The first impression people have of your home is what they see from the outside. But the outside of your home is also the first thing that greets your eyes when you come home from work, school, soccer games, or running errands. Is it a welcoming sight? 

Of course great-looking grounds don’t just happen. They take some planning and a little bit of expertise. That’s why the American Society of Landscape Architects suggests that spending five percent of the value of your home on landscaping. And doing that, claims Smart Money magazine, can add 15 percent to the value of your home at resale. 

There are so many different options, so where should you begin? First and foremost, remember that it’s your home. How do you like to enjoy the space around you? Here are four ideas to get you thinking. 

Outdoor Entertaining

If your family enjoys being outdoors together and with guests, you may want to make a patio area the focus of your landscaping. You’ll want something that matches or complements your existing décor. If eating outside is something your family really enjoys, you might want to look at creating an outdoor kitchen. Not only do they look great (and feel inviting), but they keep hosts and hostesses from being stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is outside. 

A Quiet Space

Some people enjoy retreating to a quiet, secluded space to grab a cup of coffee or tea and read or think. Creating your own “Secret Garden” devoted to that purpose is a great idea. If you find the sound of running water soothing, you might even want to add a small fountain. 

Play Space

If you have children, you’ll want space for them to unwind and play. Younger kids may want swings and sandboxes. Older kids might gravitate more toward open space for playing soccer, football, or even tossing a baseball or lacrosse ball around. If you do decide to put in a sandbox of some kind, think ahead to how you can reconfigure the space after the kids outgrow it. 

Planting Trees and Shrubs

New homeowners tend to make a couple of common mistakes when it comes to trees and shrubs. One of the most common is planting too close to the home. What looks like plenty of space between shrubbery and your house now can turn into an overgrown mess in just a few short years—and can cut off natural light to the interior of you home. Another common mistake is simply planting the wrong tree or shrub. Just because it looks good at the garden center doesn’t mean it will grow in your yard. Taking the time to talk to a qualified landscaper is well worth the money. You’ll be happier now—and years down the road. 

Of course where you build your home matters as well. No amount of landscaping can compensate for a poorly designed neighborhood. If you’re looking for a private neighborhood with plenty of property to cultivate, check out the tranquil one-plus acre home sites at Fox Brook at Montgomery. It’s a great place to build the home—and garden of your dreams!