NEIGHBORLY CURB APPEAL

This flower-filled garden supplies a three-season show everyone can enjoy.

- Sherri Ribbey

SUCCULENT SHOWSTOPPER

This charming living roof succulent display adds height and color contrast to the front border. Its 14x10-inch roof has a 2-inch lip that holds just enough potting mix for this collection of shallow-rooted succulents. When he built it, Jan drilled holes in each corner to allow drainage. The weight of the planted box keeps it in place on the 4x4 post. This makes it easier to lift and move indoors every winter. Even with winter protection, Jan finds that after a few years, the plants tend to look tired. When that happens, he freshens up the exterior latex paint and starts over with a new mix of plants.

Create a Friendly Front Yard

When Jan and Bette Goins started their Michigan garden 17 years ago, a couple of overgrown Hicks yews were the front yard's only inhabitants. And since Jan is a retired landscape designer and Bette worked at a local greenhouse for years, they envisioned a colorful front yard with plenty of curb appeal from spring to frost. Now that they've executed their vision, it generates lots of comments from people passing by-some neighbors even plan their routes to see the changing views.