Picasso Would Envy This Artistic Front Yard

Creative gardening can turn a small, urban front yard into an artistic picture that even Picasso, Renoir and Monet would appreciate. A small yard can become a gorgeous outdoor room partially shielded from the street and side walk . At the same time curbside appeal can be created so that the yard just asks to be painted or photographed.

The following ten tips offer a way to get started on creating your picturesque front yard garden.

1. The picket fence is charming but also practical because it will keep people on the sidewalk and off your yard. If you have children or a dog you can make sure the fence has a gate that keeps the front yard secure.
2. A hedge can be planted inside the picket fence so that it grows up on the side the house faces. From the street the white picket fence will be silhouetted against the green hedge making an attractive picture. The hedge will also provide a little more privacy from the people walking by or driving by.
3. If you put the picket fence several feet into the yard from the sidewalk that is next to the street you can put a colorful flower bed there. From the street your property will have curb appeal when people see the flowerbed, then the picket fence, and then the hedge behind the fence.
4. Somewhere in the front fence there will probably be a gate and to add emphasis you can put a trellis up over the gate. Inside the gate on either side is a good place for several small trees, such as purple plum trees or any tree that fits your climate. Entry ways are good places to accentuate for artistic purposes.
5. Between the hedge and the house there will still be a postage stamp sized yard where you can put a small circular bed of plants.
6. Along the sides of the yard you can also have picket fencing or any fence you choose and you can add a hedge there if you wish to create a private setting.
7. Next to the house is a good place for shrubs or beds of plants and flowers.
8. The yard space can then be private and beautifully gardened and the next step is to enjoy it by adding a few outdoor chairs that sit on the grass or on a patio area if you wish to add one. This is handy when friends or neighbors stop while they are out walking by just for a moment and don't intend to stay. You can sit for a few minutes to visit before they continue on their way.
9. An upside down large sized planter with a piece of circular wood can be painted to make a homemade decorative table for plants in small containers or for a place to set a cold drink on a hot day.
10. These ideas create an outdoor room in your front yard. In the morning you may even want to sit and drink your coffee there. Adding some stepping stones, flagstones, or cement tiles can create a patio or add additional accents. Use your imagination and add a koi pond if you live in the right climate or a water garden.