Even though the lockdown in New Jersey has been lifted, many people are staying home and avoiding social situations until a vaccine is more widespread. A great place to focus your energy and get ready for Spring is your own yard! Take a look at some of these helpful tips to help enhance your backyard this year.
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Improving your yard is a great way to boost your mood and enhance your outdoor areas. You can incorporate some simple changes that make a big difference. There are even ways to make it more lockdown-friendly, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time in your backyard this season (you can think of it as your 'self-quarantine space!').
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| photo via S. Montero, Unsplash |
Reimagining your outdoor space doesn't have to be a difficult task. Let's focus on four small ways that you can enhance your yard and make it a more entertaining place for months to come.
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| photo via Unsplash |
Make a Fun Area for Kids
If you have kids, consider making a separate area for them to play, or enhance the one you already have. Swing sets are fun, and creating a special area for kids to swing and play is ideal. But have you seen some of the other awesome yard goodies on the market these days? If you're looking for new ideas for outdoor kid-play, check out the following:
Having a unique play area in the backyard is a great way to encourage kids to turn off their tech devices and enjoy some fresh air.
Clean Gutters and Prevent Pesky Insects
Get your backyard ready for the season by cleaning up your lawn and clearing some space for being outdoors. Be sure you don't have wet and muddy spots and consider hiring professional gutter cleaning services. Not only will this help avoid potential water build up, but it's also another way to combat insects (mosquitoes, especially, breed in water). Thermacell Patio Shield is a great way to protect your yard from bugs without using chemicals or sprays, too. Lighting citronella tiki torches for ambiance (and insect control) is another option.
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| photo via Unsplash |
Create a Social Space
It would be beneficial to create a more sociable backyard this year, knowing that we might be spending a lot of time outdoors (and this is one of the safest ways to see your loved ones - I'm not talking huge parties, but your immediate circle would work!). There are minor changes you can make to your yard to create a more social space. If you have the budget, you can consider building a patio or installing decking, even if it's a small area. But minor changes you can make include:
-adding areas for outdoor dining, including picnic tables and patio sets
-including a fire pit or chimenea
-expanding patio or deck areas
-adding Adirondack chairs or loungers
-including hammocks or adult swings
Light Up the Night
There are so many fun ways to add lighting to a backyard. String lights, standing lights and solar lights are just a few options. Adding solar lights to umbrellas and deck railings creates a beautiful ambiance, too. If you're looking for more playful options, try this LED rope light palm tree or these funky solar lanterns.
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| photo via Unsplash |
No matter how you choose to enhance your yard, it's bound to create new and happy memories! Just remember to enjoy your special space and...breathe.
