows.

4. Tame mint—a notorious spreader—by planting it in a container and then placing the container in a hole in the ground. Cover the rim of the container with soil and mulch.

 

 

Make It: Tomato Cages

Step 1: Wearing gloves, unroll the remesh on the ground, and measure an 8-foot length. Using bolt cutters, cut the horizontal wires just before the next vertical wire. This will leave several 6-inch-long exposed horizontal wires.

 

Step 2: Using pliers, form U-shaped hooks on the ends of the exposed horizontal wires.

 

Step 3: Shape the 8-foot piece of remesh into a large circle, about 32 inches in diameter. Use pliers to bend the loose ends of the U-shaped wires around the vertical wire on the opposite end of the remesh, securing the circular form.

 

Step 4: Wrap the ends of the cut wires with electrical tape.

 

Step 5: Cut the vertical wires at the bottom of the form just inside the last horizontal wire, leaving several 6-inch-long exposed vertical wires that will act as ground spikes.

 

Step 6: Center the cage over young plants, and push the cage spikes into the ground to secure.

Walk This Way

Pavers were placed a couple of inches apart and set with jointing sand to give the look of natural flagstone. To line the path with fragrance, the homeowner planted thyme on one side and a string of sage on the other. Daylilies add a splash of color. The edible petals, traditionally used in Asian cuisine, make a surprising addition to fresh salads.

Square pavers were added to section off a spot for each large planter near the steps. This creates an even surface for the planter, which is raised to provide ample drainage for the rosemary and lavender.

These plants, which require lots of sun, are paired with purple fountain grass.

Learn how to create the projects in this front-yard makeover.

Want to build the curvy cedar pergola over the entry? Get detailed step-by-step instructions on how to build a pergola.

Instructions for building the standing trellis—perfect for climbing plants.

Learn how to build the easy outdoor benches.

Click the image below to watch the Install a Paver Patio video

After you create your own edible garden, try these recipes:

• Cucumbers and Onions
• Iced Orange Mint Tea
• Sliced Tomatoes with Corn
• Asparagus Prosciutto Bundles with Arugula
• Chili Lime Grilled Corn

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