Creating an interesting, well-lit path to the front door of a home is an important part of making guests feel welcome, landscape designer Maria von Brincken told the Garden Club Monday, Nov. 30. Von Brincken, a Sudbury resident who has created residential gardens throughout New England and whose work has been showcased in Fine Gardening magazine, lectured on “Welcoming Entry Gardens” to a group of more than 40 members. The front entry of a home is a chance to capture the imagination by appealing to all the senses, she said. With different textures of plant foliage, interesting hardscape elements and the use of fragrance, the total effect can create what von Brincken called “a charming journey” to the front door.

While much of the green foliage that softens a landscape goes away in winter, gardeners can still create a welcoming garden by planting a combination of perennials and broad-leaf evergreens. In addition, the underlying structure of deciduous plants can be attractive if planted in harmony with their surroundings, von Brincken said. She also pointed out that the use of containers is another way to create visual interest, and suggested that homeowners make simple arrangements of various greens, red twig dogwood and winterberry to cheer a snow-laden entryway.

The rest of the year offers gardeners more opportunities to create drama and interest, according to von Brincken. Planting combinations that bloom in sequence throughout the year are particularly successful in entry gardens, she said, as are masses of thriving plants and flowers. “If you have a successful plant, get more!” she said. “Masses make a garden look abundant and wonderful.” Other techniques von Brincken recommended for adding visual interest included climbing vines to soften walls and fences, the addition of fences, gates and arbors and using a variety of textures in plant material. In addition, she urged the audience to carefully consider lighting for both safety and a sense of welcome.

Above all, von Brincken said, the entry garden should reflect the owner’s unique vision and personality. It is the most important part of any landscaping project, she said, and the last thing a homeowner sees when leaving, and the first when returning. “Make it bold! Make it adventuresome,” she advised, “Remember that it welcomes the most important people in the world: friends and family.”