Spring is on the way, bringing bright blooms, warmer weather, and National Backyard Day on March 19! This playful holiday offers the perfect opportunity to do a little sprucing before the outdoor season is here to stay. Backyards can be an escape for relaxation and fun, especially when filled with lush greenery and colorful blooms. If you’re entering spring with a backyard that’s more “blah” than beautiful, these plant picks and fun features are here to save the day:
Grow Something New
If boxwoods, hydrangeas, and hollies are old friends, try one of these lovely and less common plant picks for something you and the neighbors may not have seen before.
- Ever Sapphire Agapanthus bursts with blooms all summer long. Large, bright blue clusters of flowers sit atop sturdy, tall stems. This low-maintenance perennial will give you more time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery outdoors.
- Mountain Snow Pieris cascades from containers with elegant ease. Graceful, arching white blooms billow softly, instantly evoking a sense of calm and serenity. New bronze foliage matures to a dark green while pendulous buds appear in summer and last through winter before opening in early spring with beautiful ivory flowers.
- ‘Kaleidoscope’ Abelia is a low-maintenance burst of color that dazzles in full sun to part shade spaces. Vibrant green leaves transform with the seasons to showcase gold, orange, and burgundy. Kaleidoscope will buzz with pollinators in the spring with its delicate and charming white blooms.
- Cleyera Bigfoot™ is perfect for a living privacy screen or fence, adding definition and enclosure to your backyard. This fast-growing shrub matures into a dense, leafy wall that will add year-round beauty to the landscape with glossy evergreen foliage that glows with a touch of bronze in fall.
Seating for Comfort and Conversation
Provide comfy places to relax and chat, such as a conversation set, comfy armchairs, or even a hammock strung between trees. Accent these pieces with throw pillows and outdoor rugs for extra comfort.
Outdoor Fireplace for Warmth and Ambiance
Fire pits or fireplaces create irresistible spots for gathering around, especially on chilly evenings. The flickering flames provide warmth and light, radiating a cozy atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Water Feature for Tranquility
The sound of flowing water is incredibly relaxing. Installing a water feature or small pond can add a serene touch to your backyard.
Strategically Placed Lighting
Lighting sets the mood in your backyard. While you may need bright lights for grilling or dining areas, consider adding softer lighting features like string lights or lanterns to sitting areas to create an enchanting ambiance after dark.
Games for Entertainment and Bonding
Games are a great way to entertain family and guests with friendly competition. Incorporate yard-sized versions of your favorite games, or DIY a cornhole or horseshoe corner.
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a game of frisbee, or just soaking up some sunshine, National Backyard Day is the perfect excuse to get outside and garden your way to your own little piece of paradise.
