Summer is a fantastic time to reevaluate your home’s landscape, try new things, and clean up any winter damage. Even if you don’t have a large backyard or front yard, there are a lot of different ways that you can beautify the landscape that you do have. Keep reading for some easy ideas on how you can spice up your landscape this summer.
Light
Sitting outside once the sun goes down and the temperature drops is one of the best things about having a yard. If there isn’t much light, though, your yard won’t be an inviting space. There are so many different ways that you can add light to your landscape. One of the most popular is string lights. It’s also a good idea to highlight different areas of your landscape. For example, you can set up lights to guide the walkway, or position a spotlight to show off a particular plant. Here are some DIY outdoor lighting ideas from Buzzfeed.
Fragrance
Stop and smell the roses! Add some flowers to your yard to give off a fragrant scent. Cookouts shouldn’t be the only time that your backyard smells inviting. By adding flowers you also add color to the area. If you’re looking for some plant ideas, here is a helpful article on some of the fragrant plants that are native to California. In general, when planning your landscape it’s best to stick with native plants. Native plants are accustomed to the environment that they are native to, and, oftentimes, they require less water.
Water
Adding water to your landscape is a very popular idea. A fountain can be low maintenance if done correctly, and it can add beauty to any environment. Ponds are another popular idea, but they can be difficult to maintain. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into if you add a pond.
Birds and Insects
Who needs TV when the backyard is full of animals and insects exploring the area? If you’re an animal lover, then you should plant flowers that attract butterflies and bees. Plus you can add bird feeders or a bird pond.
Other Ideas
If you have enough space in your yard, you can add a gazebo. A gazebo is a great place for children to play or to just sit and enjoy yourself. You can also build a bench for your yard if you don’t have enough space, or you just want to test your carpentry skills.