Having the space at the back of your home for a garden and lawn is a luxury for some and a large looming question mark for others. If you have a garden space but are uncertain how to make it a better place for everyone in your family, continue reading for some useful tips to make it more enjoyable starting today.
Tidy Up
First things first, if your garden and lawn area is unkempt, you should start with cleaning it up. Enlist your family and make it a fun event. Put on some sunscreen and music before assigning everyone a job. This way, the task will get done quicker, and the whole family can take ownership of the space and be proud of their efforts.
Here are some good jobs to start with:
- Pull weeds from the lawn and garden.
- Rake leaves and thatch.
- Trim long grasses with a weed wacker.
- Throw away old and broken tools and toys.
- Organise or put away yard items.
- Trim trees and shrubs.
- Powerwash pavers and sidewalks.
Create Some Shade
One of the biggest deterrents to spending time outside is a lack of shade. In this arena, you have several options to find something that suits your lifestyle, budget, and needs. If you would like to invest more time and effort, you can build a patio covering such as a pergola or a structure with a full covering. Opt for a sail shade if you want something less permanent or at a lower price point. Either of these selections can be freestanding or attached directly to your home. Patio umbrellas are the easiest choice for garden shade as they are relatively inexpensive and easy to move around as needed. Ensure you secure the base with weights so the umbrella does not fall over in a heavy wind.
Make a Dining Area
There is something special about eating al fresco. The fresh air and sunshine practically beg you to stay a little longer and enjoy your surroundings. To enjoy it, however, you need to create a dining space. Pick an outdoor table and chair set that is weather-resistant and heavy enough to withstand the wind but lightweight enough to move around easily. Select colours to match or complement your home’s exterior. Be sure to choose comfortable cushions or add extra pillows to encourage everyone, including you, to stay and linger for a while. If you have decided to use umbrellas for shade, check to see if your table of choice has a cutout in the middle for the umbrella unless you would like to use a cantilever design on the side of the table.
Plant Something Useful and Something Beautiful
Since your updated outdoor space is so close to the kitchen, planting a kitchen garden is ideal. It will look nice and provide fruits, vegetables, and herbs for family meals. Tending to the garden is a relaxing activity you can feel good about, too. Once you have your garden planted, take stock of what types of greenery you have. Add trees for (future) privacy and shade. Consider attaching a trellis or two to your fence and planting flowering vines at the base. This provides a lovely visual to look at instead of a bare fence. Plant flowers throughout the rest of the garden to bring in vibrant colours and fragrances throughout the year.
Add a Water Feature
Water features are a delightful design element anyone can bring into their garden. The soft trickle of water is relaxing whether you are sitting outside or listening from the house through an open window. Find a pre-made water feature or make one yourself to create a calming focal point that you can enjoy any time of day.
Watch this short video to learn how to make an easy water feature for your garden.
Install Lighting
After making so many positive changes to the garden, you may find yourself spending more time outdoors than before. Extend the life of your outdoor area by installing lighting. Hire a licensed electrician or take on the task yourself if you have the skill set. Always follow the appropriate guidelines to ensure your safety. Install a fan kit with a light under a pergola or hardened patio covering for central lighting above the outdoor dining table. String outdoor-rated bulb lights across the fence line, beneath the pergola or awning, or between trees. Have fun with the lights by using remote-controlled LED light bulbs in a variety of hues, or pick some that you can program to alternate colours.
Designate a Pet Area
Having pets in your family, if you so choose, is a wonderful experience. They provide unconditional love and hours of entertainment. They will also need a place to use the bathroom. This is especially the case for dogs. After you have spent so much time fixing up your garden and lawn to make it look nicer, you do not want your beloved pet to run rampant across the space and make a mess of things. Take action by designating an area specifically for your pet to use as its bathroom. Work patiently to train your dog, and the reward will be a cleaner place for everyone to have fun together. Be diligent about cleaning up any waste as soon as it happens to avoid bacteria and unpleasant smells.
Bring on the Fun
One of the best ways to make any garden better than before is to make it fun! There are so many things you can do to create lasting memories for everyone in your family. Here are a handful of great ideas to start with.
- Build a backyard mini golf course.
- Set up an outdoor movie theatre.
- Play with water balloons.
- Play an impromptu game of football under the lights.
- Have a sing-a-long under the stars.
- Pitch a tent and sleep outside.
Now is the right time to implement these user-friendly ideas and make your garden the best place to be. Clean it up with the right tools and help from your family. Add features you will appreciate, such as lighting, shade, and a place to sit and relax. You will never want to go back inside.
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