Want to make better use of your outdoor space without spending a lot of money? Try these three simple tricks. They can make all the difference between using your backyard and just looking at it.
Romantic lighting can really add drama and whimsy to an otherwise dull outdoor space. Try stringing lights over a patio for a look that recalls street cafes and romantic restaurant patios.
If you don’t have natural hanging spots for your lights to hook onto, install a simple, wood pole with a loop or hook screw on top. You can install the poles directly into the ground, or attach them onto your pre-existing railings or a heavy base.
Potted trees and bushes can divide designated areas, provide shade in the summer heat and create privacy. Consider ‘skyrocket’ juniper trees, bamboo or arborvitae to start. You may want to ask your local plant center for ones that grow well in San Diego County. Check to make sure they are also evergreen if you want year-round shade.
Add a chimenea. You can take advantage of our cool nights and extend the life of your patio a bit past its summer prime time with a simple, small chimenea. These are essentially fire pits with a round, open belly and a thick pipe on top. The fires start quickly, don’t get too hot or big, and are more easily controlled than an open fire pit.