With spring in the air, it’s about that time of year where we throw the windows open, clean up the yard, and start welcoming guests into our home after a long, sleepy winter. So as you prepare for cookouts, parties, and special occasions, it may be time to take a look at your backyard to make sure it’s ready for a busy season of entertaining and enjoyment.
If you’re feeling like your outdoor space isn’t quite up to snuff, there are some easy ways that you can help it along before your first big outdoor event of the year.
Get Your Game On
Image Credit: One Good Thing By Jillee (www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com)
Once you’ve gotten your lawn cleaned up and manicured for the spring, it’s time to add a little fun into the mix. Lawn games can take advantage of the open space of your yard and help entertain your guests, without leaving a permanent footprint. There are tons of options and ideas out there – Cornhole, Giant Jenga sets, and Lawn Twister just to name a few. Whatever you think your guests would enjoy, chances are good that you can create an outdoor version that will be tons of fun!
Carve Out a Path
Depending on your budget, new paths and walkways may or may not be an option for your backyard. But with a wide range of solutions, from inexpensive to luxury, a walkway should be an option for most people as long as they can spare the space. From gravel to pavers, you can create a really nice walkway between different areas of your yard on just about any budget.
Make a Mini-Deck
Image Credit: Hoosier Homemade (www.hoosierhomemade.com)
We live in the DIY age of Pinterest and Nifty, so it’s not too crazy to think that mini-decks would be a real thing. Collecting pallets, cleaning them up, and assembling them into a secondary deck can make for an easy, cost effective space that can serve a number of different purposes. For example, cover the pallet deck with a rug and some cheap furniture, and you’ve got a great place to send the kids while the adults enjoy the main deck.
Grow a Garden
Setting aside some yard space to let your green thumb work can have a huge impact on the overall appearance of your outdoor area. And if you’re not interested in a vegetable garden, that’s totally okay! Flowers, beds filled with native plants, and even rows of potted and boxed plants can add some contrast to an otherwise bland space and wow your guests with your harvesting prowess.