Spring cleaning has a way of sneaking up on homeowners. The winter snow has melted away only to reveal patchy grass, cracked furniture, and broken planters before you know it. It can be overwhelming to think about completely redoing your backyard. First, ask yourself how you plan to use your outdoor space this summer. Is it a place for the family to gather for an al fresco s’mores and movie night, a sanctuary to enjoy an afternoon cocktail after a hard day, or both?
Second, assess the damage. Seasons take a toll on your outdoor paradise and can leave you wanting to start from square one. Hiring a local landscaper to lend a hand is a great way to clear the mess left behind from months of temperature fluctuation so you can get an idea of what is salvageable. If you have a brick or stone patio, you may be surprised to find uneven surfaces or crumbling stones. Luckily, these are easy fixes once you identify the problem areas.
Finally, dress up your space! Fresh planters and new outdoor furniture are the cherry on top of a beautiful backyard. With your vision in mind, we’ve paired down the work to five essential elements that will aid in turning your yard into the oasis you are envisioning.
De-weeding and Re-seeding
As the snow begins to melt in the spring sun, the lawn may be starting to look a little sad. Brown, dry patches will dot that once glorious grass, and the few patches of green that remain will likely be weeds. Start by pulling up those pesky weeds and aerating the yard.
Next, mow, seed, and water for a lawn that will make your neighbors green with envy."To overseed a lawn, start by mowing your lawn short and bagging the clippings" instructs Scotts.com. "Then, rake the lawn to loosen the top layer of soil and remove any dead grass and debris. This will give the grass seed easy access to the soil."
Go Green (Yellow, Purple, Blue, and Red!)
Having a lush lawn is nothing without some colorful accent flowers to accompany it. Adding planters or a designated flower bed will give the space that "home away from home" feeling just outside your door. Creating a designated garden bed is easy and very rewarding. Select a flat spot on the edge of your yard near where you entertain but won’t get any foot traffic. You’ll want to clear the area of any grass and weeds, leaving only the dirt on the ground visible. From there, plant some seeds! If flowers aren’t your thing, a garden makes for a beautiful (and functional) option. Your dinner guests will delight in hand-selecting vegetables from your homegrown garden for the evening’s dinner. Lettuce, zucchini, and swiss chard are among the easiest vegetables to grow, according to The Farmer's Almanac.
If you don't have a green thumb, visit your local nursery and select a few matured plants. Select easy flowers to care for, such as geraniums, petunias, marigolds, or chrysanthemums, so you can spend more time enjoying that gorgeous backyard than tending to it.
Update Your Planters
If you have a patio or deck, you probably have a few planters for herbs or seasonal flowers. These vessels take a beating in the cooler weather, causing them to crack and rust. If you see signs of disrepair in your pots, it’s time for a refresh. Pick a color that you want to carry through your outdoor design and select planters with that hue in mind. Mix patterns featuring the same central colors for a playful, fresh feel.
If you have a pergola, get adventurous! Hanging planters are beautiful and lend a whimsical “Hanging Gardens” vibe to your space. While you can purchase matured plants already in a hanging cradle, they are often cheap and uninspiring. Upgrade to a ceramic or terracotta planter in line with the designs you have on the ground. The mix of high and low accents will add dimension to your yard.
If you have neglected your patio set during the winter months, chances are it's looking a little worse for wear. Rain, snow, and temperature fluctuation are the worst enemies of your summer entertainment area. Upgrade your outdoor furniture to a set crafted from a weather-resistant material like wood, rattan, or aluminum. Protect your investment by winterizing your new collection with an all-weather lacquer or a fitted cover so you can enjoy it for the seasons to come.
If you are in love with your existing set and just can't part with it, try restoring it. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint is all you need to make your rusted dining set feel brand new. Start by scraping any loose paint and rust off with sandpaper or a wire brush. This will take some elbow grease, but the result is well worth it! Next, use an exterior grade spray paint that is specific to the material of your table and chairs. Lastly, finish it with a protective coat to keep it pristine for the coming seasons. Need more help? Martha Stewart can walk you through the whole process step by step.
Get Lit
Whether you are imagining a Tuscan oasis or a rustic cabin vibe, lighting is essential to set the scene. Use three large lightbulb strings anchored on a central point that spiders out across the yard to create a whimsical canopy. If you decide on a pergola, hang a pendant light over your dining table or lounge set to bring a sense of the inside luxury to your outdoor escape. If you prefer the rustic route, a fire pit is crucial to achieving that cozy mountain feel.
Don’t know how to build a manual fire? You can still transport yourself to a rustic setting with a gas-powered fire pit. Not only is it easy to use, it also won’t leave you and your guests smelling like a campfire.
