Summer always seems to go by in a flash, while winter tends to drag on.
A lot of people tend to limit the use of their yards to the summer months only, but this is a waste. There are a lot of things that you can do to winterize or winterproof your yard to ensure that your outdoor space can be enjoyed year-round.
Ensuring that you are getting enough fresh air can also do wonders for your health, both mentally and physically, which is in part why making good use of your yard matters. Keep reading for more information.
Choosing the Right Plants
The right time to sod and seed will depend on where you are but for the most part; it tends to be late summer and early fall. The benefits of sodding & seeding at the right time should be apparent.
It means that you get the most bang for your buck. R&L Irrigation, a company based in Delaware, can take care of your sodding and seeding needs for you. Different homes and landscapes will have different needs, which is why it can be advantageous to consult a professional.
There are also several plants that you can incorporate into your garden design which can help to keep your garden colorful and full of life in the winter. The availability of the plants, as well as the weather and temperature in the region, will affect the plants that you should choose. Plants like snowdrops, cyclamen, hellebores, and nerines all do really well in cooler temperatures.
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Heat & Light
Most of the time, the sun tends to set earlier in the winter, which means that the nights get colder and longer. This can make spending time outside uncomfortable. In order to ensure that you can enjoy your garden in the winter, you need to consider installing a heat source and a light source.
There are lots of lighting options that you can consider for your garden. Consider the design of your garden to help you to come up with an option that makes sense. For example, you can string up Christmas lights, stake tiki torches into the ground or artfully place lanterns and candles.
When it comes to heat sources, you will need to consider your budget carefully. If you have a smaller budget, then a space heater will be perfectly adequate. However, if you have the money, then a fire pit is an incredibly popular choice; not only does it act as a heat and light source, but it also provides more entertainment opportunities.
Some people do choose to go a little further with this. If you have the space and the budget, then constructing a shelter of sorts can really help to winterproof your garden for yourself and your guests.
Decorating Your Yard
Making your yard seem less bare in the winter months can pose a challenge; your choice of plants is more limited, and the trees are bare. However, you can decorate your yard, and this can help it to feel less empty.
There are lots of ornaments and decorative touches to choose from, like decorative plant pots or outdoor furniture accessories like rugs, pillows, and blankets. You could also give the fence and any outdoor structures you might have a lick of paint to help spruce up the space.
The Wildlife
This might be divisive because some people have no interest in making their yards a haven for the local wildlife. However, the truth is that winter can be difficult for them too. If you choose to, making an effort to attract some wildlife to your yard is pretty simple.
A lot of people enjoy watching the little creatures during the winter months, and it can actually be really beneficial for your mental health to do so. Luckily, there are several things that you can do to provide shelter and sustenance to the local wildlife.
This might depend on where you are because some states have differing indigenous wildlife populations with differing needs. Think about the local animals and do some research into their needs. The likelihood is that there will be some plants that can help them to thrive that you can plant for the winter.
You could also put out some food for them; you can get animal feed online or in pet stores. Bird boxes are also a cute way to provide the local birds with some shelter. Finally, a shallow water dish can help to make sure that your little critters are well hydrated.
In Summary
Simply because summer is over, it doesn’t mean that your yard has to become a derelict wasteland until next summer rolls around. The winter can provide just as many opportunities for your yard. In addition, it allows you the opportunity to experiment with different winterizing techniques.
The tips above can help you to make the most out of your yard during the winter months. Think about how much time and energy you will have to maintain your yard, with the right tactics; you can put processes in place that keep your yard looking great all year round.
