2 minute read
Ready to refresh? property
from Glo - June 2023
By Julie Young
If your outdoor living areas are feeling less than lively, there is still plenty of time to spruce up your space for the season ahead. From minor elements that make a big impact to major projects that pack a punch, we have the top tips that will get your property ready for summer celebrations, relaxing staycations, or a cozy evening with family and friends.
Embrace Mother Earth
According to Stephanie Felger with Felger’s Peat Moss, one of the easiest ways to give your property an immediate upgrade is to replenish the mulch in your flower beds. With plenty of colors to choose from, it can complement your home’s trim and add a soft touch not unlike a fresh coat of paint.
“For the last several years, darker colors and shades have been popular and (they) still seem to be trending this year, as well. Darker mulches, such as dark brown and black can set a nice background to make the colors of your flowers really pop,” she said. Within hardscape products, such as pavers and retaining walls, charcoals and black colors have been popular to use for borders and accents.
“These colors seem to cast a more modern feel, but of course the neutral colors are still quite popular as well they set a more classic tone and never go out of style,” Felger said.
Don’t be afraid of color
Summer is a great opportunity to break out of your neutral shell and embrace bold bright colors in your outdoor seating, cushions, rugs, flowerpots, urns, and lighting accoutrements. Don’t hesitate to choose items with a touch of whimsy to them because summer is a time to be flamboyant and festive. Find a fun pattern, mix materials, color outside the lines. Your property will be a welcome place to unwind after a long day and will remind you not to take life so seriously. Feel free to purchase inexpensive items at a discount store and personalize them with some outdoor paint for a one-ofa-kind look!
Color is not only limited to your outdoor décor but should also be considered when choosing your plant material, as well. Bold flowers can attract other colorful life forms to your garden such as butterflies, birds, and bees. Don’t forget to include a new bird feeder, birdbath, bee, and butterfly house to encourage outdoor guests!
Cover your bases
For those who already have a covered deck or porch, why not give the area a “space lift” by installing hanging planters, curtains, lights, candles, and other items that will draw you outdoors?
Felger said the trend of outdoor living spaces spiked during the pandemic and has continued to be an ongoing theme as homeowners continue to embrace their backyard retreats.
“Adding pavers, retaining walls, fireplaces, pergolas, grill islands, and pizza ovens expands one’s living and hosting space to a whole new level,” she said. a
Resource:
Felger’s Peat Moss, Fort Wayne, 260.693.3134, felgerspeatmoss.com
