We could all use a little more time in the great outdoors. Spending time in the fresh air and the sunshine has a number of on your mental and physical health, including relieving anxiety, improving focus, and strengthening your bones and immune system. And what better time of year to get outside than in the summer?
Taking a summer vacation to the mountains or the beach is never a bad idea, but wouldn’t it be great if you could create an outdoor oasis in your own backyard? Well, with a few landscaping ideas to draw inspiration from, you can!
Listed below are some summer landscaping ideas that will help you build the outdoor space of your dreams. With these tips, you can get more out of your summer and your yard.
1. Lay a Walkway
One of the easiest and most effective ways to give your yard a makeover is to a walkway. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean breaking out a cement mixer.
First, plan out how many steps it takes to get from point A to point B. Let’s say you’re laying a walkway to direct traffic from your back porch to your butterfly garden. Take large but comfortable steps along this path and count them as you go.
Then, take a trip to your local hardware store, nursery, or landscape supply and pick out some beautiful stones or pavers. All that’s left to do is bring them home and lay them in the grass!
For the most attractive design, don’t place them in a perfectly straight line or force curves where they don’t fit. Try your best to follow the natural landscape of your yard.
2. Use Pieces Made From Natural Materials
The best part about spending time in your backyard is that it allows you to connect with nature without leaving the comfort of your home. To enhance this sensation, the best landscape design is one that uses pieces made from natural materials.
Think about your dream outdoor space. Is there a birdhouse? A rope swing? A garden bench? When you’re picking out pieces for your back or front yard, choose ones that are made with wood, stone, or natural fibers.
In doing so, your yard will have an organic feel that makes it an even more relaxing, enjoyable space.
3. Plant an Edible Garden
Who doesn’t love the taste of fresh raspberries, cucumber, or tomatoes? If you’re a frequent visitor of the produce aisle, consider growing your own fruits and veggies in an edible garden!
Whether you’ve been gardening for years or this is your first time planting, you can fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices for your skill level. Just be sure that you choose plants that will thrive in your specific yard. Look for sunlight, soil, and watering needs before making your purchase.
Keep in mind that dogs, deer, and other wildlife love the taste of fruits and vegetables too. If you have a furry family member or visitor, you might want to make a hanging or vertical garden rather than using traditional beds.
4. Add an Outdoor Living Space
Now more than ever, we’re all spending a little too much time inside. Why not host your next party, cookout, or family night in your backyard? Building an outdoor living space isn’t as difficult as you might think.
All you really need is a couch or set of chairs and a table on which to set snacks and drinks. If you want to take it up a notch, however, you could place these items beneath a pergola for added shade and set up a small outdoor kitchen with a grill and counter space.
5. Attract Wildlife With a Butterfly Garden
Did you know that certain flowers and other plants attract butterflies and bumblebees? By planting them in a concentrated area of your yard, whether that be in a raised bed or in planter boxes hanging from the windows, you can create your own magical butterfly garden.
For the best results, you’ll need to plant flowers for the butterflies and a few host plants for caterpillars. Luckily, each option is more stunning than the next.
Some of the most beautiful butterfly-friendly flowers include phlox, lantana, marigolds, lavender, and chocolate cosmos. As for the host plants, the type you plant will depend on the variety of butterflies you want to attract. That said, some of the most common caterpillar plants include violets, dill, asters, and milkweed.
6. Create a Relaxation Area
There’s nothing better than spending a warm summer night in the backyard with your friends and family. But sometimes, it’s good to have a moment to yourself and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Imagine yourself reading a book, meditating, or listening to your favorite album in your own secret garden, relaxing while you soak up the sun. You can make this dream a reality by creating a relaxation area in your yard!
All you need is a private area in your outdoor space where you can place a small table and chair, a swinging bench, or even a hammock. Surround this area with your favorite flowers or build it beneath a particularly gorgeous tree and you’ll be ready to unwind in the fresh air.
Get More Out of Your Outdoor Space With These Landscaping Ideas
If you’re looking for a way to spend more time outdoors, the best place to start is with your own yard. Improving your yard with these landscaping ideas will take time, but it will be worth it when you have a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy.
Not to mention, caring for your home‘s exterior will only make you feel closer to and more fond of your home.
Looking for more tips and tricks for bringing the outdoor space of your dreams to life? Be sure to check out our blog!
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