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IMPROVING
OUTDOOR GARDEN SPACE
You’ve
just moved into your new home and it’s perfect...
To bad you can’t say the same thing about the
yard.
To make your outdoor space, the envy of
all of your neighbors, you need to create a
peaceful place to go and relax as well as space
for your family and friends to enjoy.
Many
of you will have to start from scratch, while
other will only have to make some minor
adjustments to create the perfect outdoor space.
If you do not have a patio or deck to
start with, there isn’t any reason to fret, as
you can now create such an area to your
particular liking.
This means, you actually have a clean
slate, without having to worry about tearing
down an existing deck or alter plans to
accommodate an existing patio.
Your
first step, no matter if you have a patio or
deck is to measure the area.
It is a very important to accurately
measure this area to ensure balance for
comfortable size furniture, accessories,
planters, grills and other items that you may
want to add to your outdoor space.
If you plan to build either a deck or
patio, then you will have to mark off this area
using either a bright colored spray paint, or
string and stakes to outline your boundaries.
After
you have measured the area, your next step is to
analyze the site.
You want to take into consideration
direction the patio/deck is facing and in what
direction the prevailing winds usually come from
in your area.
Other considerations are the amount of
light the area receives and during what time of
day.
This information will help you understand
the quality of enjoyment people will have while
spending time in your outdoor space.
For instance you’re your area is shady,
then you have to realize that shaded areas do
draw more bugs, which can make an area
miserable, unless you invest in insect repellent
devices, or plants.
On the other hand, if your area receives
full sun, then during the heat of the day, it
could be impossible to enjoy your outdoor area,
unless you plant shade plants, install some type
of awning.
By
analyzing your area, you will be able to
understand where to best place certain items
such as a grill or barbeque.
For instance, you don’t want your
cookout ruined by the wind blowing smoke from
the grill where your guests are sitting.
Nor do you want your guest to suffer
under the heat of the late afternoon sun.
When you analyze your area, you will
better see how and where to plant tress and
shrubs or install fences, walls, or pergola that
can provide privacy, offer shade, and or block
cold wind.
These same items can be used to block the
heat of the sun.
If you only want to block the heat of the
sun, then you may want to consider using a
retractable awning, patio umbrellas, trellises,
pergolas, or arbors.
Your
next step is to set a budget and to stick to it.
Next, decide how you will use your
outdoor area.
Are you going to use it as a retreat, to
entertain friends with cookouts, and barbeques,
or will you use it to spend time with friends
and family?
Keep in mind that you don’t have to
limit yourself to only one activity, as you can
create an area that does it all, how you use
your outdoor space is totally up to you.
Once you have analyzed your site,
developed a budget and stuck to it, then your
final step is to decide how to arrange the items
you want to purchase.
In order to create an outdoor space that has
a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere you should
consider the following details:
- How
and where your guest will walk through the
area.
You want to create the proper walk through
so that you and your guest will not have to
walk through the sitting area.
- How
and where your guest will sit.
Having a comfortable seating
arrangement always enhances the appeal of an
area.
If you have the area, then consider
spacing chairs, sofas, and or recliners
facing each other and approximately 6 feet
apart. At this distance, guest will not feel
crowed.
- Finally,
consider the view.
Will your guest be overlooking the
rest of your yard, pond, or flower garden?
If you live in a subdivision and do
not have a “scenic view,” then you may
want to consider planting trees and shrubs
in the distance or placing planters and
ornamental plants, and outdoor accessories
in and around your outdoor area.
This will give your guest a focal
point.
- Actually,
the final step is to invite some friends
over, throw on some steaks, and enjoy your
new outdoor area.
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