After a long summer of barbecues and soaking up the sun while reading or enjoying a tall glass of water, you may not want to go inside just yet. One way to keep the outdoor space fresh is a change of scenery for your backyard. According to the University of Minnesota, being in nature can have a positive impact on our health and improve our overall well-being. Whether you want to spruce up your entire lawn or simply add a touch of interest in an unused section, here is a list of design style ideas from trusted landscaping professionals to help give you some inspiration!
1. Create an inviting outdoor space
It’s important that you are able to use your outdoor spaces even as the season gets a bit colder and the long days of sunlight dwindle. One easy way to make it cozier for your family and guests is to introduce more light. If you want warmth to be the central focus of your backyard, an outdoor fireplace or firepit can easily create both an awe-inspiring design element as well as a functional piece that will allow you to use your backyard well into the fall. Similarly, more homeowners have been deciding to upgrade their grill with a full outdoor kitchen. This can easily carve out a section of your lawn that feels homier and allows guests to gather around.
Even more subtle lighting, such as lining walkways with lanterns, can make a backyard more pleasing and usable.
2. Rethink your walkways
As mentioned earlier, you can line walkways with more lighting elements. This can create a warm ambient glow to your home that isn’t as harsh as other forms of artificial light but it also prevents guests from tripping over rocks or plants at night.
In addition, make sure that your walkways are paved with a very sturdy material that won’t wear down as easily with frequent use so that it can be smooth to walk on. Furthermore, think about the route that your walkway has across your landscape. What good is having a beautiful bird fountain or a flower garden if it isn’t easy to see from your walkway? Consider the features that you want your walkway to access and design the path you imagine. Having a very tailored and well thought out walkway will make you want to use your outdoor spaces more, since they’ll be easier to access, but also it elevates the entire appearance of your home.
3. Introduce another garden
Herb gardens have been rising in popularity and for good reason. Having a small herb garden can create a nice touch in your landscape as well as flavor in the kitchen. They are easy to maintain and create since they are relatively simple in design and size. For example, a wooden box can function as a rustic herb garden easily. We recommend having it close to the entrance to your kitchen for easy access.
If flowers are more your style, you can introduce a berm. A berm is a raised patch of land, often created by a mound of dirt, that you can build flowers or a young tree on. These niche flower gardens don’t take as much work as maintaining a much larger garden but they can add some vibrancy and warmth to an otherwise bland and unused corner of your home.
Whether you have a fully shaped vision for your home or business or just an inkling, our experts at Giovine Landscape can help make it a reality. We offer expert advice accumulated both over years of designing and maintaining other beautiful landscapes as well as the care we have for our clients and our hope that they are proud of the homes they live in. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!