While it’s definitely getting a little chilly, if you want to make sure that you have a backyard that “wows” for summer, now is the time to start thinking about how you can make that happen.
Whether you have a small yard or a large one, you can definitely improve it and make it an oasis for you and your family next summer. Here are some tips for improving your backyard this year:
Make your spaces clear
When you’re giving your backyard a makeover, it’s important to define exactly which spaces are in which part of your yard.That includes your play areas, shady area, cooking area, dining area and storage area. Once you know where everything will go you can then plan accordingly. For those who who prefer to seek specialist advice, contact a landscape design expert in Sydney, who can help you plan out your garden spaces.
Make a garden path
This doesn’t need to be reserved only for large backyards, and in fact a few well-placed stones can make a small yard look bigger and more interesting. Consider grabbing crushed rock (maybe a quarter-inch) and choose a colour that goes well with the rest of your yard. Lay down 4-5 inches of the rock, flatten with a plate compactor and wrap bender board around them to give them more definition.
Freshen up your patio
If you have a plain concrete patio (and it’s likely you do), there are a few easy and inexpensive ways that you can freshen it up and make it shine. One good way to do this is to stain them in a nice deep brown or warm honey or something even fancier like a checkerboard pattern. Another really good way to make it look fancy is to put slate tiles on top of the concrete (you can get nice thin slate). If you’re time-poor or really want a patio that will “wow” visitors, consider using Altec, who can do it all for you.
Go for a focal point
A trellis is a great way to provide your backyard with an architectural detail that will draw the eye and also fit seamlessly into the environment. Try putting one in the back of the garden, in the entrance to your backyard or sitting area or to mark where your vegetable bed starts. Plant a flowering vine on either side and you’ll soon have a gorgeous oasis flowering up around it.
Another great option is a water feature like a fountain. These can be surprisingly cost effective, and add great ambience to your yard. Just make sure that the water is always running so you don’t attract mosquitos.
Add paint
Painting the back of your house a different colour than the rest of it is like giving your home a feature wall. Choose a neutral shade that works well with your garden like light grey, beige or taupe, and try to match it to any landscaping features you have like your fence colour or stone path.
