3 Landscaping Tips to Refresh and Rejuvenate a Backyard in Hinsdale IL and Wheaton, IL Areas
This year has seen an unprecedented shift toward backyard living; partly out of necessity, and partly out of a realization that nature really is the best place to spend one’s free time. If your backyard felt like it was lacking in amenities that could have made the summer more enjoyable, here are 3 landscaping tips to refresh and rejuvenate a backyard in Hindsdale, IL, and Wheaton, IL, areas.
1. A Patio That Reflects Your Lifestyle
You probably spend the majority of your outdoor time on the patio. If your patio is too small - if people are tripping over each other and the space feels cramped - or if it doesn’t fit with your design theme, then investing in a new outdoor living space will yield significant returns in your enjoyment of your property.
Make a list of all the ways you want to enjoy your outdoor space, and then think about designs and amenities that will meet those needs.
For example, if you’re a passionate cook who loves to share meals with a large family, you will have different needs than someone whose primary means of enjoying their outdoor spaces is to kick back with a good book, and still different needs than a family with young children that needs plenty of space for kids to play and burn off energy.
An avid gardener or someone who loves a wilder, more natural landscape won’t need much lawn, but will be enthralled with “secret” walkways that lead to intimate paver patios where one can sit among the flowers.
Someone who loves to relax and share good conversation around a fire will want a cozy fire pit or outdoor fireplace area, and position it so that it’s out of the main traffic flow between the home and the outdoor cooking area.
2. Quiet Spaces
Life is stressful enough without being able to get away to your favorite spots where you feel serene and happy. You can create a private getaway in an unused corner of your backyard, or even a side yard, with a few simple additions: a privacy fence (this could be a wood privacy fence, or a living wall); a natural stone or paver surface to keep the spot free of mud; comfortable seating such as a lounge chair or even a hammock; shelter such as a gazebo, if you want to use this space in inclement weather; landscape lighting to set the mood at night; plants that make you feel secure, happy, and peaceful; and a special treat in the form of a small fountain that will help mask the sounds of traffic and neighbors. Placing your zen getaway close to your WiFi router can mean that you can even take work meetings or chip away at a deadline in the serenity of nature.
3. Fire and Water
Fire is a hugely important element for getting people to enjoy their outdoor spaces more. A fireplace or fire pit will instantly extend your outdoor season throughout the winter, giving you a reason to get outside even when it’s cold outside.
Water is the most soothing or, depending on the type of water feature, energizing element you can add to your landscape. Anything from a chic water wall next to your outdoor dining space, to a waterfall that livens up a corner of your backyard, to a serene reflecting pool at your front entry brings a completely fresh energy to your outdoor spaces.
