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A narrow front entrance will cause you and your guests to feel uncomfortable and crowded, not to mention unwelcome. Think about your series of movements from parking your car in the driveway to arriving at the front door.

Pay careful attention to what kind of surface you are walking on and if the surface is level. Is the width of your pathway large enough to accommodate you along with several bags of groceries?

The door, the front porch or landing and the pathway should relate in size and scale. For example, if you have a flagstone landing that is eight-feet wide, a pathway that is leading to this should be at least three-feet wide.

Refer to the architecture of your house for guidance when it comes to creating a pathway and choosing its layout: straight or curvy or a combination of both.

I prefer to use local materials that are durable and can tolerate a snow shovel going over it in the winter.

Remember that people will generally take the most direct route from your house to the car so design accordingly.

Having a graciously landscaped entrance is also a selling feature if you decide to sell your property and gives a great first impression. If you have additional space close to your front door, you can create an arrangement of pots with annuals or a decorative chair or even a sculpture. If you do not have time to create a planter and own an urn, you can purchase a completed planting arrangement from the local nursery.

I like to design planting beds in close proximity to the front pathways for prime visibility. Height variations, winter interest, favourite colours and unusual textures are important things to keep in mind for planting areas around your front entrance.

Foundation plantings situated between your house and the ground plane soften up the harsh lines of a concrete foundation and act as a lush green middle ground at eye level.

Keep in mind, that five to 10 years down the road, the evergreen shrubs planted by your house could grow to cover the entire front window and door. Although all plants start out small when you initially purchase them, find out about their mature height and spread. A front pathway that leads you safely at night from one place to another is absolutely essential. Consider incorporating landscape lighting when you design your front entrance. Glowing lights on a warm summer night have a cozy inviting feeling that welcomes you home.

Marilyn Pomer is a landscape designer for Greenescape Designs Inc. E-mail Marilyn at marilyn@greenescape.ca if you have questions or comments.