Want to upgrade your backyard for that upcoming summer BBQ? May is almost over, which means that summer is just around the corner. Regardless of the size of your backyard or your budget, there are many ways to make your space more beautiful or functional for the hotter months. 

We’ve gone ahead and brainstormed some simple features that can be added or upgraded in your backyard to give it a refreshed feel. Get ready for some inspiration!

Greenery

If you have a green thumb, you can enhance your backyard by adding a garden to the space. Patches of soil can be cultivated and enriched with compost to create a healthy gardening area. And you don’t have to limit yourself to flowers. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are other alternatives perfect for any backyard space. You can also add a trellis or create a raised planter bed for a more unique garden addition.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for those late-night summer parties! Lighting does a great job of adding warmth and depth to any space. One popular type of light includes string lights. Not only do they offer brightness to an area, but they can also resemble the appearance of fireflies or stars. These lights can be draped on an archway, patio, or even hung on trees. 

Another option for lighting includes electric or solar lanterns. Lanterns do a great job of offering light that covers a large surface area. Lanterns also come in different varieties that are sure to suit any taste. If you would like a more unique and decorative lantern, then there are coloured glass ones available. Alternatively, if you would prefer a more functional lantern, then there are canvas lanterns available that come in neutral shades. 

Finally, if you would like to highlight existing features of your home or yard, you can easily achieve this through the process of uplighting. You can uplight pathways in your yard, add flood lights to areas in your grass, or use wash lights to bring attention to your home wall.

Deck and Patio

A deck or patio can be the perfect place to entertain guests, have an intimate family dinner, or allow your children to play during the hot months. Even if you have a smaller yard, there is usually a way to build this functional and beautiful addition. Decks and patios can be designed in many different ways. You can choose from a variety of materials including cedar, composite, stone, or lumber. You can also make your deck or patio unique by leveraging a distinct shape, or by incorporating different levels. 

Do you have a patio or deck already? Don’t worry, there are still many ways to spice up your existing area for summer. Adding furniture and decorations is an easy way to transform the space. Whether you add plush seating with coloured pillows, a rope hammock for those summer reads, or urns with your favourite flowers, you are sure to convert it into something that you love.

Other Features

There are many other elements that can be added to your backyard to make it more functional and beautiful. If you are a nature-lover, consider adding a bird feeder to attract those feathered friends, or consider adding some water elements, like a man-made pond or waterfall, for a tranquil atmosphere. Alternatively, there are many options available if you would prefer something more practical. A firepit for some late-night bonfires, a gazebo for backyard shade, or a swing for your children are always great options. The possibilities are endless when it comes to general backyard centrepieces. Backyards may be hard to come by in highly populated areas like Toronto, but many smaller cities in Ontario offer real estate with spacious backyards. Check out Waterloo homes for sale, or MLS listings in London, Ontario for some attractive backyard homes.