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Public and Entrance Areas.
A large front yard is often a questionable use of
land and resources. The park like expanses found in
some of our older subdivisions are pleasant but of
little practical value. If your lot is small and
building codes allow, consider developing the
entrance area as a courtyard providing more use area
for the family. If street parking is a problem use
part of this area for off-street parking. |
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Parking and enclosed front courts
can be both attractive and functional. Provide shade
where it will most benefit your home's energy
conservation. Keep plantings simple with shrub
masses, groundcovers and flowering trees used to
serve real purposes. Build walks and drives well and
have them as direct and convenient as possible.
Walks should be a minimum of 3 1/2 feet and
preferably 4 feet wide. Provide a larger paved area
at the entrance, if possible, since people tend to
congregate there. A few container plants, small
flowering trees or specimen shrubs help to make the
home's entrance a focal point. Other features which
focalize the entrance include architectural
accessories such as attractive light fixtures,
street numbers and front doors.
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Children's Play Area.
Locate the play area where someone inside the house
can easily see it. A sand pile and swing sets are
popular as well as paved areas
for riding toys, play houses and tree houses. Keep
the designs simple and easy to maintain and consider
how the area might be used after the children are
grown. |
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