Summer is here, and with the warm weather comes the chance to get outside and enjoy time with family and friends in your yard. I’d like to share a few ideas you can use to help maximize your enjoyment of your property and create your own backyard paradise this year. From just simply adding to the curb appeal of your home, to designing and creating a complete outdoor living space to be enjoyed for years to come, here are a few of our favorite features to consider when planning your summer landscape projects.
1. Plants. Yes, it sounds simple, but there really is something special about a yard tastefully designed with various species and types of plants. Try using multiple varieties, sizes, and textures of plants to provide year-round interest and color. Planting a mix of perennials, shrubs, trees, and a couple “accent” plants can really make a statement and set your yard apart.
2. Retaining Walls: This feature can be used as both a functional solution to level out sloped areas of the yard and as an aesthetic addition to your outdoor space. Retaining walls are most useful to create level, useable yard space out of what was once wasted or unusable areas.
3. Patios: Whether you build it out of pavers, flagstones, concrete, or something else entirely, a good patio is a central part of any backyard landscape. It creates a central place for people to gather and often becomes a favorite spot to hang out on those long summer evenings.
4. Outdoor Kitchen: It’s always easier to have fun when there’s food involved, which is why I think that having an outdoor space to enjoy some good food is a must-have. This can be as simple as a small area on the patio set aside for the grill and a table and chairs, or as elaborate as a custom built outdoor kitchen with a bar, grill, smoker, refrigerator, sink and granite countertops.
Whatever you decide on, this is easily one of the best ways to enjoy your outdoor space.
5. Fire Pit: Everyone loves the look and smell of a crackling fire. If you have the space and the ability to add a fire pit, you probably won’t regret it. Whether you choose the classic wood fire or any of the newer natural gas or propane fire pits, this feature will add countless hours of relaxation and enjoyment to your summer evenings.
6. Pergola or Pavilion: One of the most useful features to help you get the most out of your outdoor space is a pergola or pavilion. This feature creates a central gathering spot that will add beauty and functionality to your landscape. Having a spot to get out of the sun and continue enjoying your outdoor space on even the hottest days is something well worth considering.
I hope you can get outside and make the most of your yard this year by using some of these ideas. These features don’t need to be overly expensive or extravagant to get maximum enjoyment out of your property. The key is designing and building a space that draws people together and makes you not want to leave. If you can achieve that, then you have indeed created a backyard paradise. Have a wonderful summer outside!
