No matter the season, you can always come up with unique ideas to liven up your outdoor space. With a little bit of prep and maintenance now, it can make the coming seasons more enjoyable so that you can indulge, relax, and enjoy your weekends at home. Here are some things to think about so you can take advantage of your backyard sooner rather than later.
Use Vertical Space
No matter the size of your backyard, it’s always a good idea to use up your open air space. Vertical planters, a pergola, an archway, or a lattice for crawling plants can all bring the vision of a fuller backyard to life. If you’re looking for a more forested feeling, tall shrubs and broad-leaf trees can help enclose and create privacy while having visual appeal.
Add Ambient Lighting
Your outdoor lights likely aren’t doing your backyard justice when it comes to ambient lighting. If it’s a cozy atmosphere you’re looking for, consider hanging up some string lights along the trees and along your fence. There are plug-in and battery-powered options available, just ensure they are also weather-resistant. Pathway lights, although small, can make a big impact. Not only will they help to guide the way, but they’ll add to the vibe you are trying to create.
Break Up Your Space into Different Areas
An open concept layout might work within your home, but it can be limiting in your outdoor area. A small garden area can benefit from two defined zones, one for dining and the other for relaxing. Incorporate dedicated seating for both zones, roll out outdoor rugs to better outline the perameters, and incorporate tall greenery to section off the spaces. If you have a side yard, don’t let it go to waste! Some gravel, patio stones, shurbs and a café set can make it feel like an exclusive outdoor restaurant.
Create a Focal Point
There are a few fun features that can help make your backyard pop. A flowing fountain, a vibrant fire element, or a flowering tree focus the eye and can make for an inviting atmosphere. Perhaps you’ll incorporate some backyard fence ideas, like iron to better define the area or wood to create a strong contrast. Your focal point can be subtle or overt, just as long as you love the way it looks.
Prep and Clean Your Patio Furniture
Get your patio furniture cleaned and ready so that no matter the weather, you can lounge outside and soak in the sunshine with all of the prep work already done. Hose down the furniture, add a fresh coat of paint if needed, and add a few new pillows to enhance the comfort of your patio area.
Build Some Planters
If you’ve been dreaming of growing your own herbs and veggies, container planting ensures that you can grow them year-round. During warmer months they can be placed outdoors, and then brought inside when the colder weather hits. You can build some planters directly on the ground or even up on the patio. Make sure to use good quality soil and follow along with the instructions for each plant that you choose.
Prepare Your Garden for All Seasons
Throughout the year, your garden requires dedicated attention to prep for the season ahead. For example, in the spring once there is no risk of frost, you can start to prepare your garden for the longest growing season. Rake the garden beds and pull up any old, dead vegetation that didn’t make it through the winter. Thoughout the year, anytime is a good time to trim away any damaged branches from the trees. In shoulder seasons, you can plant bulbs that will bloom in the warm summer heat.Daffodils, dahlias and snowdrops are all great options for this. Once you’re done planting, don’t forget to add some mulch to protect the bulbs.
Maintain your Fence
The fence in your yard can endure a lot of wear and tear throughout the year. If yours is looking worse for wear, take a little bit of time to spruce it up. Hose it down to prevent wood rot from developing, perform any needed repairs, and add a fresh coat of paint or stain if needed. If your fence is old and severely weathered, it might be a good time to have it replaced. Many homeowners are opting for PVC fences for their durability and low maintenance requirements. If you have a backyard fence idea that incorporates both wood and vinyl materials, a hybrid fence might be just what you are looking for.
If you need your fence repaired or replaced, give us a call at Ideal Fence. Our team can perform any maintenance and repairs, or help you decide on a new one for your property. Contact us today!