With spring approaching, the urge to get outside with family and friends gets stronger. If your backyard has seen better days and the idea of outdoor entertaining causes a little panic, don’t worry – some helpful ideas from the pros will help you turn your outdoor space around in no time.
HGTV offers some great suggestions that can be scaled to fit your yard and budget:
Add an eye-catching architectural feature to your backyard. This doesn’t necessarily have to be an ornate structure; consider a water fountain, gazebo or trellis.
- If you have a patio or plan to add one, create some divide between the patio and yard to allow plenty of space for guests when you entertain.
- Be sure to design your backyard with specific focal points such as a water feature or a seating area, etc.
- Add special elements that make your space uniquely you.
- Include plants and shrubs to help give your backyard color and texture.
If you’re on a budget, Ann Archer of MSN Real Estate, has some practical tips to help you landscape your backyard without emptying your wallet:
- Really think about how you’re going to use your space; educate yourself on the different elements of landscaping, so you don’t make mistakes that you have to go back and fix later.
- Having a garden in your backyard is a great way to create visual interest. If you have friends who garden, offer to trade cuttings or set up seed exchanges. Also, local demolition sites are a great source for bricks and stone. Just be sure to get permission to take them.
- Do as much work as possible yourself, instead of hiring a professional; planting shrubs and perennials is far less expensive when you’re doing the digging.
- Scale down the size of the plants you purchase. They may start out smaller, but most plants grow quickly and the money you’ll save will be worth the wait.
Having a patio space is perfect for moving your party outside when the warm weather comes around. The DIY Network gives helpful instructions on how to lay a simple, brick patio from start to finish. Consisting of only five steps, it’s a quick, two-day project that will run less than $500 and transform your outdoor space while offering endless outdoor entertainment opportunities. Check out www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-lay-a-brick-paver-patio/index.html for details.
Whether you’re looking to completely revamp your backyard or just add a few touches for a simple facelift, take some tips from the pros to help get you excited about outdoor entertaining this season.
