How to Design a Stunning Front Yard on a Budget (Even If You’re New to Landscaping)

Published June 4, 2025 | By Matt

Your front yard is the first thing people see—but transforming it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you just moved in or you’re finally ready to clean up that tired patch of grass and mulch, this guide will help you create a low-maintenance, beautiful front yard without blowing your budget.

Quick Wins for Instant Curb Appeal (Under $100)

You don’t need a professional landscaper to make a big visual impact. Try these fast, affordable upgrades:

Fresh Mulch: Instantly neatens up garden beds and helps retain moisture.
Solar Path Lights: Adds nighttime beauty and safety for under $40.
Simple Stone Edging: Use inexpensive pavers or reclaimed bricks to define beds.
Paint the Mailbox / House Numbers: Small detail, big improvement.
Container Plants: Add pops of color near the entrance using thrifted planters.

Best Low-Cost, Low-Maintenance Plants for Zone 5

If you’re in a colder climate like New York (Zone 5), here are some native and well-adapted plants that won’t drain your time or wallet:

Shrubs:

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) – Tough, colorful foliage, native
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) – Striking red stems in winter
Common Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) – Fall-blooming, unique structure

Perennials:

Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Colorful foliage year-round
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) – Bright yellow blooms, long season
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) – Attracts hummingbirds

Groundcovers:

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) – Spring bloom carpet
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) – Heart-shaped leaves, great for shade

Easy Front Yard Layout Ideas Anyone Can Copy

The Rule of Three: Group plants in odd numbers (3 or 5) for a natural look.

Layered Heights:

Back/Middle (near the house): Taller shrubs for structure
Middle layer: Upright perennials and fillers
Front edge: Groundcovers or small bloomers to define the space

Bonus Tip: Avoid planting too close to your walkway. Choose upright plants near paths to prevent overgrowth.

What to Plant in Part Shade

Got trees or limited sun? You’re not out of luck. These plants thrive in dappled light:

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens) for the base of trees

The $500 Front Yard Makeover Plan

Here’s a sample breakdown of what you could do with $500:

$50 – Mulch
$60 – 2 Ninebark or Witch Hazel shrubs
$100 – 3 Coral Bells + 3 Black-eyed Susans
$50 – 6 Creeping Phlox (groundcover)
$30 – Solar path lighting
$60 – Basic tools or stone edging
$50 – DIY soil amendments (compost, topsoil)
$100 – Wiggle room or save for fall planting

Use our Landscaping Calculator to estimate exactly how much mulch or how many plants you need—before you buy.

Free Bonus: Download Your Weekend Curb Appeal Guide

Want quick, easy landscaping projects you can finish in a day?

Get our free Weekend Curb Appeal Guide — perfect for DIYers, homeowners, and lawn lovers who want fast results without a designer. It includes:

✅ 7 simple landscaping projects you can finish in a day
✅ Quick wins that instantly upgrade your yard
✅ Beginner-friendly ideas with pro results
✅ Bonus checklist & design tips included

Creating a front yard you love doesn’t require a degree in horticulture or a huge bank account. Start small, think smart, and you’ll be amazed what a few well-placed plants and design tricks can do. doesn’t require a degree in horticulture or a huge bank account. Start small, think smart, and you’ll be amazed what a few well-placed plants and design tricks can do.