Spring 2022 By Cody Kennedy F or the past couple of years, the front porch has become an extension of our living spaces. In 2020 and 2021, neighbors used them for drive-by greetings and socially distanced gatherings. The popularity of front yard get-togethers, if anything, has grown even more in 2022. We spoke to Russ Greey of Greey-Pickett, a landscape architect business based in Scottsdale, to find out what makes those “front porch hangs” so popular. “Porch-forward spaces are often seen in houses built in the 20s-30s, and Arcadia is one of the rare neighborhoods in Arizona that has succeeded in reviving this trend,” Greey said. In Arcadia, having a large front patio is not only an extension of living space but an important social meeting space. Greey said that this movement allows for neighbors to socialize and connect naturally. “Kids playing in the front yard is a true invite for other families to follow,” Greey continued. “A simple wave or a friendly hello to your neighbors has provided a way for the community to feel still connected. The uniqueness of Arcadia allows for this revamp of a past trend because it’s a family neighborhood that values safety and socializing.” Greey said that landscape designs usually have a grass space for families to enjoy, with a yard typically fenced for safety but low enough to allow for an inviting look as neighbors pass. “This year, patio spaces are leaning toward low maintenance planting, like featured pots with unique succulent gardens that do not require too much upkeep and less ornamental plantings due to the extreme heat in Arizona and a need to maintain,” Greey said. Decorating the patio is treated the same as decorating a room with furniture for seating and dining, area rugs, lighting and focal pots. Furniture is chosen to complement the architecture. “We are seeing modern steel furniture with clean lines as well as rattan chairs with woven and curved details. Many are without cushions or have removable cushions for easy styling and storage to preserve from the desert dust,” he said. Greey-Pickett often designs permanent banco seating (chairs built right into the groundwork of a patio) around a fireplace for an evening when the temperatures cool off. Patio spaces are not necessarily covered and weatherproof but are more open and inviting. “The market is growing with this front yard trend, and we’re seeing excellent options for outdoor furnishings, as well as other must-have accessories that are more durable to the weather and climate,” Greey said. These include speakers, lighting and unique fabrics. Bistro lighting is a trend they’ve seen for many years, but Greey said it is here to stay, as it adds an element of fun and function to the entertaining area. To capture an “indoor” feel, arrange furniture under a patio covering, such as outdoor drapery, a green wall, water feature or outdoor tiled accent wall. “We do not see the front porch trend ending in the Arcadia community. The front porch design, we think, could add to new communities, providing a family- friendly space to connect with your neighborhood,” Greey said. to find out what makes those “front porch hangs” chosen to complement the architecture. “We are seeing modern steel furniture with clean Fresh ideas for outdoor living spaces Front Patios PHOTO BY LOGAN SOWERS PHOTO BY SCOTT SANDLER

15 Arcadia News reached out to Berridge Nursery to find out which flowers might work best for your front yard: “As we head into our spring weather and more outdoor entertaining, it makes this a wonderful time of year to implement a new landscape vision, or refresh existing plans,” Owner Melinda Walton said. A well layered landscape will boast foundation shrubs, accent plants, ground covers and annual flowers. Walton explained that if folks are working with southern or western sun exposure, they might enjoy planting layers of large or small hedging shrubs such as xylosma, dwarf myrtle or little ollie along with accents of Mediterranean fan palms, desert spoon, hesperaloe or agave species. Yellow dot (Wedelia), in lieu of lantana, offers a lusher appearance as a ground cover and has vibrant yellow flowers. “If you need a place to start, look no farther than your front door or patio, with the addition of decorative pots planted with annual color for a bright and bold entrance to the home,” Walton said. “In full sun, folks can choose from geraniums, osteospermum, nemesia, snapdragons, petunias and pansies.” For northern or eastern facing entries, she suggests planting kimberly queen or foxtail ferns mixed with begonias, impatience, cyclamen or campanula to brighten up those areas. “Keep in mind a regular fertilization program and proper irrigation schedules will keep your flowers and shrubs looking their best. Nursery professionals are here to help with that!” Walton said. berridgenurseries.org Add some flowers Begonias Petunias Osteospermum Nemesia Snapdragon "When you came to evaluate my roof, I felt like you were really listening to my needs and you were so personable. My roof looks fantastic and the young men who did the work were top-notch." ~ Debbie Rode Phoenix, AZ Client Testimonial Client Testimonial Welcome to Arcadia Roofing At Arcadia Roofing, our focus is on quality and excellence - quality craftsmanship on every job coupled with honest, trustworthy and professional service. Phoenix-based Arcadia Roofing is a family-operated company that opened its doors because customer service within the industry had seemingly diminished. Led by specialists with more than 25 years of roofing experience, Arcadia Roofing has sought to change that perception. We provide services throughout Maricopa County for both residential and commercial properties. From roof repairs and replacements, and proficiency in everything from shingles to slate, our skilled staff can handle any job, small or large. Because our priority is our customer, we aim to be flexible, working around your schedule as best we can. We offer highly competitive pricing, free estimates and we NEVER try to sell something that doesn't need to be sold. ~ Tommy Leale , Arcadia Roofing 602.840.ROOF (7663) www.arcadiaroofingaz.com Shingles • Tile • Shake • Slate • New Roof • Reroof Repairs (leaks, hail damage, structural repair, etc.) Flat Roof (foam, torch, etc.) • Roofing Ventilation Skylights • Elastomeric coating Waterproofing • Walk decks ROC #K42-234021