Spring is finally around the corner and bringing us warmer temperatures to enjoy the great outdoors! This provides the perfect time to get in the backyard and update your outdoor space to be functional, efficient and above all else, fun. The way homeowners are using their backyards are changing and therefore designs are as well. Whether updating your existing outdoor space or planning your new custom backyard design, here are some of the great design trends to update your backyard to be the life of the party and easy to use!
Small Gardens
Does your backyard lack space? Consider creating some multifunction spaces that can cross deck use. A great example is to create a raised concrete pad that can have a small garden at one end and a another useful space such as table seating or a fireplace at the other. This is great for townhomes especially that lack in acreage to design.
Eat in the Garden
For many years, homeowners and designers have set up their outdoor dining space directly off of the home on a deck. Although functional, it can be a bit of an eyesore upon exit of the home. A great option to bring the beauty of your florals and garden to center stage is to have your dining area not directly off the home but down a small walkway to the garden area. Laying a concrete pad in the center of your garden and gardening around this area can create a small oasis that you can enjoy while dining. Add a pergola that you can grow vines on and create a true Secret Garden.
Bring Craftsmanship to Your Outdoor Space
With so many mass-produced products around us, we often forget that people still make things by hand. The following examples prove that in the garden handcrafted is always best.
- Stonework: This not only creates an old world feeling, but creates additions to the home that can stand the elements in the Memphis area with ease.
- French Design: A Classic French garden area will create sophistication that will ensure that everyone will want to be in your backyard.
Bring the Outdoors Back to Your Backyard
Urban Sprawl has taken away most of the greater Memphis area’s wildlife from the city. Help bring some of this back with smart gardening and animal integration. Planning to add a water feature? Add local fish that can sustain in the feature or even a turtle. Grow local plants, vegetables and berries. There is a big, wide world of diversity available to gardeners through seed companies, seed swaps, and community gardens, so make your veggie garden reflect this trend and try a few new-to-you crops. Even a small crop can be something you and family can enjoy at dinners and provide a bonding experience.
These are just a few ideas to inspire your upcoming Spring Cleaning project season! Contact MH Akers today to design your outdoor oasis.