How to make your outdoor space pop with color and creativity
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A garden can be a relaxing space to spend time in, but it also has the potential to make your home’s exterior look good. If you want to spruce up your outdoor space with some color and creativity, there are plenty of ways you can do so without spending too much money or using any special skills. With just a little bit of thought and effort, you can turn what might seem like an ordinary backyard into an oasis that anyone would envy.
Before you do anything else, it’s important to spend some time choosing the right plants. Some may work great in your yard, while others might require more attention to grow well. It’s also critical that you find something that is suitable for your climate; otherwise, you could end up wasting a lot of time and money on plants that can’t thrive in your yard. If you live in an area with cold winters, for instance, consider looking at what types of perennials will work well so you don’t have to worry about them dying every year.
Find out what plants will grow in your climate zone
This is important because if you get something that won’t survive through the winter, then all of your hard work this spring is going to die. Not only does this mean your garden won’t look as good as it could, but you also have to consider the cost of replacing those plants. Find out what will grow in your climate zone before you spend money on gardening supplies and seeds.
If you have a small backyard, then you can also consider container gardening. Highly colorful petunias and flowering vines look great in hanging baskets that are typically cheap to buy. If you want something more low-maintenance, check out plants that grow well in self-watering containers so you don’t have to worry about the soil drying out. These are great for containers because they keep the plant alive even when you forget to water it or there isn’t enough rain to nourish it.
Add a nice water feature
Water features come in all shapes and sizes – from a simple birdbath to a flowing fountain – so there’s no reason you should have to live without them if your budget is tight. With a little bit of creativity, you can come up with a way to add water features to your garden on the cheap.
For example, if you have a mostly shady yard, consider adding a fountain on the shaded side of your home. Since no one will be walking by the garden there, it won’t matter if people see pipes sticking out or an unattractive hole in your landscaping. You can even set up some rocks to hide the eyesore.
Try using some decorative rocks
Rocks are a great way to add some color and texture to your outdoor space without spending too much money. If you don’t feel like getting down in the dirt, then try mixing and matching some decorative rocks in various shapes and sizes with different colors. This is an inexpensive way to make your garden look better with minimal effort.
Often when you are looking for decorative rocks, there is the option to order them in bulk at a lower price which will save you money. There are many different choices out there that will fit into just about any budget or style preference, so be creative and have fun with this project.
Use mulch to keep weeds under control
Weeds are more than just annoying – they can also damage your plants by competing for their nutrients. To protect your garden and ensure that it looks as good as possible, try using mulch between the rows of plants/trees. Not only will this help to keep weeds at bay, but it will also improve the soil quality as it decomposes, as well as protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
As a general rule, use about 3 inches of mulch between each row of plants or trees. You can also add a fresh layer on top of the existing mulch once every three months to prevent weeds from growing back and to keep your garden looking its best all year round.
Keep your plants tidy
Keeping your garden nice and tidy might seem like a waste of time, but it can make a big difference in how attractive it looks. If you allow the plants to grow out of control, then they’re going to draw away from the area that you originally intended for them to occupy. Cut the plants back twice a year to help your garden look its best throughout the warmer months of the year.
One of the best things you can do to make your garden look good is to use tall, leafy plants. They’ll provide plenty of shade for the area around them while also making it look more lush and verdant. Some great choices for this type of plant are trees, such as magnolias and Japanese Maples.
Build some raised planter beds
If you have poor soil quality, then it might seem like you’re out of luck when it comes to planting flowers in your yard. However, there are alternatives. Raised planter beds can make your garden look great, even if you have really poor soil quality. If you build these planter beds, you’ll need to make sure that they are sealed and well maintained. You don’t want your feet or the flowerbeds getting splinters from the wood, so it might be a good idea to invest in some sandpaper to seal them off properly before adding soil and plants.
Add a deck or patio
If you have the space – and the money – then adding a deck or patio to your outdoor space can be a huge upgrade for your home’s exterior. This will give you a place to have a dining room table and chairs, a lounge area with a hammock or love seat, a bar area for entertaining, a coffee table area in front of the fireplace with comfortable seating, or even just an extra space for playing games
Use mulch paint
For the best results, use multiple types of mulch (i.e., bark, wood chips, etc.), but this is also a great way to make your garden stand out if you don’t have much time or money on your hands. Not only is it quick, but it’s incredibly inexpensive, so you can try out multiple colors without breaking the bank.
For this type of garden hack, you’ll need a lot of mulch and a spray bottle to add the paint. If you have a hose nearby, it’s best to use one with a nozzle so that you can adjust the intensity if needed. And be sure to protect your skin from any harmful chemicals used in the paint.