For Buyers

While we were livin la vida covid this summer we made a list of outdoor livingspace renos for safe + enjoyable summer fun. Is it time to spruce up your backyard? Planning to host an outdoor gathering and need a revamp? We have you covered with the top summer patio trends of 2021.

Take a peak and start your 2021 yard remodel plan now!

Dream it.

What do you and/or your family need from  your yard space – privacy, shelter, views, entertainment space, playing room, etc?  This will dictate your layout and materials used.  Scour the internet for inspiration pictures to drive your vision. Just make sure your photos are relevant to our climate so the dream is realistic. I mean, I  love me some oversized banana trees, but our reality is more “ Alberta reed grass.”  Establish a timeline and a budget for your project to set the wheels in motion.

Prep it.

You should always start with a solid clean up of your yard to set the stage. Remove fallen leaves, spread around existing mulch as it can move and build up with the elements, prune overgrown bushes/trees, rake dead grass spots, remove overseeded plants and pick every last weed down to the root. Look for signs of water, rodents, fence durability, pet damage etc.

Plan it.

Map out your space to visually understand what you’re working with – what areas get sun / shade?  This will help when you’re plant shopping to ensure you have plants that are well suited to their growing environment.  This is the  “green thumb” – “black thumb” difference and will help reduce the costs of replacing plants down the road. If you’re going for a larger scale plan – do any major services need to be moved? Remember to call before you dig.

Decor Tips: Beef up your planter game.  Make sure your planters themselves compliment each other in size and color. Inside, add an element for height, an element for full and an element for trailing. A trio of planters if you have the space make for a summer statement. Add a fresh weather resistant rug and toss cushions to pull your color scheme together.

Do it.

No money option – Do a plant swap with friends. Either propagated or full plant removal, this can provide you with better suited plants for your space and give your inner plant mama a new baby to tend to.   Refurbishing planters w/ spray paint and planting grass seed are also an inexpensive ways to freshen up your yard quickly and easily.

Mo money option –  Invest wisely in maintenance free materials – decking, drought resistant perennials, quality artificial plants, xeriscaping, easy clean/putaway furniture  etc. It’s also important to invest in quality work. Don’t be afraid to hire out the professionals to do jobs like land  prep, pouring level concrete, building a pergola, pond, 3 season room, or  maintenance free deck, doing oversized tree removal, etc.

Light it up.  Once everything is in place – add a few elements of light to add ambiance.  String lights from the top of a pergola or privacy wall, add upward facing spotlights to reed grass, a tree, or fountain feature or add integrated lighting to your deck/patio space + stairs. This is going to be epic!