Gardening by Phil Edwards

Creating a beautiful outdoor living space can be one way to add usable space to your home. Although, depending on the climate where you live, this outdoor space may not be usable year round, many homeowners find they get a great deal more use out of their backyard by incorporating a few gardening and outdoor beautification tips. Everything from gardening and landscaping to adding water features and installing a deck can contribute to an outdoor space which creates a virtual oasis for the homeowners. When the outdoor space is more aesthetically appealing and versatile the homeowners are much more likely to use this space frequently.

Building or installing a water feature can also make an outdoor living space more appealing. Whether you opt for an elaborate waterfall with a sizable pond or a small tabletop fountain you can enjoy the soothing benefits of the sound of water as well as the visual appeal of these elements. More complex waterfalls may be difficult to install but most commercially available systems come with adequate instructions making it feasible for the average homeowner to complete this project without the outside assistance of a contractor. The sound of a waterfall can be very relaxing and many homeowners enjoy going outside to just sit and listen to their water feature after a long day at work.

Landscaping is one of the most commonly known ways to improve the overall appearance of an outdoor living area. A well maintained lawn is one of the most basic elements of an appealing yard. Keeping the grass looking well involves frequent watering including enough water to really soak the roots, weeding regularly, applying fertilizer and aerating the lawn a few times a year. These practices will keep the lawn looking healthy and vibrant. In addition to maintaining the lawns, homeowners can also plant trees. Trees can serve the purpose of creating an appealing yard with ample shade and privacy. Fruit trees are especially popular because they also yield succulent fruit annually. The use of flowers can also brighten up both front and back yards. Colorful flowers such as pansies, tulips and roses are commonly placed in front yards to create curb appeal but these same colorful elements can be used in backyards for the enjoyment of the homeowners. An outdoor space which is well maintained and colorful will be used more often than those which are not as attractive.

Finally, a deck installation can greatly improve the appeal and usability of an outdoor space. There are many options available for homeowners who wish to include deck space for eating or entertaining. The simplest forms of decks involve the use of paving stones. These decks involve leveling the ground under the deck space and arranging the stones in the desired panel. Paving stones can include a variety of shapes including square, rectangular, octagonal and even irregular shapes. Other options for a deck include a wooden structure which is built either directly on the ground or elevated depending on the setup of the home and the location of the deck. Building a deck can be a time consuming project and is often best left to professionals especially if the homeowners are not confident in their abilities to design and build a structure which will be safe as well as attractive.

About the Author

Phil Edwards is a writer and gardener and author of Gardening Web and DIY Doors