Landscaping Ideas for the Summer

Warm weather is finally here! For many of us, the arrival of spring means heading outside and trying to transform our yards into a pleasing and relaxing place to spend the warmer months. Whether this means keeping up with existing landscaping, or implementing entire new features, this process can often be overwhelming. If you know exactly what you want in your yard, then it should be a fun and rewarding experience. Today we are here to help you with a few ideas on how to transform your yard for the summer.

Ponds
For whatever reason, we as humans are drawn to water. Sitting and relaxing by a body of water is instantly more gratifying than simply sitting outside. If you don't live by a lake or river, or have the time or money to install a pool in your yard, have no fear! One simple alternative is to create a beautiful pond in your backyard. It becomes the centerpiece of the outdoor space, and there are so many different aspects that can be embellished or modified to suit your particular taste. Leave the pond as is for aesthetic purposes, or add some pets to your life by making it a functional koi pond!

 
 
Sitting area
While decks and patios are an amazing way to spend time outdoors, sometimes you want to remove yourself even further from your home. If you have a backyard with many trees, plants and flowers, it is wonderful to submerge yourself in that area and simply relax. Creating a space away from your house and deck to enjoy the weather and the view can be truly wonderful. It also becomes a perfect place to take a break from gardening or yard work without having to go too far. Whether you build an elaborate bench such as this one, or simply place a chair along a garden path, you should definitely consider a secluded sitting area.






Garden

Even if you don't think of yourself as having a green thumb, gardening is a hobby that anyone is capable of. If you have the space and want to go all out with flowers, plants, vegetables, trees-the whole works- or if you only have a small space to devote, having a garden serves many important purposes. Gardening is good for the mind, body, and soul and is a hobby with a truly tangible result. You get to enjoy the process of planting and keeping up with the garden, and get to enjoy the beautiful view every day. If you decide to plant vegetables as well, then you get to really experience the fruits of your labor!


Walkway 
Make your guests feel instantly welcome with an astounding walkway. Having a well designed walkway leading to your front door amplifies the aesthetic feel of your home, and adds a sense of purpose to your front yard. Brick, stone, concrete, rocks-there are so many different materials and designs you could implement to make it your own. While walkways are perfect for a front yard, there are plenty of uses for them in a backyard as well!



April is the perfect time to get outside and start creating the outdoor space you have always dreamed of! If you have the ideas but think you may need a little help, give D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling a call! Landscaping is one of our areas of expertise, and we would love to help you transform your yard.

Decks, Patios, Porches: The Best Ways to Spend the Summer.

As the temperatures start to warm up, the value of having a comfortable place to spend time outside becomes tremendous. Having a back yard is usually not enough-what truly steps up the relaxation is incorporating a deck, porch or patio of some kind. Today we explore different options in terms of creating the perfect backyard relaxation and entertainment area.

Wooden Deck
The first go to option is to create a wooden deck. Creating a space that is separate from the rest of your yard has many benefits. You can use this space to grill out, enjoy a meal, or sip on a tasty drink at the end of the day. Wood decks are also the perfect spot to put a matching hot tub, if you really want to step it up! If you have an existing deck that is starting to become out of date, consider staining the deck a bright, fresh new color. Refinishing a deck is the perfect way to give your yard an update while still keeping all of the existing features.

 
Stone Patio
Another option for backyard entertainment is a stone patio. You are still creating an area with the same functions as a wood deck, so the difference is mostly aesthetic preference. Stone patios are truly beautiful, and can be dressed up with matching steps, posts, columns, and tiles. If you want a unique and classic look for your back yard, a stone patio may be the right choice.



Covered Porch
If you are trying to extend the life of your porch beyond the summer months, a covered or screened in porch is the perfect option. You still get to experience the joy of being outside, but the walls offer a bit of security if the weather is a bit cooler. Covered porches are also a great option if you have kids or pets, but don't have a fence-installing a small gate is a pretty easy task.







Whether you just need to update an existing deck, patio or porch, or you need a brand new one entirely, look no further! D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling has spent countless summers helping our customers create the perfect backyard. Give us a call today!