Dear Jasmine,

Thinking about curb appeal gets me down. I live in a townhouse complex, with asphalt right up to the front door. I’ve tried to keep potted plants alive, but I forget to water them and they scorch. Any suggestions?

~ Lacking Luster

Dear L.L.,

Don’t let it get you down! There’s room for almost every home to brighten it’s entry a bit.

If you would like to do it by adding some green atop your concrete carpet, get a water timer for your outdoor spigot. These range from the simple egg-timer variety, to more complex electronic ones (consider a battery-operated one if you don’t have an outdoor jack handy).

Next, attach a low-pressure drip or soaker hose, and voila – self watering!

Then you can train a climber up a lattice, place pots on pedestals or wow ‘em with a window box. Or all of the above.

You mention “scorching,” so research the amount of sun your future plants can withstand. Also, don’t forget basics like a fresh welcome mat, clean door, and clutter-free front window sill.

Last but not least - infuse a little of your own personality while you’re at it.

~ Jazz