Confession: I had a yard for years, but I never hung out outside. Who wants to sit on a cement slab in the hot Arizona sun? Not me. But what I didn’t realize was that putting a little TLC into your yard can make a world of difference. For example, having a nice place to sit (rather than the dining room chairs we would occasionally drag out) means you’ll actually want to sit out there. Making shade where there isn’t any makes even hot temperatures totally tolerable. And planting a garden means you’ll need to make yourself go outside, even if it’s just to water your herbs.
If you’ve been sitting on what could be a gorgeous yard and not made any progress, now’s the time to change that. It’s easier than you think to transform a backyard into a place you’d be happy to spend every last day of summer. Here are our best tips to make it happen.
This post is sponsored by Lowe’s. All prices are subject to change. Visit Lowes.com for the most current offers and promotions.
Take Your Kitchen Outside
The Fourth of July may kick off grilling season, but don't limit your grilling to hot dogs and hamburgers. It can also be a place to experiment with gourmet recipes, seasonal vegetables and even desserts. The options are endless, and you have the whole summer to get creative.
Char-Broil Commercial 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill, $299 at Lowe’s
Have a Cozy Place to Lounge
We've all been guilty of using camp chairs as patio furniture, but you're a grown-up now and your gorgeous yard demands more from you. It's time to upgrade and get an outdoor furniture set that you can't wait to lounge in. We're sure your loved ones won't mind helping you break it in.
Crosley Furniture Palm Harbor Dark Brown Wicker Sofa, $572 at Lowe’s
Give Yourself a Shady Respite
When you live in a climate that gets cloudy in the winter, it's hard not to be a sun-worshipper come summertime. But even the sun goddesses among us need a break. Get in the shade with a gorgeous pergola or gazebo.
allen + roth Freestanding Pergola With Canopy, $598 at Lowe’s
Illuminate the Summer Evening
Twinkly lights create an incredible ambiance on late summer evenings. Find a set that speaks to you and string them up in your favorite part of your yard.
allen + roth 12.5-ft. 10-Light White LED Plug-in Globe String Lights, $29.98 at Lowe’s
Don’t Let Cool Evenings Send You Back Inside
Daytime summer warmth can make a cool evening breeze feel like a total surprise. While we fully support bundling up in cozy blankets, there's nothing that warms us like a fire. Bonus: A wood-burning fire pit is a perfect place to make s'mores.
Antique Black Steel Wood-Burning Fire Pit, $99 at Lowe’s
Create a Haven for Wildlife
Whether you live somewhere remote and can expect deer to come wandering through or you're more of an urban dweller, you can always make birds welcome in your space. Bird feeders and bird baths make them feel right at home.
Birds Choice Steel Squirrel-Resistant Bird Feeder, $60.72 at Lowe’s
Add a Bit of Zen
Whether your yard is gorgeously quiet or you're looking to diminish some ambient noise, a wind chime can add a meditative feel to your yard. Choose one that speaks to you both aesthetically and aurally.
Garden Treasures 41-in. Multicolor Metal Sun Face Wind Chime, $19.98 at Lowe’s
Make Up for Lost Time in Your Garden
Get your garden started a little late this year? No worries — you can purchase seedlings or even more mature plants from your local garden shop. Depending on your climate, tomatoes can be grown into the fall. Want to start from seed? Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes and spinach are some great late-summer produce to grow.
1.5-gallon tomato assortment plant, $15.98 at Lowe’s
Stop and Smell the Flowers
If a garden is more project than you want to take on, consider planting a few flowers right outside your door or in a hanging pot.
1.5-gallon mixed annuals combination planter, $16.98 at Lowe’s
Make the Most of the Occasional Rainy Day
Rainy summer days can feel like a bummer. But make the most of them by collecting rainwater in barrels and using it to water your beautiful garden. You get to feel good about saving water, and your yard will thank you for it.
59-gallon natural wood rain barrel, $129 at Lowe’s
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