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First Impressions A well-designed front yard welcomes friends and increases property value. Here's how to make it happen  Image courtesy istockphoto It really is possible to create a front yard that says everything you want it to ... and it's easier than you think. Establish a theme Plunking plants in the ground without consideration for how they will look next to each other, or without considering the soil and lighting environment they prefer, is guaranteed to give your garden a choppy look and plants that will not thrive. (One of the least attractive yards I've seen had tall palm trees panted next to several pine trees and a handful of rose bushes. Yikes!) It helps to pick a theme - Mediterranean, tropical, alpine, herbs, butterfly-friendly - that suits the architecture of your home and the sun exposure of your yard.Develop a color scheme Some color combinations clash, too many colors can give your yard a cluttered look, and not having enough blooming color can make your yard boring. Go monochromatic - select one color and its variations, such as purple, and blend lilac, pale purple and eggplant-colored flowers together. Or go with an analogous scheme, in which you plant related colors, such as yellows, golds, oranges and reds to give your yard a harmonious feel. A complementary scheme, one in which you select colors opposite each other on the color wheel, such as purple and yellow, will give your yard a more dynamic look.De-clutter the front porch Keep your entry simple and inviting. Stash kid's toys and gardening supplies; remove spent potted plants and make sure your welcome mat is fresh.Pitch scraggly, unhealthy or overgrown plants Most everyone I know is reluctant to release plants that need to be put out of their misery. Brown leaves, misshapen limbs, and sparse foliage do not add beauty to your landscape. Overgrown junipers and yews planted 35 years ago can dominate your yard and give it a dated look. Remove offenders and replace with appropriate plantings. Group or cluster plants, with the tallest toward the rear and those of lesser height in front. Leave a little space between groupings and plant a ground cover to unite them.
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Kit Davey, an interior designer based in Redwood City, Calif., helps clients redecorate their homes through the creative use of their existing furnishings. E-mail Kit your questions: 
