As the weather gets warmer, we want to be outside a lot more and enjoy the summer sun. But this means that our backyard needs to be ready for us. Ideally, it’s best to get it sorted before summer starts so you get to enjoy your backyard for as long as possible.
So, here are a few tips to turn the potentially wasted outdoor space of your backyard into an area that your whole family will enjoy.
Landscaping and Hardscaping
First, you need to make sure that the foundation of your backyard is just how you would like it. This means landscaping and hardscaping.Landscaping refers to the plants and trees in your backyard, including your lawn. Hardscaping refers to the non-organic parts of your backyard, like structures, fences, and stones. Even something as simple as mowing your lawn is technically landscaping, although most people think of major landscaping projects that involve completely changing how your backyard looks.
These big projects can transform your backyard, but it’s best to get them done well before summer so that the plants can get settled and are healthy in time for summer. This means that they look their best.
You should start mowing your lawn in springtime when the grass starts to grow more quickly and it stops being patchy. If you do have patches, you can mow or strim without catching the grass to spread the seed naturally, or you can buy grass seed or even turf to fill them in more quickly.
Creating a BBQ Area
One of the best things about being in your backyard in the summer has to be the opportunity to have a BBQ. Whether you’re just grilling a few bits and pieces for your family or you’re cooking something low and slow for a crowd, barbecued food is incredibly delicious.However, in order to cook outside, you need a safe area to do so. Ideally, you want your BBQ to be on flat ground, so the lawn isn’t necessarily the best idea. If possible, make sure that you cook on a paved or concrete surface, because this isn’t flammable. This way, you don’t have to worry about errant sparks.
As well as the BBQ itself, it’s a good idea to have a nearby table for when you’re prepping food before it’s cooked.
Outdoor Furniture
As well as cooking outside, it’s nice to be able to sit, eat, and relax outside. When you’re buying outdoor furniture, you need something that will be okay when it’s left outside, even if it rains. Wrought iron furniture is attractive and very sturdy, so it won’t blow away in the wind or get damaged in the rain.You can soften your furniture with cushions, which you can then store inside over the winter or on rainy days. Keep things clean by wiping down any messes, especially if birds tend to fly over your backyard.
Lighting Up the Place
As well as enjoying the sun during the day, it can be nice to sit out in your backyard in the evenings. The one issue with this is that it can get dark, especially when it’s not quite in the middle of the summer.If you want to enjoy your backyard in the evening as well as the daytime, outdoor lights will brighten up the place and make it seem much more magical. This is ideal for parties, BBQs, or just a quiet night out in the garden.
Fire and Water
Another good reason to spend some time outdoors in the evening is if you have a firepit. This way, you and your family can sit around and keep warm, even if the evening is a bit cooler. There are a few different types of firepits that you can get, some more high tech than others.Even so, there’s nothing as relaxing as huddling around a fire and eating toasted marshmallows or smores in your own backyard.
Another way to make your backyard more relaxing is with water features. Fountains and ponds are lovely places to sit and chill out at any time. Some ponds can even attract frogs or newts into your garden, or you could get fish.
While these are great additions to your backyard, you do need to be careful with both fire and water. Make sure that pets and young children are supervised at all times around firepits or water features, so that they don’t get hurt.
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