How to create a neighbourly front yard
Many of us find ourselves living in communities defined not by common acquaintances, knowledge and culture, but by geography or economics. Rather than knowing our neighbours from childhood, we may not know our neighbours at all.
To create a sense of community, it’s often necessary to bring people together so they can get to know one another.
By creating spaces where members of a neighbourhood can mix naturally (at a safe distance), communities can become communities in the true meaning of the word — places where people not only live together, but care about and watch out for one another.
Here are some ideas to help foster interaction with your neighbours on your nature strip, in your front yard, on your pathway and on your front porch.
1. Shade the nature strip
Consider placing a tree where it will shade the sidewalk to help create a pleasant environment and encourage walking and visiting among neighbours. Trees provide rain and sun protection, and temperature differentials of 5 to 15 degrees are felt when walking on tree-canopied streets.
In urban areas trees help mitigate the heat-island effect and provide a connection to nature.
Most local councils require permits for adding trees to a nature strip, but permits are not usually required for planting on private property.
2. Set the Fence Back
Placing a low fence or wall back a few feet from the edge of the nature strip allows room for planting, and plants provide visual interest for pedestrians.
3. Try the Funnel Effect
Increasing the width of your side path or stairway leading to your home can help create a welcoming path to your door
4. Light the Way
This one is a no-brainer. A means of welcoming visitors to your home at night, good lighting also adds to safety and to the attractiveness of a front garden.
When lighting the front walk, take care to eliminate pools of light and darkness, which can be a hazard, particularly for older visitors. The goal is to have the walk evenly illuminated.
5. Create Interest with Plants
What you would like the experience of your front garden to be for your friends and neighbours? Richly textured planting designs help define the mood of the garden. Consider using plants that are either native or adapted to the region in which your home is located.
This can help tie your garden to your region, giving it an all-important sense of place, and make it more sustainable at the same time.
6. Create a Hangout Space
Do you like the idea of relaxing on the porch, watching and talking to neighbours who pass by, but don’t have a front porch? No problem. A seating area in the front garden, perhaps nestled amongst mature trees, can be a welcoming spot in which to greet family or neighbours.
7. Add Social Seating
Outfit your porch for sociability — the more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to linger. Tables that can hold food and drink provide another element of comfort. Space out seating so people can socialize at a safe distance.
Go on, what are you waiting for, say hello to you neighbour if you haven’t done so already and build a stronger local community within your neighbourhood.
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This article via Houzz does not constitute advice; readers should seek independent and personalised counsel from a trusted adviser that specialises in property, a tax accountant and property design specialist.