Summer is upon us, and as we prepare for all those backyard barbecues and pool parties, one of the first things most of us think about is making sure our yards are perfectly groomed. Even if you’re looking for Milwaukee real estate, in that city where the sun shines less frequently than most (the city gets 190 days of sunshine per year), there’s plenty of time to soak up that vitamin D.
These ideas offer some great ways for sprucing up that landscape.
Flowers
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, there are beautiful low-maintenance flowers that will bring your garden to life. Perennial flowers are more hardy and bloom year after year. Yarrow is an easy to care for flower that looks similar to a hydrangea but requires much less watering. Black-eyed susans offer a pop of color and are easy enough for a beginning gardener. Geraniums also require very little maintenance, which is why you may see them a lot at shopping and city centers. They come in a variety of colors such as red, bright or light pink, and white.
If you’re a seasoned gardener, you may want to try your hand at dahlias. Dahlias come in a range of sizes and colors and will be sure to impress your guests.
Raised-Bed Vegetable Garden
Raised beds are easily built but can also be purchased. Choose seasonal vegetables that you and your family enjoy. Zucchini is particularly easy to grow, but as it can grow quite large, be aware that it will require a lot of space. Carrots, radishes, peppers, and green beans are some other summer vegetables to plant.
Fire Pit
Bring the family together under the stars for s’mores and storytelling. If you don’t already have a fire pit in your backyard, it’s time to get one. You can either build your own from cement blocks purchased at retailers like Home Depot or purchase a new metal pit. Each provides a different look. Make sure you place your pit at least 10 feet from your house, a neighbor’s yard, or any overhanging branches for obvious safety reasons. Once your new firepit is set up, place some Adirondack chairs around it and you’ll be ready for entertaining and lots of family fun.
Power Wash Your Patio
Now that the winter storms have passed, it’s time to give your patio (and patio furniture) a good cleaning. Removing all that dust and grime will make your furniture feel new again.
Add Lighting
Lighting can change the ambiance of any room and it can also change the mood of your front and back yards. Adding solar pathway lights up to your front door will make your home feel welcoming, while hanging string lights on your backyard pergola or in the trees can lighten up your evening.