When I first met Sarah Whitmore, I was immediately struck by her enthusiasm for all things green and growing. As a landscape designer with over a decade of experience, Sarah has transformed countless front yards into vibrant, welcoming spaces. Her philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “Landscaping design can be as simple or as complex as you want,” she says. Our conversation centred on her approach to creating front yard landscapes that remain beautiful throughout all four seasons, with a special emphasis on the enduring charm of evergreen plants.
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Sarah’s journey into landscaping began in her childhood, growing up in a rural village in Devon, where she spent her days exploring the rolling countryside. “I used to wander through the woods, fascinated by how nature seemed to arrange itself so effortlessly,” she recalls. This fascination eventually blossomed into a career, leading her to study landscape architecture and design.
One of the foundational elements Sarah champions in her designs is the use of evergreens. “Evergreens are the backbone of any landscape,” she explains. “They provide structure and colour year-round, which is especially important in creating a front yard with lasting appeal.”
During our interview, she detailed an experience with a recent project where evergreens played a pivotal role. The clients, a young family, were looking for a low-maintenance yet visually striking front yard for their suburban home. “They didn’t want to spend every weekend gardening, but they did want something that looked good throughout the year,” Sarah shared.
Sarah started by evaluating the space – a modest-sized yard with a mix of sun and shade. “The key is to choose the right types of evergreens,” she advised. “For sunny spots, I might recommend something like a dwarf spruce. In shadier areas, boxwood or holly can thrive beautifully.”
One of her favourite tricks is to mix heights and textures to create depth in the landscape. In this particular project, she used taller evergreens like junipers as a backdrop, with medium-height plants like azaleas in front. Ground-hugging juniper or creeping phlox provided a lush carpet of green at the base. “The layering effect not only looks lush but also helps to keep weeds at bay – another win for low maintenance,” she laughed.
Beyond evergreens, Sarah believes in incorporating a few seasonal plants to add pops of colour. “I usually suggest planting a few perennials or annuals for that splash of seasonal colour,” she noted. “Things like tulips in the spring or mums in the autumn can really complement the steady green of the evergreens.”
Lighting is another crucial element in Sarah’s designs. “Good lighting can transform a space at night,” she said. She likes to incorporate subtle, energy-efficient LED lights to highlight pathways and focal points. “It’s not just about aesthetics; it also adds a layer of safety,” she pointed out.
I asked Sarah about the challenges she faces in designing front yards, particularly with evergreens. “Well, choosing the right evergreen for the right location is essential,” she said. “You have to consider the plant’s mature size and how it will fit the space in years to come.” She emphasised the importance of soil preparation and proper planting techniques to ensure the longevity of the plants.
When asked how she balances simplicity with complexity in her designs, Sarah paused thoughtfully. “It’s about listening to the client and understanding their lifestyle,” she replied. “Some people love spending time in their gardens, while others want to enjoy the beauty without the upkeep. My job is to tailor the design to fit their needs perfectly.”
The family whose yard she transformed was thrilled with the result. “They told me it was like having a piece of art right outside their window,” Sarah recounted with a smile. “And the best part is, it looks just as stunning in January as it does in June.”
Sarah’s approach to landscaping is a testament to how thoughtful design and plant selection can create a front yard that is both beautiful and sustainable. Her emphasis on evergreens provides a practical solution for homeowners seeking a year-round appeal with minimal effort.
As our conversation wrapped up, Sarah left me with a nugget of wisdom for aspiring gardeners: “Start small, experiment, and don’t be afraid to make changes. Nature is wonderfully forgiving.”
Her passion for her work and her desire to create beautiful, lasting landscapes is evident in every project she undertakes. For anyone looking to enhance their front yard, Sarah Whitmore’s evergreen philosophy offers an inspiring and achievable way forward.
Diana Tahjmir
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