Summer solstice serves as the perfect landscaping setup.
We wait all year for those warm summer days and long summer nights. Why? Because there’s nothing better than spending time with loved ones outdoors surrounded by nature.
With that being said, it’s not every day that you have time to travel to a national park or luscious campground. For the days when home acts as your summer vacation spot, use these 5 easy DIY landscaping tips and tricks to turn your yard into a beautiful getaway.
Hardscape Your Home
Hardscapes are the handcrafted areas surrounding a home, often including paves or statues. It’s different from landscaping, but is an important part of the overall backyard experience.
During the warm months, it’s satisfying to spend hours outside taking in the view or barbecuing with friends. Porches, decks, and patios are a big part of the bbq experience, so complete these projects BEFORE the season begins.
Hardscaping projects such as giving your sidewalk a facelift or paving your parkway should be done before any landscaping, because they can impact soil and planting areas.Over the Borderline
Yes, that is a reference to my favorite Madonna song. “What does Madonna have to do with landscaping?” you ask.
Adding a borderline to your flower bed is a quick and cheap way to spruce up the space. Yup. That was another Borderline pun.
To create an eye-catching area, just place mulch, rocks, gravel or pebbles within the flower bed. Put the patch over the edge by adding large stones, bricks, or plastic edging to the border.AC Neither Seen Nor Heard
Summer is a hot time for Des Moines real estate, but no one wants to be hot in their new home. As a real estate agent, I meet many clients with central air conditioning at the top of their must-have list. In this Iowa heat, understandably so.
Although a powerful AC unit is ideal to cool the indoors, it’s a major eyesore outdoors.
Surround the air conditioning system with a beautiful stone wall or reclaimed wood fence to add dimension, and remove the distraction.Personalize Your Planters
Avoid looking like every other home on the block by adding personal touches to your garden.
Have kids or grandchildren? Host a rock-decorating day this summer. Give each little one a beautiful rock and paint, and encourage them to create mineral masterpieces to display in the front yard.
Have pets? Push Fluffy and Lily’s paws into a small slab of cement, and feature it among your flowers.
If crafting isn’t your thing, opt for simpler alternatives by placing thrift-store finds such as statues and water fixtures outside.Marry the Night
The only thing better than summer days are summer nights. My family and I could spend forever simply relaxing under the midsummer moon.
Hence, marrying the night...which happens to be a Lady Gaga reference. I’ve got poppies and pop songs on the brain.
To extend your evening activities, add solar lamps or string-lighting to the backyard. Instantly and easily increase safety and aesthetics.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Ain't nothing like them summer nights. Okay, I promise that’s the last pop pun.
Take full advantage of your yard this year by using these easy DIY landscaping tips and tricks. Think of it as the cheapest summer vacation you’ll ever take.
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