Front Yard Landscaping Story: Courtyard Appeal

Hicks Landscapes Front Yard Project Story Courtyard Appeal Before

BEFORE

Hicks Landscapes Front Yard Project Story Courtyard Appeal After

AFTER

GOALS

Our client needed front yard curb appeal with new landscape plantings, a new driveway and walkway. They also wanted the ability to park near the front entrance of the home.

 

  • Redesign the driveway with additional parking and functionality
  • New front walkway with all new masonry elements
  • Better drainage
  • New plantings

Budget: $100,000+

Services

  • Demolition of existing masonry including front walkway & driveway
  • New bluestone walkway
  • Asphalt driveway with Belgium block curb & inlays
  • Installation of new plant materials
  • Grading & drainage
  • Tree removal & pruning

APPROACH

This growing family needed the ability to accommodate multiple vehicles.  To accomplish the goal of creating a more functional driveway, we decided to design a courtyard that allowed for additional parking and direct access to the front door and walkway.  The new bluestone walkway was widened, and a flair was designed where it meets the driveway to invite guests and create easy access to the front entrance. 

As you arrive in the two-car courtyard, you are enclosed by a low boxwood hedge, a grouping of Dogwood trees, grasses and roses that bloom all season.  A Belgium block inlay outlines the parking court which gives the area definition and separates it visually from the main drive.  The driveway radiuses were also improved creating more flow and softer turns. 

The new design allows you to drive past the courtyard and main entrance to arrive at the rear entrance to the yard, pool area and garage access. The driveway route was regraded to solve existing drainage issues. 

 

Hicks Landscapes Front Yard Project Story Courtyard Appeal Progress
Hicks Landscapes Front Yard Project Story Courtyard Appeal Progress 2
Hicks Landscapes Front Yard Project Story Courtyard Appeal Progress (3)
Hicks Landscapes Front Yard Project Story Courtyard Appeal Progress 4

VIEW PLAN

PLANTING COMPONENTS

  • An expired Forsythia hedge at the entrance of the property was replace with an Ilex hedge for better privacy and evergreen foliage. 
  • A low boxwood hedge with accompanying perennials including drift roses and grasses was used to emphasize and add color to the courtyard. 
  • The existing border planting was enhanced with spring blooming shrubs like Viburnum and shade plants such as Cornus kousa, Hydrangea quercifolia and hostas. 
  • The foundation of the residence and the new Bluestone walk were planted with a mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs. 

RESULT

The overall result is a welcoming entrance that’s both functional and beautiful, meeting this family’s growing needs.   

 

Hicks Landscapes Front Yard Project Story Courtyard Appeal After 2
Hicks Landscapes Front Yard Project Story Courtyard Appeal After 3
Hicks Landscapes Front Yard Project Story Courtyard Appeal After 4

WHAT THE CLIENT SAID

“We had the most wonderful experience with Hicks Landscapes. They changed our entire front yard. It’s like driving up to the entrance of a new home. We love it!” 

– Randi

Let's Start a Conversation

Here's How:

1.  Fill out the inquiry form on this page and we will contact you within 48 hours.

2.  You can also call 516-334-0068 to speak with a member of our staff. 

3.  If you're planning to visit Hicks Nurseries, you can stop by the Nursery Help Center in the tree & shrub yard and get the process started there.  Open during regular store hours.  

Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you!