Curb appeal through landscape design

The appearance of the home’s exterior sets the tone for how a prospective buyer views an entire home.

Residential landscapes should be a main focus for owners looking to have their home make a good first impression.

Nicholas Forari Denney, a senior design manager in the landscape department for Dart, offered some tips for owners looking to enhance the landscape curb appeal of their luxury home.

Hire professionals
Landscape designers have a depth of knowledge when it comes to plants and they can recommend when to use native versus exotic species, how to infuse colour and how to create various garden set-ups, Forari Denney says.

Furthermore, they will be able to help bring together a full view of a garden, which can be especially challenging on a large property, he says.

“A landscape designer can also help with the nuances of multi-generational enjoyment, structuring plantings and design elements for the delight of both adults and children.”

Add colour
An easy way to enhance the curb appeal of a home is to add colour.

Consider bold colours and tones if goal is to catch the eyes of passersby. Forari Denney suggests that homeowners look at the present state of their landscaping and determine if and where more colourful plants can be added.

"Consider the aesthetic of plants while they are in bloom and always think about the context of the home's location," says Forari Denney. “If you want to emphasise the Caribbean locale, think about incorporating tropical colours and textures. It’s an easy way to give your garden a sense of place.”

Incorporate native plants
Another way of giving landscape a sense of place is by incorporating native species, which are typically better adapted to the local environment and often require less water, fertilisation and maintenance.

"For example, native trees are featured throughout Camana Bay, including the sea grapes along the Crescent and the royal palms along the Paseo," says Forari Denney. ”Knowing when to use natives and when to use exotics is an important aspect a designer can often assist homeowners in determining.”

Plants that look stunning at first glance and are easy to care for will be especially appealing to buyers who value ease of upkeep in addition to an attractive garden that celebrates local plant species.

Architecture and location
Landscape design can also be used to emphasise a home's architecture and location, Forari Denney says.

"If the structure of a house was inspired by certain elements or features, accentuate those details and utilise the motifs throughout the property," he says. "If the home’s location makes it unique, incorporate these aspects to engage the landscape design with the land itself. For example, make a path, terrace or feature that ties all of the aspects of the property together."

This article will also be featured in the November 2021 print edition of Camana Bay Times.