Summer, that most loved of seasons, is on its way in. It’s the season for family barbecues, relaxing on the deck in the evening, and lazy Sundays lounging in the sun — all activities that occur in your backyard.
If you’re looking for easy ways to revamp your outdoor space this season, try one of these five timeless ideas:
- Lighting
Lend a little warmth and whimsy to your backyard with a few strands of fairy lights, a vintage standing lantern, or a few classic backyard torches. You and your guests will be able to enjoy sitting outside late into the evening, while bathed in the companionable glow of a few strategically placed light sources. String lights like fairy lights can add a whimsical touch, while classic options like lanterns and torches are best for illuminating larger areas.
- Hang a Hammock
A hammock is a fun way to add an extra spot in your backyard for relaxing. An otherwise unused patch of grass between two trees, can easily be transformed into a haven for reading or even having an afternoon nap! String a hammock in your yard, and you will be competing with your family in no time for who gets to “hang” in it. For those who don’t have two suitable trees, there are lots of options for hammocks that come with stands, and this way you can choose just where to put it in your backyard.
- Shade
Often, prime paved areas go largely unused in yards because they lack shade. A quick fix is to make shade! Purchase an umbrella, shade sales, or even invest in a pergola to create a nice cool area where once there was no escaping the sun. Another option is to opt for a swinging bench with a built-in awning — these are comfortable and adaptable pieces that can easily be moved around the yard as you continue to make upgrades to your outdoor living space.
- Build a Fire Pit
A fire pit is perfect for entertaining. There’s nothing quite like roasting marshmallows while sitting around a fire in your own backyard. Make sure you check your local regulations, but most non-urban areas in Ontario allow fire pits with a permit. You can create a fire pit feature relatively easily yourself, or if you want to create a more durable feature, a landscaping construction company can help you build something that will stand the test of time.
- Add a Water Feature
There’s nothing like adding a water feature to your yard to cool things down come summer. Something like a fountain or a pond is a beautiful addition to any landscape. Fountains come in all shapes and sizes. You can pick one up at your local gardening store or opt for a built-in feature and hire a landscaping construction company to install one. Ponds take a little more work and maintenance but are well-worth the scenic reward.
Ready to revamp your backyard? NeighborScape is here to help. Get in touch with our team of landscaping experts at 613-692-7051 or email us at info@neighborscape.ca. We are happy to answer questions or lend hand!
