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5 Ways To Make Your Backyard Feel Like A Resort

By Ray Lyon September 28, 2015

Backyard

Landscaping projects that can allow homeowners to create a more comfortable and attractive atmosphere can do far more than just improve the market value of their property. From modest improvement efforts to more involved projects, there are no shortage of options available for those who find themselves dissatisfied with their current backyard. Creating an outdoor environment that will allow you to enjoy seasonal weather, provide household occupants and guests with a more attractive environment or to enjoy the backyard you have always dreamed of having could be easier to accomplish than you may have expected.

Fountains, Pools and Ponds

From the most basic bird bath to most ambitious coy ponds, adding an aquatic accent to your outdoor area can completely transform the atmosphere and ambiance. While fountains, larger installations and ponds suitable for fish and water plants can often be a costly addition to your other landscaping efforts, more modest options can often be just as effective in allowing you to create a more resort-like atmosphere. A simple siphon or low-cost water pump may be all that is required in order to ensure water doesn’t become stagnant or to reduce the amount of time and effort that may be needed in order to maintain an outdoor fountain or backyard pond.

Seasonal Flowers

Flowering plants make a colorful highlight for porches, decks and patios. Seasonal plants and flowers that may need to be replaced throughout the year also offer a way to keep things fresh and interesting. Using potted flowers, small gardens or creating flowerbeds along entry and exits can ensure that you are able to create a more attractive and eye-pleasing exterior for your home. Exotic plants and flowers that are known for their larger blossoms or for having a more pleasant fragrance offer an ideal way to highlight and showcase your other landscaping efforts.

Xeriscaping and Using Native Plants

There are many benefits to utilizing native plants in your home landscaping. Reducing the labor and utility costs needed to maintain your outdoor area can be a top priority for home and property owners who might find managing a more conventional lawn or outdoor area to be too great a struggle. From the iconic Santa Fe look of a bleached cow skull to the multicolored brilliance of a pinwheel or lawn spinner, mixing things up a bit by adding just the right accent items to complement landscaping efforts that make use of native plants can allow you to create a backyard that will be truly unforgettable.

Shading Your Landscaping and Home

While the warmer months of the year may bring with them many opportunities to enjoy backyard sports and activities, having no way to escape the heat can find many property owners unwilling to leave the house during the dog days of summer. From shade trees to suspended tarps and umbrellas, ensuring that your outdoor environment does not lack for shade is always a consideration that should be taken into account. Trees and installations that offer protection from the sun can even curb your utility costs, especially when they can keep the sun from beating down on doors, windows and even walls that may be getting too much exposure.

Home Gardening

Home landscaping doesn’t always have to be just an aesthetic concern. Backyard gardens that can provide your table with fresh produce can do much to improve the overall look and feel of your outdoor area. While larger gardens may require more time and work than many property owners may have available, a simple vegetable patch can offer a unique way to organize your outdoor space. Growing your own seasonal fruit and vegetables is a popular way to ensure that you are able to make the most of your outdoor space and environment.

Jessica Kane is a professional writer who has an interest in interior design and home decor. She currently writes for Canopy Concepts, a leading installer of custom patio covers and patio enclosures.