Front yard landscaping is not often considered an area for entertaining or for sitting and enjoying the sun. The front yard is commonly only used to get from the driveway to the front door or for curb appeal. This part of your home can become your favorite spot with the proper planning and creative outdoor landscaping ideas. You pay taxes on all of your property you might as well use and enjoy of every square inch.

A large front yard space is the most ideal for creating entertaining areas. If privacy is a concern it can be achieved by using trees and shrubbery. Trees with great autumn color that sit in pots on the front porch, or grow at the edge of the yard and reappear in the middle of the garden will also add interest. Carpet the path to your front door with drought tolerant groundcovers. Wooly thyme is a great choice. It will cover the bare earth and keep down the weeds. For more visual impact try blue star creeper. It produces masses of sky blue flowers and takes light foot traffic well.

If your neighborhood allows fences in the front yard this would also help create privacy. One idea is to add a low wall around the property's perimeter. Consider a Japanese garden with river rock landscaping that can represent water, symbolically separating the house from the street.

Water features created out of various types of rocks are beautiful and dramatic. They can offer tranquility and peacefulness. River rock landscaping used for the borders and to line pathways, or as part of the facade on the front of your home, and in water features, give a country garden feel to the landscape. A wooden or stone bench and garden swing can provide resting places for your guests. A small table with a couple of chairs is a great place to visit with your neighbors and watch the children play.

A landscape architect or a well trained employee at your local home and garden shop are great sources for your outdoor landscaping ideas and solutions. Your computer is also a great resource. There are many items available to order online that may not be available at your neighborhood home improvement center.

Add value and ambiance with creative front yard landscaping that will invite your friends to meander and sit a spell. Be the envy of the neighborhood with