Landscaping tips for your patio

Give your backyard a makeover this season and spruce up your landscape. If you want to add a big garden to surround the perimeter of your outdoor entertaining area, add some chic stones to serve as a walking path or even start growing your own fruits and vegetables. Landscaping really can transform your space. There’s nothing like the smell of freshly cut grass and sweetly scented flowers, and a fresh look to your yard will leave neighbors and potential buyers in awe. Don’t wait any longer! Use these helpful tips for giving your patio a fresh face so you can enjoy it all year round.

Add color with plants and vegetation

No matter the size of your outdoor space, there are always opportunities to update the appearance of your patio with plants and other colorful displays. If your space is small, consider using potted plants to line your seating area or plant a small tree for added shade. When choosing flowers, make sure to pick variations that smell nice. You don’t want to be surrounded by plants you don’t enjoy! Try moonflowers, flowering tobacco or hyssop to get your senses in the mood for relaxation. If you are surrounded by a larger space, create flowering paths that will lead guests to your back lawn. However, don’t plant so many flowers that you overshadow your home and avoid planting large species that could overtake your entire yard.

If you have a stone pathway you’d like to landscape, or if you live in a hot climate, accent your space with a plant that requires little maintenance. According to Better Homes and Gardens, sedum and hens and chicks are tolerant of hot climates and drought. They’ll look beautiful and won’t require a lot of upkeep.

With beautiful flowers come bugs, and keeping insects out of your home is important. Consider Phantom’s retractable screens for this job. All the mesh types offered by Phantom Screens provide protection from bugs – allowing you to enjoy the outdoors when tending to your garden but remain bug-free when reclining on your patio, deck or back inside your home. Retractable screens fit large or small openings in your home, and are also a perfect choice for French doors.

Set up a garden trellis

If you don’t have much room to spare for a landscaped garden, add a trellis to your space. Not only do they look elegant and sophisticated, they also can hone in your plants or allow flowering vines to attach, creating a tropical look. Trellises can be purchased in different sizes, colors and shapes, so get one that matches the architecture of your home. Most come assembled, so all you have to do is set them up in the perfect location.

Accent with decor and knick-knacks

In addition to landscaping your space, adding little accents around your patio can give it some unique character. Installing bird feeders and plant boxes near your window will allow you to look at wildlife from indoors and it will also create a more natural space for guests. Better Homes and Gardens recommends using different types of bird feeders to attract different species. The different feeders will give your space a diverse feel, and you’ll get to birdwatch all season! Adding wind chimes to your deck or tying them to nearby trees is also a nice, simple touch.