You would think enjoying the great outdoors should be as simple as stepping outside and
plopping down in your backyard.
And for some people, it really is that simple.
A blanket or towel and their yard gloriously as-is is enough to fill them with enjoyment.
For others?
Enjoying your outdoor space isn’t so simple.
Whether it’s a love of landscaping, a preference for sitting on furniture rather than the
ground or a desire to keep up with the proverbial Joneses, many homeowners seek to
transform their outdoor spaces to meet their needs.
Looking to rejuvenate your outdoors space this spring?
Start transforming your space with these upgrades and additions:
Add Potted Plants
A beautiful pot of plants can elevate even the humblest of outdoor spaces into a colorful oasis.
Don’t have the room or the budget for high-end, sprawling landscaping?
No worries.
Hanging baskets, pots and planters are affordable, space savvy ways to infuse a bit of life and
color into your space without breaking the bank.
There are plenty of ways to craft a beautiful container garden, whether that’s with a riot of
flowers or a subtle mix of green foliage.
And for those who can afford top dollar landscaping: there’s no law that says you can’t take
advantage of container gardens too.
Add Hardworking Plants
Regardless of whether they’re in a container or landscaping bed, there’s no rule that says your
plants have to be purely aesthetic.
Get a little more out of your outdoor space by mixing plants that are pure eye-candy with plants
that pull double-duty.
Flies, gnats, mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs can make it hard to enjoy your outdoor spaces.
Plenty of beautiful plants like lemongrass and lavender help repel bugs in addition to looking pretty
and smelling great.
Edible plants look great, help you save on groceries and give you a little burst of pride as you use
your homegrown ingredients in fresh dishes and drinks.
Even those short on space can grow tomatoes, berries, herbs and vegetables in small container
gardens.
Invest in Shade
Look for the right areas to add shade trees to your yard.
A good shade tree will not only give you a cool spot to enjoy outdoor living, they’ll also help
offset HVAC costs by shading your home in the hotter months.
Two big concerns when looking to plants a shade tree are location and species.
You want to make sure your tree is in a good spot to provide shade, but won’t encroach on
the foundation or threaten your roof as the tree grows.
You also want to make sure you pick a hearty species that is native to your area to avoid
ecological disruptions.
New Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture helps make a space feel more comfortable and more intentional.
Furniture that is easy to clean and water resistant is a must for outdoor spaces.
Recycled outdoor furniture boasts greater durability while more and more manufacturers
offer sourcing information for customers who want furniture made from sustainable materials.
Have old furniture that’s still in usable condition?
Consider donating instead of sending it to a landfill.
Bring in Colorful Threads
Fabrics and rugs are a great way to add color, pattern and texture to your outdoor space,
not to mention a dose of creature comfort.
Pillows, rugs and curtains are all easy ways to spruce up or delineate your outdoor space.
A shaded outdoor spot, be it porch, gazebo, deck or patio is best for outdoor threads as
harsh weather and sunlight will greatly shorten their lifespan.
To increase longevity, consider storing outdoor rugs in a garage during winter and
designating a storage bench for pillows, cushions and curtains when not in use.
You can look for natural, sustainably made rugs and fabrics, but don’t forget fillings
and dyes as well.
Organic fillings like soy or cotton are popular options.
There are also ranges of products that use natural plant dyes to achieve their color
and pattern.
Start from Scratch
Old deck a hazard?
Or maybe you don’t have a deck at all?
Whether you’re tearing down a dangerous eyesore or starting from square one,
building a deck from scratch can provide a fantastic transformation.
Building a deck is a big investment compared to adding a potted plant or throw pillow,
so it makes sense to do thorough due-diligence before getting started.
Make sure you research everything from safety concerns, local zoning laws, durability and
sustainability of decking materials.
Care for and Clean Your Space
A little elbow grease can go a long way towards making your outdoor space a place you want to be.
Sometimes it’s the little things that keep you from enjoying your outdoor space to the fullest:
*Cobweb covered chairs
*Tables covered with pollen and other natural debris
*Slick, suspiciously colored patches on the brick or stone of your patio
*Plants encroaching on your sitting area
*Standing water
It’s not just your indoor spaces that need cleaning and maintenance.
Regular care combined with a few seasonal deep cleans will keep your outdoor spaces clean,
safe and inviting.
“Let your budget and habits
guide you towards the perfect
transformation that will have you
cherishing and enjoying your
outdoor spaces this spring.”
If “transformation” sounds daunting, remember that it’s all relative.
If you’ve never really used your outdoor spaces before, cleaning them off and adding a bit of
seating can be a radical transformation.
Let your budget and habits guide you towards the perfect transformation that will have you
cherishing and enjoying your outdoor spaces this spring.
About the Author
Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Connect with Kacey at https://twitter.com/kacey_mya; https://www.pinterest.com/kaceymya/; https://www.instagram.com/thedriftercollective/
What are your favorite ways to enhance or transform your outdoor space?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
I can’t wait for Spring to come I am itching to get out into the garden – thank you for sharing Deborah
I cannot wait for spring. I am itching to get started. We have a couple more months to wait here unfortunately but this post is like a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing. Leanna
I love all the outdoor ideas, so bright and colorful.
Thank you for sharing on Friday Feastures last week!
Karren