If you’ve been looking at your backyard lately and wishing that it was a lot more stylish or inviting, there’s some good news for you. Whether your outdoor space is large, small, grassy or concreted over, shaded or sunny, there are plenty of simple but amazing changes you can make that will give your yard an instant uplift. Some of these changes can achieved without spending a single cent, while others are a little more costly, so it’s up to you and your budget as to which alterations you want to make.
One thing is for sure; with the help of these awesome garden upgrades, you’ll be able tocreate a truly stunning backyard that you and your family will want to spend a lot more time in.
Fill In The Cracks
If your backyard as a patio or a paved area, you’re probably tired of the unsightly cracks between the paving stones, and fed up of having to bend over to remove stubborn weeds from the joins. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix. All you need to do is put those unsightly cracks and gaps to good use, by planting some of your favorite herbs or perennials in between the stones.
In particular, groundcover herbs such as thyme, creeping rosemary, creeping mint and oregano are some of the best options, as not only do they look attractive but they will also create a delicious scent whenever you walk over them.
Create A Wildlife Garden
If you have a keen interest in the environment, and you want to do your part for nature while also creating an eye-catching environment to relax in, why not make a wildlife garden? Dedicate a corner of your yard to planting pollinator-friendly plant species that will sustain your local insect species and add color and vibrancy to your yard into the bargain.
The easiest way to do this is to prepare the soil and then purchase a few wildflower seed packets, or even some seed bombs, and sprinkle the seeds liberally over the earth. Because wildflowers are naturally hardy, they won’t require any additional help to germinate and grow, although you may have to give them some water from time to time during a particularly dry period.
Before you know it, you’ll have beautiful blooms waving in the breeze, and you’ll be able to relax in your backyard to the gentle hum of bees pollinating your very own patch of un-spoilt nature.
Hang Some Eco-Friendly Lights
Sometimes, all you need to do to uplift your outdoor space is to shine a little light on it.
Hanging some solar-powered fairy lights along the fence, or even twining them through the branches of your trees, creates an eye-catching and undeniably inviting effect. You can also opt for wall lights around your outdoor seating area, and intersperse some gently glowing lights throughout your flower beds for a decidedly cozy effect. There are so many clever and creative techniques you can use to introduce lighting to your backyard so you can enjoy your outdoor spaces once the sun has set.
Paint Your Old Pots
If you’re looking for a particularly budget-friendly way to brighten up your garden and make it more inviting, all you need is a few different tubs of paint and some brushes. Terracotta plant pots and containers can look rather bland – but not once you’ve given them a fresh lick of paint.
Unleash your inner artist and have some fun creating vibrant, brightly colored planters. Mix and match different shades, or paint your own designs onto the pots for an eye-catching display that will never fail to boost your mood when you enter the garden.
Install An Awning For Convenient Shade
Gardens that receive full sun will always benefit from the introduction of a shaded area, particularly if you live in a very hot region. While you can achieve this with the help of an umbrella, you may want a more substantial solution, such as an awning.
These days, awning companies such as Marygrove specialize in stylish and convenient offerings that will suit any backyard. In fact, this awning specialist has a range of retractable awnings, so you can opt to have either sun or shade at any time of day.
Create A Stylish Seating Area
Once you’ve taken care of the shade, it’s time to invest in a chic and inviting seating area where you can relax on the weekends and maybe even engage in some al fresco entertaining.
When it comes to seating arrangements, the options are diverse, so it’s up to your budget and your personal taste as to which one you go for. Perhaps you want to build a deck or garden room, or maybe you already have a paved area where you can place your outdoor furniture set.
Speaking of furniture, there are different styles and materials to choose from, from aluminumto powdered steel and both real and artificial rattan. You can opt for a stylish bistro set, an outdoor lounge set or a full-scale dining set that can accommodate 6 to 8 people.
Depending on the space you have available, you can also include some outdoor storage solutions – even a kitchen trolley will do for your al fresco dining utensils – and don’t forget the barbecue and grill!
Add Some Eye-catching Accents
Gardens that are a little on the small side can sometimes benefit from the addition of some cute and quirky details to add some extra dimension.
One cool trick is to place a full-length mirror beside some of your tallest flowers, to reflect their stately beauty and create an illusion of more space – and more blooms.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, however, you may want to go so far as to create a lush vertical garden along one side of your fence. There are several simple but effective ways to do this, such as by erecting a trellis or attaching your planters and containers directly onto the fence panels.
Whichever method you decide to use, the effect is sure to be appealing. Best of all, you can opt to grow edible plants in your vertical garden, creating a feature that’s both beautiful and delicious.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there’s no need to make do with a boring or uninspired backyard. With a little creativity, the right products, and a little determination, you can quickly and easily upgrade your garden into a beautiful and irresistible outdoor space that the whole family can enjoy.
Beauty and Lace is an online magazine for women. We hope you enjoyed this article!