Walk This Way: Sidewalk Landscaping

Landscaper Bobbie Schwartz created a memorable entrance to this Ohio home by turning what some have called a "hellstrip" area into drought tolerant gardens separated by a permeable path from the street to the front walkway. 

Instead of landscaping one long strip that runs along the front of your house, why not redesign it as separate segments like this innovative configuration in a California suburb? Landscaper Bobbie Schwartz transformed the strip into individual garden plots integrating the existing trees with ornamental plants and grasses while providing easy street access with pavers for visitors. 

If there are no major HOA restrictions on landscaping your street strip, why not be creative? This design features a colorful, eye-pleasing mixture of river rocks, mulch and ornamental grasses and plants for maximum curb appeal. 

The mailbox area is usually the most neglected part of the yard but it could be your opportunity to create some landscaping magic. Consider this bright, welcoming array of purple flowering plants, light green ground covers and flat stonework to bring color to your sidewalk.