Front yards make strong first impressions. They set the mood when we come home and greet guests coming for a visit. They can give a home a friendly face, create a personal sense of place, and bring life to a neighborhood. But most front yards are underutilized. Many are marred by patchy lawns and overgrown foundation plantings, while in some communities, front yards all look alike.

Landscape architect Jeni Webber encourages homeowners to think creatively about their front yards. In Taunton's Front Yard Idea Book, she provides ingenious ideas for expanding a home's outdoor living area. The book is both inspirational and practical, with hundreds of beautiful photographs, numerous design tips, and ideas for entries, paths, driveways, lighting, and plants.