Curb appeal is something we don’t talk about much unless we are thinking of selling our house…But, just for the sake of smiling every time you pull in your driveway, or pull up to the front of your house, here are some ideas to bump up your curb appeal…

Hydrangeas are among the best plants for urban appeal because they are large, dramatic, and relatively easy to maintain. Hydrangeas are especially eye-catching with their big, vibrant blooms. 

Daylilies are hardy, low-maintenance, and bring long-lasting color to your yard. Their bright blooms look great along walkways or in front garden beds and give off a warm, welcoming feel.

Lavender brings a pop of color along with a clean, fresh scent. Lavender not only adds color and texture but also gives the landscaping a well-maintained and welcoming feel, a polished look. 

Ornamental grasses are different. They are meant to grow tall and look dramatic and wild.  They help define borders, adding touches of color and concealing unsightly areas. You can start ornamental grasses in containers. This lets you experiment with positioning before transferring them to the ground. Favorite ornamental grasses include feather reed grass, Japanese silver grass, and New Zealand flax.

Boxwood shrubs are often added to the fronts of homes as the perfect touch to enhance curb appeal. Boxwoods allow separations between garden spaces or give a sense of order to the home. Once in place, boxwoods are simple to maintain, require infrequent watering, and are easy to trim with an electric hedge trimmer. 

Don’t underestimate the impact of annuals like petunias. They are an inexpensive, easy to swap out, and can be placed in pots or flower beds for bold visual interest.

For the best color in your curb appeal, gardeners recommend perennials. Since they return year after year, they will save you time and money in the long run. Think about Lantana and hostas; both are pretty easy-care.

Lilac bushes are showy magenta, purple, and white. This bush has a sweet fragrance and reaches its peak in the spring.

Marigolds add an instant splash of color, are simple to grow, and once established are relatively pest-free.  Marigolds can help deter pests when incorporated into a comprehensive pest management program. Deadhead your marigolds to keep them regularly blooming.

There are some perennials you can plant at this time of year to keep your beds blooming all through the fall. The potential for pests is lower, and the weather is cooler, placing less stress on the plants as they establish their roots.  Russian Sage, Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Sedum, and Snapdragons are good for these end-of-the-season additions. 

Hope you are having a great growing season. I will talk more about some of these this winter when we are dreaming and planning.

See ya next month… Happy Gardening!