As summer approaches, homeowners are once again turning their attention towards their gardens, which were most likely neglected throughout this last year’s awful winter weather. As you begin to make plans to take back your outdoor space from mother nature, you may be wondering about changes you could make to your garden to spruce things up.
You want improvements to make a big splash, but you may not want to spend a ton of your hard earned cash on it. If you aren’t looking to completely overhaul your entire outside space, here are some easier changes that the neighbours will still notice and be wowed by!
Clean Up
First things first, it’s time to clean everything up! It’s amazing how much nicer a lawn and garden can look just by ridding it of broken pots, weather beaten toys, and cleaning foliage out of bushes and trees. Also inspect any pavement you may have. Are there cracks, uneven bricks, or overgrown weeds and moss?
Take the time to clean them up yourself, or if need be, hire a professional to come in and repave, fix problems, or lay stone. These kinds of maintenance activities are really important for a pleasing looking yard.
Brighten Things Up
With the warm months ahead, in no time flowers will be blowing and everything will be green, but this doesn’t need to be the only colourful part of your outdoor space! Try out a new, standout colour to paint your backdoor, or hire someone (or if you’re talented, do it yourself) to paint a beautiful and colourful mural on a fence or the side of a shed.
You can also find pots and lawn accessories of different colours and textures at your local shop. These kinds of additions catch the eye and will put a smile on the face of a passerby.
Fix Flooding
Nothing looks worse than a muddy or flooded back yard! Not only is it not appealing to look at, it makes the space useless. If you have a problem with pooling water whenever there is a heavy rain or melting snow, fixing that problem could make a world of difference for the way it looks and how you get to use your space.
You may want to upgrade and pave over a large part of the garden with something like asphalt. This method has become popular in recent years and a backyard can still be welcoming and green if you make use of potted plants, lawn furniture, and fences.
If you would prefer not to go to this extreme, or your yard is already partially paved, try installing, or switching out the existing ones for, permeable pavers. These materials are designed in a way that allows water to penetrate the surface and flow through to the soil below. This equals no more water sitting on top.
Fence & Entrance
Give a space definition by enclosing it in a fence. This can also give the feeling of peace and quiet by making things seem more private. Add an entrance with a gate or doorway to add visual variety, and if left open an extra sense of depth. Try these out in fun colours as well for an even bigger change. Not to mention, fences are great for upping property value.
Add Living Space
A big trend in landscaping and hardscapes at the moment is creating a comfortable living space outdoors. Options range from complicated, like putting in an outdoor fireplace or kitchen, to simple, like adding a fire pit with seating nearby. Maybe even consider paving one area off the back of the house and add seating and outdoor couches.
Both you and your guests will feel comfortable and relaxed to the point that you will want to start spending more and more of your time outdoors! Isn’t that kind of enjoyment the real reason you put effort into your backyard?
For more information on landscape supplies in Surrey and London please contact Bury Hill on 01306 877540.
About the Author:
This article was written by Gene George, director of Richmond Asphalt Paving. They have provided asphalt and concrete paving service in Central Virginia for years. Check them out at www.richmondasphaltpaving.com