When the summer arrives, your yard comes into its own as an extension of your home. It is somewhere to spend time with friends and family and the perfect place to relax as the sun rises or sets with a drink in hand. After a long winter of cold and wet weather, however, gardens tend to suffer from neglect. If you want to make the most of your outside space this year, it is important to put in the work before the summer arrives. Here are five steps to follow to create a summer-ready yard that is perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
- Preparation is key
Before you start improving your outside space, you need to prepare to ensure that you have the best possible foundation to work from. This includes clearing the yard of trash, dead leaves, and weeds. If you have a shed or outhouse, you might want to clear it of whatever you do not want. Your home’s gutters have probably become clogged with dirt and leaves, which can lead to problems if left for too long. Your fencing may need to be repaired in places, and a fresh coat of paint and sealant can make all the difference to the yard’s appearance and durability.
- Lay new turf
The best yards are those that have level and healthy lawns, but over the winter, lawns can become sodden with water and covered with dead plants. It might be necessary to remove the turf you have in place to replace it with a fresh lawn. You could also choose turf that you can lay in stripes. You will need to remove the turf, remove the loose topsoil, and replace it with high-quality soil. Pre-turfing seed can be added before you lay new turf.
- Install decking
Installing decking is a popular choice for many homeowners for several reasons. Replacing grass and flowers with decking reduces the amount of gardening that needs to be done, making it a low-maintenance space. The decking also creates a focal point for the yard’s design and provides an area where you can relax with family or on your own. There are many decking styles to choose from, so it is best to consult with a professional company like Fence and Deck Depot before making your choice.
- Create an entertaining space
Whether you install decking or a patio area, being able to entertain friends and family in your yard is one of the biggest perks of having an outside space. Consider adding some comfortable chairs, a dining table or several drinks tables, cozy soft furnishings, and possibly a barbeque or bar area. There are also plenty of outdoor lighting options and even outside heaters to keep people warm as the night grows darker.
- Bring in the color
Your yard should get as much attention as the rest of your home when it comes to aesthetic design, and this is largely down to the plants, flowers, and shrubs that you plant. There are some beautiful flowers with vibrant colors that can be planted in the spring so that they are in full bloom by the summer, such as geraniums, begonias, and sweet peas. Outdoor fairy lights, solar lanterns, and hurricane candle jars can also add color and light when the sun goes down.
