Would you like to be the envy of your neighbors with a yard that stands out and says WOW!
Tired of the same old grass, trees and flowers that are just like everyone elses yard? You can break out of the neighborhood cookie cutter look and add natural beauty to your yard.

Create drama with rocks and boulders

Add a large boulder to your front yard as a focal point. Pick a boulder with natural interest such as irregular shape, color or texture. Your local nursery should have several boulders for you to choose from or you may get lucky and have a friend who is looking to clear their lot from rocks and has a natural beauty just waiting for you.

Plan a garden area around your boulder
Now that you have your focal point in place, think about adding a garden area to create interest. Make this garden area as big or small as you wish but be sure to put bends and curves into the layout design to continue the theme of non cookie cutter look! Start by clearing the grass from the area when your garden area will be. Then edge the curving perimeter with smaller rocks (10 to 12 inches in diameter) or black plastic landscape border.

Now youre ready for flowers for a fresh look
Now its time to add perennial flowers and decorative grasses to the area around your boulder. Depending on the size of your garden area, plan to add perennial flowers or decorative grasses every 3 - 4 cubic feet. If you plant them any closer, they will look crowded as the plants mature. If you plant them any further apart, the plants will look very sparse for years to come. You want just enough space between plantings to highlight each one as being unique. For perennial flowers, plant in clumps of 3 for a robust look and bright splash of color. For the final touch, add landscaping bark or river rock between plants to cut down on weeds and retain moisture in the soil.

For added drama, create a walkway
Create a walkway of flat stones out to your new boulder focal point and garden area. Remove the grass from the area when your path will be, remembering to create a winding path in keeping with the non cookie cutter look. Then add 3 inches of sand to make leveling your flat stones easier. Viola! Your front yard has new interest and drama.

For even more drama, if your garden area it large
If you have room for a large garden area surrounding your boulder, consider planting a tree (of the smaller variety) close to your boulder. Mountain ash, dwarf crab, dwarf river birch or Japanese Maple are all excellent choices depending on your climate. This is sure to become a favorite family photo site. You might even add a bench or garden gate for an extra special one-of-a-kind look to your landscape.

Final Touches
To add a bright spot of color to your landscape, add a decorative or patriotic flag to your garden area around your boulder. Its a great way to add color when your flowers arent in bloom and adds a whimsical feel to have a flag fluttering in the breeze.