Long, cold winters can mean we neglect our backyards! Once summer rolls around, it’s time to get your hands dirty and recreate a backyard that you can be proud of. A well-maintained backyard can set the stage for outdoor gatherings, pool parties, cookouts, and so much more. Getting the right pool chemicals and pool supplies early can ensure your pool is ready to be enjoyed for the whole summer.

Starting work on your backyard can seem a bit intimidating at first. It’s good to be organised and plan ahead. This will help you take small and manageable steps towards your backyard goals.

Let’s discuss some of the key ways in which you can get your backyard ready for summer.   

Declutter

The first step is to clean and declutter. 

Remove any unwanted items from your backyard, such as broken toys, old unusable garden tools, remnants of the winter, and any other random clutter. 

Next, get started with cleaning. Make sure you clean all your lighting fixtures, any outdoor furniture you may have, your fencing, and so on. 

This clean space will help set the stage for all-summer enjoyment. 

Refresh Your Landscaping

It’s time to cast your eyes towards the overall landscape. 

Are some of the plants and hedges overgrown? Do you have enough flowering plants for the summer? Will you need to add some mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weeds? 

This can be a highly rewarding process as you transform your backyard from an unkept space to a neat getaway in the midst of nature. 

Create Comfortable Seating Areas

Any backyard is incomplete without some comfortable seating arrangements. 

You can consider adding some outdoor furniture near your backyard pool such as lounge chairs and a side table. You can round out the space with cushions and a pergola, which can help create a more inviting environment.

You can use bright colours for your furniture as it provides a more summer vibe. Or you can mix and match and see what works best.  

Prepare Your Pool

Prepare a regular cleaning schedule so you can ensure that your pool remains clean throughout the summer. Make sure you check the filters and also balance the water chemistry. You can consider adding some floats and pool toys to make it family-friendly. 

A great way to level up your pool is to add a diving board. 

Add Fun Features

A lot of people enjoy games like bocce ball or cornhole. Adding a firepit or an outdoor fireplace will elevate the vibe of your backyard. 

The exact configuration of your backyard will depend on the kind of activities you have in mind. If you have kids, then outdoor games might be a better option. If you have lots of neighbourhood friends, then you can optimise your backyard for cosy summer evening snacks and drinks. 

Plant Edible Gardens

What’s better than food from your own garden? 

The summer provides an opportunity for you to add to your vegetable or herb garden. You can consider evergreen choices like tomatoes, peppers, or basil. While these are the relatively easy-to-grow varieties, make sure you’re well-versed with the required watering schedule, fertilisers, mulch, and other best practices. 

Install Water Features

A lot of people like to have a small pond or a running fountain in their backyards. Such water features can complete the natural vibe of your backyard and can also turn it into a refreshing serene retreat. An added perk can be that it attracts birds and wildlife so you can enjoy basking in their company. 

Set Up Poolside Amenities

The amenities will depend on who uses the pool the most. If your children and their friends are regulars at the poolside, then adding a snack station can be a game-changer. You can also add some comic books or pool games. 

If your friends come by often, then having a poolside bar can be a major attraction. 

Regardless, remember to keep a good store of sunscreen around so that everyone stays in top condition. 

Invest in Landscaping Mulch

Mulch can have several benefits. 

Not only does soft fall mulch improve the look of your backyard, but it also helps retain moisture so your plants and flowers never go thirsty. They can help keep roots cool during hot summer months and also put a stop to unwanted weed growth.

In case you don’t want to spend money on artificial mulch, you can also make use of grass clippings, straw, or other organic matter that you have access to. 

Wrapping Up 

Backyards are meant for the summer. 

There are numerous ways in which you can elevate your backyard experience. You can prioritise growing vegetables and herbs or you can make sure that your pool is ready to go. If you have kids, then your backyard will centre around their favourite activities. 

Getting started on your backyard early means you can enjoy the full summer.