Best Plants For Simple And Happy Front Yard Garden Landscaping

When it comes to creating a simple and colourful front yard garden landscaping, choosing the right plants is key. With a mix of colours, textures, and sizes, you can easily transform your front yard space into a welcoming paradise. In this blog, we'll explore many of the best plants for simple and colourful front yard landscaping. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting, these plants are sure to make a stunning view in your gardening efforts. The selection of plants depends on the hardscape features created in your garden as follows.

Fig. Garden Landscaping - Front Yard Landscaping

Contents

• Plants for Entrance Gates
• Plants for Fences
• Plants Along Garden Edging, Walkways & Pathways
• Plants for Decks, Patios, and Shrubbery
• Plants for Retaining Walls
• Plants for Arches, Arbours, Creeping Tunnels, Pergolas and Trellis
• Plants Around Water Features
• Plants for Water Ponds
• Plants for Hanging Baskets
• Plants for Hedges & Topiaries
• Cycads and Palm Trees for Front Yard Garden Landscaping
• Flowering Trees for Front Yard Garden Landscaping
• Lawn Grass for Front Yard Garden Landscaping
• Points to Remember
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers

Plants for Entrance Gates

In gardening, add a touch of charm to your entrance gate with climbing plants! By placing creeping plants over your entrance gate, you can create a warm and inviting welcome for guests. There are plenty of options to choose from perennials for your front yard garden landscaping. Let's explore some of the best climbing plants to adorn your entrance gate and enhance the beauty of your front yard. They are Bougainvillaea, Clematis, garden roses (climbing), Honeysuckle (Lonicera), Ivy (Hedera), Jasmine, Petrea, Morning Glory (Ipomoea), and Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans).

Fig Front Yard Garden Landscaping - Climbing Plants - Garden Gate

Plants for Fences

Dress up your peripheral fence in the front yard garden landscaping with colourful flowers! Adding creeping plants to your fence can soften its look and add a burst of colour and greenery to your outdoor space. Whether you want to create a green wall or simply add some vital and glamorous pzazz to your fence, there are plenty of flowers and climbing plants that can do the trick to your gardening. 

Let's take a look at some of the best-creeping plants for border fences that are easy to care for and will transform your non-living fence into a beautiful and live focal point. The available options are perennials such as Bougainvillaea, Combretum (Rangoon Creeper), garden roses (climbing), Morning Glory (Ipomoea), Petrea Vine, and Pyrostegia (Bignonia). All are climbing plants.

Fig. Front Yard Garden Landscaping - Climbing Plants - Bougainvillea Fence

Plants Along Garden Edging, Walkways & Pathways

Beautify your garden edging, walkways and pathways with different plants! Adding colourful plants along your edging, walkways and paths can bring life and beauty to your front yard garden landscaping. Whether you're looking to create a lush colourful path or simply add some greenery to your walkway, there are plenty of plants that can suit these areas of gardening. 

Let's explore some of the best plants for walkways and pathways that will add charm and character to your front yard. They are perennials such as Abelia, Angelonia, Aptenia, Alternanthera, Dwarf Acalypha, Dwarf Lantana, Duranta, garden roses (dwarf) Gazania, Iresene, Portulaca, Senecio, Setcreasea, Verbena and Vinca.

Fig Front Yard Garden Landscaping - Garden Edging - Perennials and Annual Plants

Plants for Decks, Patios, and Shrubbery

Elevate your deck or patio in the front yard garden landscaping with ornamental plants! Adding potted plants to your outdoor living space can enhance its beauty and create a cosy, inviting atmosphere in your gardening magic. Whether you hae a small balcony, patio, or a spacious deck, there are plenty of plants that can thrive in plant containers and liven up your outdoor area. Let's explore some of the best plants for decks and patios that will add charm, colour, texture, and vibrant life to your outdoor oasis. 

Some of the potted ornamental plants for decks and patios are shrub plants and perennials such as Acalypha, Allamanda, Bougainvillea, Cestrum nocturnum (Night Queen), Clerodendrum, Codiaeum,  Eranthemum, Euphorbia, Ficus, Galphimia, garden roses, Gardenia, Graptophyllum, Hamelia, Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Ixora, Juniperus, Mussaenda, Nerium, Perennial Asters, Plumbago, Pseudoeranthemum, Rosa (Rose), Ruellia, Tabernamontana, Tecoma, and Thuja. The same shrub plants can be preferred for your shrubbery. Some cactus plants can be planted in pots such as Cephalocereus, Cerius, Echinocactus, and Mammillaria.

Fig. Front Yard Garden Landscaping - Potted Plants on Deck - Perennials and Annual Plants

 

Plants for Retaining Walls

Give your retaining walls in the front yard garden landscaping a makeover with creeping plants! Covering retaining walls with ornamental plants can soften their appearance and add a touch of greenery or colour to your landscape. Whether you're dealing with a tall concrete wall or a shorter stone structure, there are plenty of flowering plants that can thrive in this gardening environment. 

Let's explore some of the best hardy plants for covering retaining walls that will add beauty and interest to your outdoor space. They are perennials such as Allamanda, Asparagus, Creeping Ficus, Creeping Juniper, Creeping Lantana, Morning Glory (Ipomoea), Senecio Creeper, Verbena, and Wedelia.

Fig. Front Yard Garden Landscaping - Retaining Walls -  Creeper Plants

Plants for Arches, Arbours, Creeping Tunnels, Pergolas, and Trellis

Make your arches, arbours, creeping tunnels, pergolas, and trellis come alive with climbing plants! Creeping plants over these structures can create a magical, enchanted garden feel in your front yard garden landscaping. Whether you want to cover them in colourful blooms or lush greenery, there are plenty of options that can thrive in these unique settings of gardening. 

Let's explore some of the best plant climbers for arches, arbours, creeping tunnels, and pergolas that will add beauty and charm to your front yard. They are perennials such as Adenocalymna (Garlic Creeper), Allamanda, Aristolochia, Artabotrys, Beaumontia, Clerodenrum, garden roses (climbing), Clitoria, Combretum, Echites, Hiptage, Ipomoea, Jaquemontia, Jasminum, Lonicera (Honeysuckle), Passiflora, Petrea, Pyrostegia, Quisqualis (Combretum), Senecio, Tecoma, and Thunbergia.

Fig. Front Yard Garden Landscaping - Arches - Climbing Plants - Garden Roses

Plants Around Water Features

Enhance the surroundings of water features in the front yard garden landscaping with water plants, especially amphibious plants! Adding ornamental plants around ponds, waterfalls, or fountains can create a serene and natural look in your front yard garden. There are plenty of marginal plants that can thrive in these damp environments.

Let's explore some of the best plants for planting around water features. They are Cannas, Cyperus, Ipomoea, Lilies, Paspalum, Sagittaria, Typha, and Polygonum. Ornamental grasses like Arundo donax, Cortaderia, Ophiopogon, Pennisetum, and Poa can also be used. A mix of Cannas of various colours on surrounding marshes gives a spectacular look.

Fig. Front Yard Garden Landscaping - Water Plants - Ponds

Plants for Water Ponds

Colour the surface of your pond into a lush paradise with water plants! Adding plants to your pond can enhance its beauty, provide natural water purification, and create a healthy ecosystem for fish and other aquatic life. Whether you want floating plants or submerged plants, there are plenty of water plants to choose from. 

Let's explore some of the best water plants for ponds that will add colour, texture, and life to your aquatic environment. Azolla, Lemna, Pistia, Salvinia, Trapa, and Wolffia are free-floating plants. Ceratophyllum, Chara, Hydrilla, and Utricularia are submerged plants. Nelumbo (Lotus), Nymphaea (Water Lily), and Vallisnaria are fixed plants with floating leaves. 

Fig. Front Yard Garden Landscaping - Front yard Garden Landscaping - Water Plants - Ponds

Plants for Hanging Baskets

Add a splash of colour to your front yard with trailing ornamental plants from hanging baskets! Hanging baskets can brighten up your front yard garden landscaping and add a charming, welcoming touch to your home. Whether you prefer vibrant flowers or trailing vines, there are plenty of ground covers and ferns that thrive in hanging baskets. Hanging baskets enhance vertical space in the process of gardening.

Let's explore some of the best trailing plants for hanging baskets in the front yard that will elevate your curb appeal and impress your guests. They are perennials such as Chlorophytum (Spider Plant), Cureo rowleyanus (String of Pearls), garden roses (mini), Ipomoea, Ivy, Lobelia, Nephrolepis (Boston fern), Portulaca, Tradescantia. Some annual plants can also be added such as Begonias, Chrysanthemum, Dianthus, Gazania, Petunia, Salvia, and Viola (Pansies).

Fig. Front Yard Garden Landscaping - Hanging Baskets - Creeper Plants

Plants for Hedges & Topiaries

Sculpture stunning hedges and topiaries with the right ornamental plants! Choosing the best plants for these purposes can give your front yard garden a neat, manicured look or add a touch of whimsy with wall-like hedges and shaped topiaries. Topiaries are marvels by gardeners in gardening. Evergreen shrubs are easy to shape and there are a few options to choose from. The best plants for hedges and topiaries are perennials such as Buxus (Box Wood), Duranta, Ficus, Laurus (Bay Laurel), Ligustrum, Malphigia, Murraya, Pittosporum, and Puranjiva.

Fig. Front Yard Garden Landscaping - Hedge & Topiary

Cycads and Palm Trees for Front Yard Garden Landscaping

Display your front yard as a tropical paradise with palm trees! Palm trees can add a touch of exotic look and a resort-like feel to your home's exterior. Whether you're looking to create a focal point, frame entryway, or simply enhance your front yard garden landscaping, palm trees can be a great addition. Here are some of the palm trees for your front yard. They are Areca, Beaucarnea, Bismarckia, Chamaedorea, Cycas, Hyophorbe, Roystonea, and Zamia.

Fig. Front yard Garden Landscaping - Cycads & Palms 

Flowering Trees for Front Yard Garden Landscaping

Brighten up your front yard garden landscaping with some beautiful flowering trees! Flowering trees can add beauty, colour, and a sense of elegance to your front yard. Flowering trees are planted to create a focal point, line a driveway, frame the house, add shade and privacy, and mix with shrubbery. Some of the small trees to be opted for are Bauhinia, Bixa (Lipstick Tree), Callistemon (Bottlebrush Tree), Nyctanthes (Parijatham), Polyalthia, Plumeria, Jacaranda, and Tabebuia.

Fig. Front yard Garden Landscaping - Small Trees

Lawn Grass for Front Yard Gardening

Lawns in the front yard garden landscaping play a crucial role in enhancing the overall look of your home. Lawn grasses provide a green canvas over which many garden features can be created. Green grass gives a space for relaxation, play, and socialising. Lawns and grasses also help regulate temperature and prevent soil erosion. The shape of your lawn can be square, rectangular, circular, or curved or have a more natural feel.

The shape of lawn grass can complement the architecture of your home and create a visual impact. Cynodon (Hybrid Bermuda), Paspalum vaginatum (Seashore Paspalum) and Zoysia grasses can be used in sunlight areas; Axonopus (Shade paspalum) and Stenotaphrum (St. Augustine) for shaded areas.

Fig. Front Yard Garden Landscaping - Lawn Grass

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right ornamental plants for your front yard garden landscaping, based on soil type and water availability, can significantly enhance the beauty and appeal of your home. By selecting plants that flourish in your regional weather conditions and complement your home's architecture, you can create a vibrant and inviting outdoor space. Whether you opt for colourful flowers, lush greenery, lawn grasses, or a combination of all, a well-planned front yard garden can add charm and character to your property.

Best Plants For Front Yard Garden Landscaping
Feature	Plants
Gates	Bougainvillaeas, Clematis, Climbing roses, Honeysuckle (Lonicera), Ivy (Hedera), Jasmine, Morning Glory (Ipomoea), and Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
Fences	Bougainvillaea, Combretum (Rangoon Creeper), Morning Glory (Ipomoea), Petrea Vine, and Pyrostegia (Bignonia)
Garden Edging, Walkways & Pathways	Abelia, Angelonia, Aptenia, Alternanthera, Dwarf Acalypha, Dwarf Lantana, Duranta, Gazania, Iresene, Portulaca, Senecio, Setcreasea, Verbena and Vinca
Decks, Patios, and Shrubbery	Acalypha, Allamanda, Bougainvillea, Cestrum nocturnum (Night Queen), Clerodendrum, Codiaeum, Eranthemum, Euphorbia, Ficus, Galphimia, Gardenia, Graptophyllum, Hamelia, Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Ixora, Juniperus, Mussaenda, Nerium, Perennial Asters, Plumbago, Pseudoeranthemum, Rosa, Ruellia, Tabernamontana, Tecoma, and Thuja. Cactus Plants: Cephalocereus, Cerius, Echinocactus, and Mammillaria
Retaining Walls	Allamanda, Asparagus, Creeping Ficus, Creeping Juniper, Creeping Lantana, Morning Glory, Senecio Creeper, Verbenas, and Wedelia
Arches, Arbours, Creeping Tunnels, and Pergolas	Adenocalymna (Garlic Creeper), Allamanda, Aristolochia, Artabotrys, Beaumontia, Clerodenrum, Climbing Rose, Clitoria, Combretum, Echites, Hiptage, Ipomoea, Jaquemontia, Jasminum, Lonicera (Honeysuckle), Passiflora, Petrea, Pyrostegia, Quisqualis, Senecio, Tecoma, and Thunbergia
Around Water Features	Cannas, Cyperus, Ipomoea, Lilies, Paspalum, Sagittaria, Typha, and Polygonum. Ornamental grasses - Arundo donax, Cortaderia, Ophiopogon, Pennisetum, Poa
Ponds - Free Floating Plants	Azolla, Lemna, Pistia, Salvinia, Trapa, and Wolffia
Ponds- Submerged Plants	Ceratophyllum, Chara, Hydrilla, and Utricularia
Ponds - Fixed Plants with Floating Leaves	Nelumbo (Lotus), Nymphaea (Water Lily). Vallisnaria
Hanging Baskets (Trailing Plants)	Begonias, Chlorophytum (Spider Plant), Ipomoea, Ivy, Lobelia, Nephrolepis (Boston fern), Petunias, Portulacas, Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls), and Tradescantia.
Hedges & Topiaries	Buxus (Box Wood), Duranta, Ficus, Laurus (Bay Laurel), Ligustrum, Malphigia, Murraya, Pittosporum, and Puranjiva
Cycads & Palm Trees	Areca, Beaucarnia, Bismarckia, Chamaedorea, Cycas, Hyophorbe, Roystonea, and Zamia
Small Trees	Bauhinia, Bixa (LIpstick Tree), Callistemon (Bottlebrush), Polyalthia, Plumeria, Jacaranda, and Tabebuia.
Lawns	Cynodon (Bermuda), Paspalum vaginatum (Seashore Paspalum) and Zoysia grasses can be used in sunlight areas; Axonopus (Shade paspalum) and Stenotaphrum (St. Augustine) for shaded areas.

Tabe showing well-suited plants for front yard garden landscaping

Points to Remember

• Choose ornamental plants as per the amount of sunlight your front yard receives. 

• Consider the soil type available in your front yard and choose plants accordingly, or amend the soil if necessary to improve its quality.

• Select plants according to watering needs and it is advisable to install drip irrigation or a soaker hose to use available water efficiently.

• Choose healthy plants from nurseries and avoid overcrowding in the garden. 

• Select plants that offer year-round interest, including flowering plants of different seasons, evergreens for structure, and ornamental plants with interesting foliage or bark.

• Prefer using native plants, as they are well-adapted to your local climate, tolerant to pests and diseases, and require less maintenance.

• Choose native flowering plants that attract fauna such as bees, birds and butterflies, to create a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem in your front yard garden landscaping.

• Choose plants that you love and that suits your aesthetic preferences. Your front yard garden should reflect your style and personality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers

Ques. What is the best plant for the front garden?

Ans. In India, the best plants for the front garden are bougainvillaea, hibiscus, Nerium (oleander), jasmine, and marigolds. They thrive in the country's warm climate and add vibrant colours to the landscape.

Ques. What is the easiest landscaping to maintain?

Ans. Xeriscaping is the easiest landscaping to maintain. It utilises drought-tolerant ornamental plants and rocks. It requires minimal watering and maintenance while still providing attractive blooms in outdoor space.

Ques. How do you make a simple beautiful garden?

Ans. A simple and beautiful garden can be made by selecting low-maintenance plants that thrive in your climate. Use a balanced mix of ground covers, shrubs, plant climbers, palms, and trees, and add mulch for a tidy look.

Ques. Which plant is good for entrance?

Ans. In India, plants like marigolds, jasmine, bougainvillaeas, and Nerium are popular choices for entrances due to their auspicious symbolism, fragrance, and sustainability to thrive in the local climate.

Ques. How can I make my front garden nice?

Ans. Keep the front garden well-maintained by regularly watering, weeding, manuring, and pruning. Add a variety of ornamnetal plants for colour and texture as per the season, and consider adding garden lighting for nighttime appeal.

Ques. What is the cheapest landscaping option?

Ans. The cheapest landscaping option is to use mulch, which can be made from inexpensive materials like paddy husk, coconut waste,  wood chips or straw. Mulch is used to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure.

Ques. What is the most low-maintenance outdoor plant?

Ans. Some of the most low-maintenance outdoor plants include succulents, thorny flowering bushes, and ornamental grasses. They require minimal watering and care.

Ques. How do you arrange plants in a small garden?

Ans. In a small garden, plants are arranged in vertical layers with taller plants at the back and shorter ones at the front to create depth. Use containers, hanging baskets,  and retaining walls to maximise planting area.