Owning a home is a lot of work, but often times the work is rewarding. You can paint, redecorate or renovate it exactly how you want it to look. But the interior’s not the only part of the home that can reflect you and your style. The exterior, specifically the yard, can also be your blank canvas. Here are five landscaping tips to help boost your home’s curb appeal.

Your yard may look lush and green throughout spring and summer, but come fall and winter - depending where you live - it can become brown and uninviting. To help maintain that luscious appeal of colour and cover, choose plants that keep their leaves or needles.

If your yard is of considerable size and seems plain and boring, add a large focal piece, such as a boulder or two. Doing so will help break it up and add some life to the dullness.

Planting a diverse range of plants that bloom at different times will keep your yard looking fresh and plush throughout the year.

If adding edging around driveways, fountains or other, consider creating curved lines rather than straight. Curved edging enhances the look of the yard and is pleasing to the eye year round.

Rather than damaging your lawn with trails of dead grass or dirt between your house and driveway or patio and fire pit, consider the addition of an alluring walkway. Walkways, whether built from stepping stones, crushed stone or brick, will help tie all the yard’s features together. Taking it one step further and creating pathways from materials similar to the house itself, will add even more of an artistic and creative flair.

Whether your yard requires just a few new plants or a complete overhaul, remember, any change or addition as subtle as they might seem, will help add interest and enhance your curb appeal. And, if your yard needs some extra love, check out our contest for your chance to win a $500 gift card to the home improvement store of your choice!