Design Inspiration For Your Summer Landscaping Projects
As winter fades away and homeowners begin to emerge from their houses, many of them will look at their yards and have one thought…Yikes! Can you relate? With warmer temperatures upon us, there’s no time like the present to tackle summer landscaping projects.
If you’re ready to freshen up your home’s landscaping, Big Rock Landscaping is here to help. We’re offering up some landscaping project ideas to inspire you as you revive your yard and turn it into the oasis you’ve always wanted. Whether you want to plant flowers in summer, conquer a hardscaping project, add summer colors to your yard, or just spruce things up in general, we’ve got you covered with summer landscaping tips and inspiration. Even tackling one project in addition to your standard lawn care in summer can make a big difference!
15 Summer Landscaping Projects To Make Your Yard Pop
Still deciding what you want to do in your yard this year? We’ve put together 15 of the best summer landscaping projects to give you some inspiration, and we’ve even grabbed examples of each from the Big Rock Landscaping portfolio. The projects range from simple to complex. Most can be done on a budget, or hired out for a higher end look.
1. Edge Your Yard And Flower Beds
If you’re not doing this already, regularly edging your grass and flower beds is one of the simplest summer landscaping ideas you can implement. You can use an edger or weed eater to create crisp lines that will give your yard a whole new identity. It’s a small step that pays off with big visual results.
2. Clear Your Beds
Winter can really do a number on your garden beds. Getting down and dirty in the name of cleaning them up is another one of our simple landscaping ideas for summer. Pull weeds, get rid of garbage and other accumulated debris, and clear out any dead plants. Even if you decide not to plant anything new, the cleaned up beds will look a lot better.
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3. Clean Walkways
You may think your walkways are already clean, but when you spray them down, they may tell another story. If you have a power washer, you can experience the incredibly satisfying feeling of blasting layers of dirt and grime from your sidewalks and driveway. If you don’t have a power washer, you can achieve a similar result with a hose, scrub brush, and bucket of soapy water. The clean pathways are a subtle change you can feel good about.
4. Add Fresh Mulch
You may not realize how much your yard needs fresh mulch in your flower beds, planting areas, and tree rings. But the second you spread fresh mulch around, it all becomes crystal clear, and you can practically hear your yard breathe a sigh of relief. Mulch is something that dries out, decomposes, and is carried away throughout the year by wind, water, and wildlife. You should spread fresh mulch every year because mulch keeps the soil cool and moist, keeps weeds at bay, and improves the look of your garden.
5. Plant Flowers
We usually think of flowers as being a springtime staple, but there are plenty of summer blooms you can enjoy too, even in Utah’s hot and dry climate. Flowers like John Cabot Rose, Munstead Lavender, Columbines, and Corkscrew Ornamental Onion all bloom throughout the summer and can survive the Utah climate. Plus, who doesn’t love summer colors popping up all over the yard?
6. Add Curbing
This is one of the simplest forms of hardscaping you can do in your yard. Adding boulders, rocks, or pavers around your flower beds or walkways creates a defined space and adds an element of depth to the overall look.
7. Plant A Garden
It’s always fun to see the fruits of your labor start to take root. And it’s even better when you get to eat the fruits of that labor. In-ground or raised bed gardens are good for producing food and flowers, and they also have the added benefit of looking good too.
8. Bring In Planters
Planter boxes are an easy way to bring greenery closer to doors or other places you don’t normally see foliage. They are easier to plant and replant too, which makes them fun to change out seasonally. You can use them for summer colors, fall foliage, Christmas plantings, and spring flowers, too. It’s a hassle free way to change the look of your yard without having to redo everything.
9. Revive Your Porch, Deck, Or Furniture
If your porch and patio area are beginning to show their age, maybe it’s time to give them a little facelift. A simple sweep, power wash, or clean up effort may do the trick, but you might need to do something a little more substantial. Consider repainting or staining worn decks and patio furniture. And if possible, wash cushion covers, or perhaps get new furniture. Taking care of your front porch and back deck or patio will make them more inviting places.
10. Add A Water Feature
There are all sorts of different options when it comes to water features. You can have a simple bird bath, or a flowing stream with a waterfall. Flowing water can bring a tranquil and relaxing vibe to your yard. Big or small, there’s always something to love about a water feature.
11. Build A Pergola
Sometimes you want a little extra shade, but you don’t want to completely block out the light with a fully covered patio. This is where pergolas shine. They provide extra protection from the elements, without being overly intrusive. If you want extra protection, you can add a retractable cover, or curtains you can draw when you need them. While this is on the bigger end of the summer landscaping projects, it’s one that can truly transform your yard.
12. Bring In Boulders Or Rocks
Adding natural elements like boulders or rocks can make your yard feel less formulaic, and can give it a unique look. Natural elements are beautiful, and even though they were clearly placed there on purpose, they add a wild element to a yard.
13. Add Some Fire
Nothing says summer like a night spent roasting s’mores over an open fire. Wouldn’t you love to do that in your own backyard? If you’ve got the space, it’s easy to build a wood-burning fire pit. You’ll probably have to call in the experts if you want a gas fire pit, but the ease of having fire at the touch of a button is totally worth it. Fire doesn’t just have to be functional either. You can add it as an unexpected decorative element that will be a real conversation piece.
14. Install Lights
Installing solar lights around walkways, or putting in lights to highlight softscape and hardscaping throughout your yard, will make your home more inviting. It will also make it easier to enjoy your outdoor spaces all season long.
15. Build A Retaining Wall
If your yard is sloped, you may want to build a retaining wall for practical reasons. Retaining walls help prevent water runoff and soil erosion, and can keep your land in place. Retaining walls also have visual benefits too. They add texture and depth to your yard. They also can create a new level in your yard and turn what would otherwise be sloped and unusable land into great gathering areas.
Need Help With Your Summer Landscaping Projects?
If you have more summer landscaping projects than you can handle, need more landscaping project ideas, or just want help with lawn care in summer, call Big Rock Landscaping. We’ve used our landscaping design and installation services on homes all over the Wasatch Front. We have developed a proven process that allows us to work with our clients, understand their vision, and make it come to life in a way that’s even better than they could have imagined. It’s what we do, and we would love to help you with your summer landscaping ideas.
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