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Improving street appeal

June 25, 2019

Hi just wanted some feedback about improving street appeal apart from a new fence.

I’m considering removing the trees as I think most of them look very messy now but worried it will look too bare.

Would love some ideas if you have any, we’ve done a fair bit already..

Comments (9)

julie herbert
Have seen your previous posts Kate, house looking great, are you able to save one or two trees so that it won’t look so bare until you plant up your garden, magnolias look beautiful , ornamental pears, waterhousia are fabulous, check Fleming’s website for ideas, Peter Fudge for inspiration .
June 26, 2019
Kate B
Thanks Julie, yes was considering the pear trees, feel I need a more formal look to go with the front of the house.

I was going to keep a weeping wattle in the far corner but I think the fence work may be hindered with the rest and wanted a fresh look too.
June 26, 2019
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I would start with making a decision on the carport first. Start by talking to the council as you may not be able to do a double carport (and the single carport at your neighbours looks like a tight squeeze!) Also as Missmel said you should probably also make a decision whether to paint or not early on. If you are going to go with carport, paint, new awning and possibly porch windows you are getting into a whole new look so I would start talking a professional about the best way to design it. As an alternative to the porch enclosure could you get the front windows double glazed to reduce noise? If it was my place I think I would only be changing the awning, paint the fences, landscape, and maybe do a single carport if its really needed (plus the tiling etc that you mentioned). Some new fretwork might be nice too. To me the main thing to change is the bullnose, as you said its not original and it looks heavy and dominating. You will have to post some pics when done I will be really interested to see how this all turns out.
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julie herbert
We have a row of ‘chanticleer’ ornamental pears along the front of our house and they look fabulous, I think they will look stunning with your house, I agree with you, starting afresh will give you the look you are after.
June 26, 2019
Kate B
Julie can you recommend a native small tree that would look good planted behind the fence? Hubby doesn’t want pear trees and wants a native...
July 21, 2019
julie herbert
Hi Kate, Lilly pilly would look great, Waterhousea floribunda is a weeping Lilly pilly and it’s gorgeous , I wouldn’t plant any gum trees as the get really tall and messy, check gardening with Angus website as he gives great advice on all Australian natives, but I think the Lilly pilly will compliment your house perfectly .
July 21, 2019
Kate
House near me like yours and has just been done up. White walls with a touch of black like lexicon maybe. Light grey window frames and a darker grey gutter. Against the side fence they have added a couple of rusted screens and some espaliered trees/vines between on wired frames with rusted posts. Front fence to match walls and gutters.
Prune your trees rather than remove on first instance then step back and review.
July 21, 2019
Kate B
Lillie’s look great, plenty to choose from too but smaller the better.. thank you
July 21, 2019
julie herbert
Try Acmena smithii ‘ minor compacta ‘ Lilly pilly a smaller growing bushier variety, could be perfect .
July 21, 2019
PRO
Timandra Design & Landscaping
I'm disappointed to keep reading the negatives of gum trees. They are magnificent plants that dont deserve the derision. And I've been designing gardens for about 40 years.
Your home lends itself to an interesting native garden. Eucalyptus (gums) are available in a range of sizes enabling the ubiquitous 'Australian garden' to stand out.
You can underplant these with clipped Westringia, Correas (both demanding well-drained soil) and Lomandra grasses. A few rocks would also add to the effect.
Lilly Pillies are native, but are better placed in contemporary situations as hedge plants and not the Australiana style.
July 23, 2019

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