In: Garden

Get ready to take notes, because we’re about to share the 4 Key Elements we believe every perfect backyard needs.

The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and the backyard’s are being groomed for the summer. It can be a daunting task to bring your outdoor space back to its original glory after the Winter elements have taken their toll, and after the cleaning and pressure washing is done, you can still feel like something is missing.

Maybe it’s one of these 4 Key Elements to a Perfect Backyard:

1. Fragrant Plants

When planning your outdoor layout and overall vibe, it’s important to take in the senses. What will your guests see as soon as they walk in? And equally important, what will they smell? Scent is something that can trigger a feeling and emotion, just like those first few days of Spring with all the fragrant blooms filling the air with the most decadent smell. While choosing beautiful looking plants is a good idea, it’s important to take that extra step and pay attention to the smell–you’ll thank yourself later!

Need Help? Check out this article from Country Living for helpful tips.

2. Shady Refuges

Let’s face it, if we could be in the glorious summer sun all day long we would, but unfortunately our skin can’t take the heat (pun intended). Backyards with no shade become underused due to the need to escape to avoid burning or overheating. However, if you provide a shady refuge or two, your backyard becomes a place you and your guests can enjoy for all hours of the day.

Pergolas, large umbrellas, shade sails, awnings and even large trees are perfect for providing shade to different areas, making your outdoor space the perfect backyard for long stay hangouts.

3. Seperation + Flow

Speaking of hanging out, a perfect backyard needs to have different zones (space permitting of course). A spot for lounging by the pool, a spot for dining al fresco, a spot for chilling by the fire and a spot for activities–the options are endless. If your outdoor space has at least 2+ different ‘vignettes’ you and your guests will be more inclined to reside to the backyard because it has options–who doesn’t love those? Even if you don’t have a ton of space, you can get creative with these ideas.

4. Lighting

The final key to a perfect backyard, is the ability to transition from day to night flawlessly. If an outdoor space is not properly lit, it discourages people from spending their evenings there. There is nothing better than enjoying a delicious glass of vino while being gently caressed by the warm summer air, but it’s also important that you are able to see whoever you say ‘cheers’ to.

When we’re working on an outdoor space for a client, we pay very close attention to how the space will be lit, heated (we’re in Canada of course) and ultimately enjoyed. Feel free to chat with us about what we can do for your outdoor space!