Warm days and cool nights, beautiful sunsets and blooming flowers – there’s nothing better than Florida in spring! One of the best things about living on the First Coast is having a front-row seat to all that nature has to offer, right from your backyard.
But are you making the best use of the outdoor space that you have? Whether you live on the waterfront, have a verdant backyard, or a smaller patio space, now is the perfect time to spruce it up and make an outdoor oasis where family and friends can relax.
Here are my tips for creating the perfect backyard paradise that not only fits within your budget, but is also easy to maintain.
Stash away odds and ends
Before you start bringing in flowers or furniture, clear out any odds or ends in the backyard, such as bikes, recycling bins, or hefty tools. You may store them in your garage or in a nice-looking shed that is easily accessible. Reducing any visual clutter is always a good start to making a space feel fresh and spacious.
Make areas where you want to gather
If you do not have an outdoor area where you can fully unwind, then you won’t. While lawn chairs and a side table are good in a pinch, your backyard will only feel like an oasis when you have a comfortable area where you can relax and gather.
When I work with clients on an outdoor makeover, we pick out comfortable, functional, and attractive furniture designed to weather Florida’s seasons. Then, we add accents like pillows, rugs, lanterns, string lights, or umbrellas that make the area feel cozy. Installing a pergola or other shaded element is also a great way to improve comfort, especially if you get a lot of direct sunlight.
From there, you can customize your gathering space to what you need. You might add a dining area, an outdoor kitchen, or expanded seating for parties. When it comes to outdoor design, the sky is truly the limit!
Strategically place the right flowers and plants
The best way to celebrate spring is with vibrant plant life. You should incorporate a variety of plants and flowers situated throughout the yard to really make it pop. Include potted plants as they give you an opportunity to bring in your aesthetic – whether that’s an eclectic mix of pots or one style used consistently.
When sprucing up your flora, it pays to do a little research about what types of plants will thrive in your backyard. If you live on a coastal waterfront property, you will need flowers, trees, and shrubs that can tolerate coastal winds and sandy soils. If your backyard is heavily shaded by trees, you should look for plants that can flourish without direct sunlight.
You can get excellent advice from your local farmers’ market or garden shop on the best plants for your specific conditions.
Remember: Keep it manageable
A word to the wise: make sure whatever you add to your landscape is manageable long-term. When I work with clients on their backyards, I carefully select materials that will require minimal upkeep. Your backyard should be somewhere for you to rest and relax, not a hassle that you are constantly tending.
With the right storage solutions, furniture, plants, and overall design, you can realize your very own outdoor oasis.
Looking to turn your backyard into an Outdoor Oasis? Contact me at 904-626-1551 to see how we can transform your space.
