A clean patio cover is a happy patio cover! Here are some helpful tips on…

Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Yard
Having a front or back yard is a wonderful luxury, but maintaining it can be tricky, particularly if you aren’t a gardening enthusiast. However, sprucing up your yard and making it more appealing doesn’t have to be tricky. There are tons of little things you can do to your yard that will make it more visually appealing and more comfortable to spend time in. On top of that, it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money either – you can totally transform your outdoor space on a budget. Here are our tricks and tips for livening up your yard.
Add potted plants to your yard.
If you’ve never gardened before, an easy way to start is by placing potted plants on your front and back porches. You can often buy outdoor plants that are pre-potted, which minimizes the amount of work you have to do. Be sure to choose plants that will thrive in your climate and that don’t need more maintenance than you can handle. Cherry pops of green are an amazing way to make your home seem more inviting.
Incorporate a sitting space.
What’s the point of a beautiful yard if you have nowhere to sit and enjoy it? By adding places to sit, such as tables and chairs, benches, or even a hammock, you will make your yard much more accessible. You can find plenty of great outdoor furniture pieces at many affordable retailers.
Include water elements.
Water is a very calming feature that adds dimension to any yard. If you enjoy swimming, you could opt for a pool or hot tub, but other great water elements include small fish ponds or even a waterfall. Although this can be somewhat of an investment, it makes a bit difference in the appeal of your backyard if you are will to spend the time and money on it.
Build a gathering space.
A backyard is the perfect place for social gatherings. Capitalize on this by putting in a central area where people can easily mingle and chat. If you have a patio, invest in some comfortable furniture and maybe even a patio cover. Another great gathering place is a fire pit – they are fairly easy to build on your own in a weekend or two with materials from a hardware store. If you have kids, you could even build a treehouse or clubhouse where you can have fun as a family.
Hang overhead lighting.
There are many ways to tastefully add lighting fixtures to your backyard, enabling you to spend time outdoors even when the sun has gone down. Many home stores sell basic string lights that are designed specifically for outdoor use. You could also consider adding hanging or stationary lanterns for a little bit of extra flair. Try to keep the lighting soft – this makes the space feel more ambient and welcoming.
Give your kids space to play.
Setting up an outdoor game area or playground is a great way to make your back yard more fun and exciting for your kids. Playsets don’t have to be expensive – you can often combine a variety of affordable elements to create a fun play structure that your kids like. If you live in a warm climate, you can also add a small pool or slip and slide to help your kids cool off when it gets muggy.
Plant herbs and vegetables.
If you have a green thumb, then planting your own herb or vegetable garden is an easy way to make your backyard more lively and to save a little money on food as well. Look up what the best edible plants are to grow in your area, then designate a space for a garden that has good soil and gets regular sunlight. Starting with a small garden is an easy way to develop your green thumb.