Your pool is now open and your patio is updated with new pavers and the latest furnishings. Summer’s here, and the season of outdoor entertaining is underway. But don’t fret if you got off to a slow start—there’s plenty of time to refresh your backyard without giving it a complete overhaul.
For instance, a firepit is an easy way to keep a party going all night long. Not only does one keep guests toasty when the sun goes down, it also provides a sparkling ambience. Another way to add to the mood is with a backyard water garden. “A water garden not only brings the sights and sounds of water onto a property, it also offers the pond keeper the chance to enjoy seeing how nature responds to it,” says Michael Gannon of Full Service Aquatics in Summit. “Songbirds, small animals, butterflies and dragonflies all flock to a water garden. They open a new world of gardening experiences and backyard enjoyment.
Below are other quick and easy ways to elevate your yard this season:
Hang a porch swing. You can never have enough places to sit, especially during a party. While patio chairs and Adirondacks are great, a porch swing hanging on the deck or a well-supported tree can be cozy and comfortable. Dress it up with cushions, blankets and pillows.
Trellis with color. A trellis can add dimension and vertical growth to a garden, and one in a bright color can really make the space shine. Do you have bright pink or yellow flowers? Consider a trellis in a shade that matches the blooms.
Shade with a sail. When you don’t have space or time to install a large pergola or similar shade structure, a modern sail shade is a quick and uncomplicated alternative. Consider a lacy shade to add partial cover to a backyard dining table, or use multiple sails for larger spaces and patios.
Clear garden growth. Garden beds can grow quickly, especially after a few days of rain, so it’s important to cut back to a few well-kept plants. Flowers and branches should remain trimmed to prevent their spilling out over patio space, which would break the geometric pattern of your hardscape.
Repurpose a garden shed. Do you have an underused garden shed? You can maximize entertaining space by installing a counter and converting it into an outdoor bar. Another option is to add decorative touches and turn it into a cabana.
Create a side patio. Not sure how to fill an empty corner of the yard? A small, mixed material (think brick, gravel or mulch) side patio with a pair of bright Adirondack chairs and firepit is a nice touch to any sized yard. It’s the perfect zone for kids to hang out or to have intimate conversations.
Install an outdoor shower. After a dip in the pool, your guests and kids can easily rinse off at a free-standing or wall-mounted outdoor shower near the pool house. Be sure to install a few towel hooks for convenience.
Is your outdoor entertaining area ready for the season? Remember to tag us in your favorite photos from your yard @njhomemag.