10 Top Landscaping Elements to Include for a Summer Spent Outside
Spending time outdoors during the summer is one of life’s simple pleasures. To make the most of your outdoor space, incorporating key landscaping elements can create a beautiful and functional environment. Here are the 10 top landscaping elements to include for a perfect summer spent outside.
1. Comfortable Seating Areas
Comfort in the outdoors is achievable, with seating that is efficient while flowing with the landscape.
Consider installing patio furniture with cushioned seats, hammocks, or even outdoor sofas. Arrange the seating to encourage conversation and relaxation, making it the perfect spot for gatherings with family and friends.
2. Outdoor Kitchens and Dining Spaces
An outdoor kitchen or dining area can transform your garden into an extension of your home. Include a grill, countertop space, and a dining table to host summer barbecues and alfresco dinners. Adding features like a mini-fridge or a sink can enhance the functionality and convenience of your outdoor cooking space.
If you have a smaller space, use landscaping stones to create a cost-effective, low-maintenance seating area for chairs and a dining table or fire pit.
3. Cool Off with Stunning Shade Structures
Providing shade is crucial for staying cool during hot summer days. Install pergolas, awnings, or shade sails to create sheltered areas. You can also use natural solutions like planting trees or adding climbing plants to a pergola for a green, leafy canopy.
4. Funky Water Features
Incorporate water features such as fountains, ponds, or waterfalls to add a sense of tranquility and beauty to your garden. Water features not only provide a soothing sound but also help cool the surrounding area, making your outdoor space more comfortable during the heat of summer.
This is another opportunity to utilize bulk-order landscaping stones to create your water world. The stones come in all shapes, color patterns, and sizes to give you plenty of creative appeal.
5. Fire Pits and Fireplaces
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are perfect for extending your outdoor time into the evenings. They provide warmth on cooler nights and create a cozy ambiance. Gather around the fire for roasting marshmallows or simply enjoying the flickering flames with loved ones.
6. Lush Plantings and Gardens
Enhance your outdoor space with lush plantings and vibrant gardens. Choose a mix of perennials, annuals, and shrubs to ensure continuous blooms throughout the summer. Incorporating edible plants like herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees can also provide fresh produce for your summer meals.
7. Lighting That Warms the Soul
Proper lighting can transform your garden into a magical space at night. Use a combination of string lights, lanterns, and pathway lights to illuminate key areas. Solar-powered lights are an eco-friendly option that brightens without increasing your energy bill.
8. Get Your Garden Summer Ready
Want to cut down on time spent watering your plants? Consider laying down a hearty layer of organic mulch or gravel to help retain and evenly distribute moisture to plants.
This is also a great idea if you live in a region that experiences heightened rainfall during the hot months. Stones and mulch are great natural alternatives to improve drainage.
9. Garden Pebble Paths and Walkways
Well-designed paths and walkways can enhance the safety and accessibility of your garden. Use materials like stone, gravel, or mulch to create attractive and durable pathways. Well-placed walkways can guide visitors through different areas of your garden and add aesthetic appeal by covering up well-trod areas where grass has died.
10. Privacy Screens
Privacy screens, such as fences, hedges, or trellises with climbing plants, can create a secluded and intimate outdoor space. They help block out noise and create a peaceful environment for relaxation and entertainment.
