With the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic, many people have taken to spending more time outdoors than before. This is in part because some people have had more time on their hands due to furloughs and layoffs, and in part because of recommendations that indicate it’s generally safer to be outside than inside. This is even more the case when you’re around those outside your household. As a homeowner, you don’t need to leave your property to enjoy being outside. Using a variety of elements, you can create your own perfect outdoor space.
Outdoor Lights
Your outdoor space can look stunning in the daytime, but its use shouldn’t be limited to just the sunlit hours of the day. The hours from dusk till dawn can be an amazing time to enjoy your outdoor space as well, especially during warmer months. Of course, it’s easier to enjoy your space when you can see, so adding outdoor lighting is a must. There are a lot of fun options you can choose from. Hanging string lights can add a festive, whimsical atmosphere to your porch, patio, or garden. If you have pathways, add lights along the edges to help you and others see where you’re walking. You may find lanterns to be a fun option as well. There are a lot of different lighting styles to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that will work with your aesthetic.
A Heat Source
As with the hours of the day, enjoying your outdoor space shouldn’t be limited to the warmth of late spring through early autumn. Colder months in Tennessee give you a chance to enjoy crisp air, beautiful fall foliage, and the occasional light snowfall. While you aren’t likely to see temperatures much below freezing, winter temperatures can reach freezing lows. You’ll likely find yourself wanting a way to stay warmer than just bundling up may allow. Heat lamps, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, fire tables, and outdoor space heaters can all be great options to boost the coziness of our porch, patio, or garden space. Whatever method you choose, make sure you understand how to use it safely to prevent property damage or injury.
Furniture
Chances are you’ll want to take some time to relax in your outdoor space. That’s best done with outdoor furniture handy to support some quality lounging time. When selecting furniture, consider carefully what it’s made of. You will want to avoid wood, as direct sunlight can damage wood furniture. That said, if you have your heart set on wooden outdoor furniture, there are ways to treat the wood so it stands up better to the elements. Take the humidity and temperature range into account as well. You may find more sturdy materials such as rust-resistant metals and plastics to be better equipped to handle exposure to outdoor conditions.
Water Features
Many people find that watching and listening to water is relaxing. If you want to incorporate a relaxing element into your outdoor space, consider adding a water feature. Options range from small fountains and bird baths to waterfalls and streams. There are some important factors to keep in mind when adding a water feature. Tennessee does have a significant mosquito population, and they are attracted to standing water. You may find that having a standing water feature isn’t the best option. On the other hand, if your feature is something like a koi pond, you can use the fish to help control the mosquito population. Koi, goldfish, and other fish eat mosquito larvae, which can help prevent itchy bites.
Shady Shelter
Regardless of what season you find yourself in, having a source of shade and shelter is an excellent idea for your porch, patio, or garden space. You can get sunburns even when it’s cloudy, and whether it’s hot or cold doesn’t make much difference either, so sun protection is always good. You may want to enjoy your outdoor space when it’s raining or snowing but not want to get soaked yourself, in which case having some form of shelter is also beneficial. There are a lot of different options, depending on what you’re going for. Pergolas can provide a degree of shade and shelter without blocking out the sun and sky entirely. They can also provide structure for a variety of climbing plants to grow on. Roofs can provide more shelter than pergolas if you find yourself wanting something more protective. Try a gazebo for an attractive garden shelter. You can even add windows or drapes to block out some of the wind if you want it more enclosed.
Attractive Landscaping
Of course, if you want to have the perfect outdoor space, you need to start with the landscaping. Attractive landscaping provides an essential foundation from which you can cultivate your ideal aesthetic. Depending on your style, you may prefer something more uniform with straight lines and clearly defined angles. Otherwise, something more gentle, rounded, and whimsical might be a more relaxing alternative, depending on your preferences. As you adjust the landscaping, make sure that your yard is graded properly to help protect your home from potential water damage, regardless of the style you select.
Beautiful Plant Life
The plants you choose will have a significant impact on your outdoor space’s aesthetic. There are a variety of factors to consider. Take into account the color, height, space needed, and seasonality of the plants you intend to have in your yard. Consider selecting native plants to host in your garden. Tennessee has a variety of beautiful native plants you can choose from. The benefit of choosing native plants is that they require less maintenance, since they have already adapted to be well-suited to the natural environment.
With so many different elements and options, you’ll be able to create a backyard that is suited to your specific tastes. Make sure you account for lighting and temperature. Create comfort with personally selected furniture and shading options. Cultivate a relaxing atmosphere with a nice water feature. Use landscaping and plant life to create a beautiful aesthetic that you can enjoy whenever you please. Mix and match different elements to create your own outdoor paradise in your backyard.
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