9 SUSTAINABLE GARDEN LANDSCAPING IDEAS FOR YOUR FRONT YARD OR VERGE
Looking to revamp your front yard or verge, but don’t want it to cost the earth? You’ve come to the right place! From using local native plants, building stylish pathways with stone and ground cover to efficient landscape waste removal ideas, we have the right tips to make your garden magnificent and friendlier to your local native fauna. Below we have compiled 9 easy do-it-yourself landscaping ideas that will turn your garden into an inviting entryway.
Overview:
Create a verge garden
Keep your home cooler and save power
Grow a vine
Build a stone pathway
Plant native ground cover around trees & mailboxes
Set up a birdbath
Replace your old mulch
Install garden lighting
1. PLANT LOCAL NATIVES
Is your garden struggling to thrive? Encouraging a green retreat by introducing local native plant species that evolved and adapted to your climate and conditions is the best choice for a low-maintenance garden while welcoming native bees, birds and insects. Weed out invasive species and get in touch with Just Skips for information on green waste disposal to get rid of them without the risk of them seeding elsewhere.
2. CREATE A VERGE GARDEN
Create a verge garden, also known as a nature strip or street garden – we use the term ‘verge’ to refer to the strip of council-owned land between the front of a house or property and the curb. There’s no reason this has to be grass, which is time and water- costly. Regulations on street gardening vary council by council, so check with yours about their policy on verge gardens or street gardening.
3. KEEP YOUR HOME COOLER AND SAVE POWER
If you have enough space in your front garden consider planting a tree. If you opt for a deciduous tree you won’t be sacrificing any winter sun but doing a lot to help shade and cool your house in the hot summer months meaning less time spent running the air-con.
If you have enough space on your roadside verge you can plant a tree or two there. It is generally the local council’s responsibility to plant, remove and maintain street trees. In many areas, you can request your council for a tree (or multiple) to be planted on your front verge.
4. GROW A VINE
Get a trellis or string a wire or netting along your front fence and plant some jasmine or another climbing variety of plants. Just make sure it isn’t anything invasive in your area. It will take no time at all to cover the fence, providing a green screen that is private and smells great.You could even try growing a grapevine over the front porch, a garden arch or a pergola. As a deciduous vine, you will have foliage (and hopefully grapes) throughout the hotter months and they will lose their leaves to let in the sunshine in the cooler months.
5. Build a stone pathway
If you have some leftover stones from your last project, this DIY front yard landscaping idea is super budget-friendly. To build a stone path, all you need to do is plan out the path and then lay down the stepping stones however you’d like! Try a mix of different shapes and styles to add character. Unused rocks and stones can go in the skipfor soil removal, dirt or sand.
6. PLANT NATIVE GROUND COVER AROUND TREES & MAILBOXES
Grass can often struggle to grow evenly in the shaded areas of your garden. By planting native ground cover varieties like native violet or kidney weed you can fill the gaps and mow less. Building borders around trees or your mailbox easily on your own.
The first step is to grab a shovel and cut an edge in the lawn you want to get rid of and top up with soil, then simply plant your ground cover and sit back. You won’t need too many plants as they spread on their own.
These plants thrive in the shade so if you have a suitable location and would like to get rid of your lawn completely (and all the work they entail) then dig up and discard your lawn as the native ground cover spreads. Use a green waste skip bin to stay on top of your garden waste.
7. SET UP A BIRDBATH
If you are looking to add a water feature to your garden without breaking the bank, then a bird bath is the perfect home decor solution for you! To truly embrace nature and create an eye-catching statement in your front yard, consider putting in a bird bath, we love the bird baths that can be suspected from a tree branch.
8. Replace your old mulch
Freshen up your garden by replacing the old mulch with new mulch. If the mulch has slightly broken down, add a new layer of mulch over the top – and voila, your garden looks brand new. Alternatively, you can replace your old mulch entirely. Be sure to properly dispose of old mulch with garden waste removal . This is a great way to give your plants a bit of love and get on top of any weeds starting to come through.
9. INSTALL GARDEN LIGHTING
Another great do-it-yourself landscaping idea for your front yard is to use solar-powered lighting which looks great when directed up larger trees and shrubs or highlighting a path. There are many affordable lighting options to choose from at your local garden or hardware store. Create a path to guide you to your front door when it is dark as well as a relaxing ambience.
HOW SHOULD YOU DISPOSE OF YOUR LANDSCAPING WASTE?
If you are unsure of what to do with your landscape project leftovers, we are here to help! Maybe you have too much waste for your green bins or don’t have access to the right disposal method.
With Just Skips, you can get rid of all your waste all at once, without a trip to the tip. Our convenient skip bin hire is available across Adelaide and surrounds. Book a skip bin online or get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I LANDSCAPE MY FRONT YARD ON A BUDGET?
Do-it-yourself landscaping for your front yard can be easy and cost-efficient. Use materials such as stones and rocks to create paths, and borders and plant low-growing ground cove to fill gaps. Purchase low-maintenance local natives, which will require less water and almost zero attention. Dispose of green waste in skip bins.
How can I make my front yard look nice?
Some extra yard landscaping ideas on a budget can include:
- Plant a verge garden
- Plant trees to add height
- Instal some planter boxes to grow kitchen herbs
- Clean your walkways and retaining walls with a water blaster
How do you start landscaping from scratch?
Landscaping is easier than you think, you just need a solid plan to help guide you.
- Set a budget and draw up a plan.
- Start a compost so you can make your own soil.
- Do a trim and tidy up, and get a skip delivered to dispose of any green waste.
- Start planting! Don’t forget to mulch around your new plants.
What time of year is best to landscape?
You can landscape any time of the year, though we recommend avoiding the rainy season, if you are in Adelaide aim for March, April and May.
