Would you want this in your front yard?
Want to play a game? I’m going to show you a series of landscape pictures and you tell me if you think it’s an example of classy or tacky gardening. All you need is a scrap piece of paper and to label 1-10. And I would love it if you left a comment below telling me what you think. Some of the pictures seem borderline and I can’t decide myself. But I do want my yard to look nice and I’m sure you do too. After all, partly why we garden and do yard work is the satisfaction we get from improved curb appeal. We want our yards to look better, not worse for our hard labor. So take this post with a grain of salt as it’s a bit tongue in cheek. So are you ready? Then let’s get started!
1.) Here we have pumpkins growing in the front landscaping of a house in suburbia. How do you feel about growing vegetables in the front yard? In particular, as part of the landscaping. There’s been a growing debate about whether it’s an acceptable practice due to property values. Many people are getting quite heated about it.
2.) These are fake silk flowers “planted” around a tree and in windowboxes. In the first picture, the homeowners even mulched the “flowers.” In the second, they used some draping techniques as I recommended in my windowbox post. Both stay out all winter. Just think of the potential!
3.) Here we have a circular path rock garden. I think I’d be more accepting if they are least trimmed around the edge.
4.) A. In picture 4A, we have a wind chime made of shells and driftwood. In picture 4B, we have an arch made entirely of driftwood. Maybe near a Lake or some water source would be more fitting? These shots were taken in a tiny yard in the city.
5.) In picture 5A, we have our first gnome. He’s holding a lantern and is in a very ornate garden. In 5B, we have many gnomes scattered throughout the landscaping. For some reason, I’m okay with the gnome is the first picture, but find the gnomes in the second to be tacky. Why is this?
6.) This is a re-purposed tire, painted pink and filled at the bottom with plants.
7.) These are examples of items being used as planters that aren’t typically sold as planters. In picture 7A, we have a wagon filled with flowers. Well, they were flowers. Now they are dead. Picture 7B is an old stove now being used as a planter. Do you consider dead flowers tacky? I think I do, especially when U.S. Flags are stuck in them. And this shot was taken at a restaurant. How about some red, white and blue flowers to go with the flags?
8.) How do you feel about wood ornaments in your lawn? Or do they just stink?
9.) Is there ever a point where it’s just too much? Can you ever have enough statues, lawn ornaments and pots? I know indoor clutter is a big issue, but what about outdoor clutter? Even if it is neat and clean.
10.) White rocks. They’ve been around forever? Do you like them? Or do they scream 80’s to you?
AstroTurf. How do you really feel about AstroTurf? Around where I live, it’s “normal” to line your garage with AstroTurf. And you put your old couch out there and watch the Price is Right. The garage must have a screen as well.
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