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Do you know what Nowruz is?
Also known as the Persian New Year, this is a holiday celebrated on March 20, the first day of spring. It makes sense that spring marks the beginning of something new, and not only because of the blooming of nature.
Spring is the time of the year we take on new projects, especially around the house, because the weather is ideal — not too hot, not too cold. If you were thinking about revamping your backyard at some point, now is the perfect time to do it.
Depending on the state of your backyard, your finances, and your ambitions, there are several projects you can take on to update the outdoors. We've rounded up seven great backyard upgrade projects you can take on this spring.
Declutter
Regardless of which major projects you choose to do, decluttering is a must. By organizing your backyard, you will get a clearer picture of the space, and it will be simpler to include other updates.
The process of decluttering can be time-consuming, but it will make the other projects easier. Here are the basics of your decluttering to-do list:
Start by clearing any debris and garden waste.
Divide the work into categories to stay focused (e.g., garden beds, furniture, tools).
Get rid of unwanted outdoor accessories, such as garden gnomes, planters, and pots.
Go through your landscaping tools and equipment, and if anything is broken or unnecessary, let it go. The same goes for old furniture that can't be restored.
Add a storage option, such as a shed, hooks for gardening tools, or a deck box for patio pillows, cushions, etc.
Freshen up the Lawn
If you don't already know which type of grass best suits your climate and soil, you might want to talk to an expert and explore your options before planting. If there are underlying issues with the soil, use soil amendments to improve its potential. Remember that grass needs nutrition. Pay particular attention to nitrogen, which can be found in various fertilizers. Mow regularly, based on the grass growth, and water deeply at less frequent intervals.
Install a Deck
With the weather becoming more pleasant by the day, you will want to have a place for all of your outdoor activities. A backyard deck is perfect for entertainment, increasing the size of your living space, and, of course, sunbathing.
Unlike porches, decks are built above the ground. They are also larger than porches, increasing the floor space for all of your activities. When considering the size of the deck, think about how you will use it. Consider what type of furniture you want on it and how many guests you want to be able to fit on there. Make sure you choose a weather-and-insect-resistant wood. Composite decking is a good idea.
Get a Pergola
Another popular place for outdoor gatherings is a pergola. Pergolas are typically more stylish than decks. They extend the warmth of the living space and create a romantic vibe.
Additionally, pergolas can increase the amount of time you get to spend outside because they can cast enough light shade to provide you with protection. Some covers can even protect you from rain. Among the many advantages of pergolas are different design options. They can be designed from scratch to suit your backyard or bought in standard kits. You'll also want to plan the location of your pergola well. You might want it near the pool or attached to the house, for example.
Diversify Your Planting
When planting flowers and bushes, we usually go the safe way. Shaking things up a bit could do wonders for your backyard. The trick is to diversify the planting while not making the design chaotic and disconnected. Choose a theme based on color (for example, yellow, purple, or white). Include different plants that meet the task of the theme. You can also play with the plants' heights and density for a more dynamic feel.
Upgrade Your Gathering Area
If you already have a deck or a pergola, it's time to transform one of the two (or both) into an ideal gathering spot. You will need different types of seating styles depending on the purpose of the gathering — a dining table with chairs for eating, couches and benches for sitting, and a comfy nook for reading and keeping an eye on the kids while they're playing.
If you have some old furniture, you can rrepurpose it and shield it from the elements with a protective coat. Wood and iron both make a fine choice, but you'll want to complement them with soft materials (cushions, blankets, etc.). Last but not least, you can add spots of interest that can also be functional, such as a fireplace and an outdoor kitchen.
Add a Touch of Magic with Lights
String lights are perfect when you want to extend the porch area to the rest of the backyard, and they provide a magic "firefly effect." If you don't have a porch, you can outline your gathering spot with tiki torches. Also, depending on the design you decide on, you can use vintage pendant lamps and chandeliers for the dining area.
Wrapping up
Spring is in the air, everything will be blooming soon, and we're all happy to say goodbye to winter. Let the fresh spring energy inspire you and motivate you to take on some home upgrade projects you'll later be proud of. And don't forget to do some spring cleaning/decluttering first!