There’s no reason front yards should be boring while backyards have all of the fun. Doing something more creative than grass and occasional hedges can add curb appeal and interest to a home. When considering more unique ideas for lawn care Toronto has bevvy of inspiring landscapes, from whimsical to minimalist with everything in between.

A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
The iconic imagery of Alice in Wonderland is full of ideas and colors to inspire a landscape. There are a million ways to incorporate these images in ways that spark the observer’s imagination and fond childhood memories. One of the most wonderful homages I have seen to Wonderland was a checkerboard lawn of dark vs. light green grass, surrounded by sculpted hedges alluding to the imagery of the book. To the side was an archway covered in vines through which the viewer could see roses of every color imaginable surrounding a table set for tea and a tall, frayed hat hung on the edge of a rustic, paint peeled chair, as if waiting there for its owner to return.

Zen Minimalism
There is something to be said for the relaxation and harmony that minimalism can inspire. Zen gardens can add beauty and interest the front of a home as well as the back, giving it a more peaceful feel. They are simple to make requiring only a raised wooden rectangle, sand, a wooden rake to draw the patterns and a few smooth colorful rocks for texture. Water elements or a traditional bridge make a wonderful addition to this space, depending on the size and shape of your lawn, but the absolute must have is a small wooden bench which provides a quiet place to sit and relax.

Victory Gardens
Rather than the traditional turf and hedges style of lawn care, Toronto has been embracing more edible gardens, even in front yards. But if you are imagining that these gardens must have the drab, utilitarian look of back yard vegetable gardens, think again. Circles of green grass are surrounded by paths of strawberries. Archways are hugged by grapevines and kiwi and complemented with a benches and chairs to sit and enjoy the fruit. Traditional hedges are being replaced by perennial fruit-bearing hedges that still provide color and beauty. Lingonberry bushes are especially hardy, and grow perfectly in colder northern climates. Edible landscaping is definitely making its comeback, and bringing a rustic beauty to yards as well as nutrition and good health to family dinner tables.