Many homeowners have spent the winter months thinking about all the great improvements they would make to their yards if only the weather was nicer. But they either forget or ignore these plans once the winter months are long gone and the warmth of the summer is upon them. If you are one of these homeowners, you can quit procrastinating and improve your yard by completing one or more of the following summer landscaping projects.

 

Stepping stones

 

Stepping stones are a great option to provide yourself with a path that will connect the different elements that make up your yard. You can create your own stepping stones and save on the cost you would need to purchase them by mixing the cement and forming the stones yourself. You can jazz up your stones by adding colored glass or marbles to the mixture while the cement is still wet. Once the stones are dry, you can place them in the pattern that you wish.

 

Young Plants and Shrubs

 

It is easy to be drawn to mature plants when you visit a nursery because they are oftentimes more appealing to the eye than younger plants. However, young plants can cost considerably less to purchase than those which have already reached their full growth potential.

 

You will feel both a bit of joy and a sense of accomplishment while watching your plant grow from youth into the beautiful greenery you envision for your lawn or garden. You will also be surprised by how quickly the growth of these plants take place.

 

Mulch

 

Mulch is great for adding a finishing touch to your home garden or flowerbed. The mulch you add to your garden will also help to lock in the moisture and nutrition needed to ensure the growth and health of your plants. The mulch you use can be purchased from a garden supply store, made by you, or obtained from the free mulch supplies maintained in some communities.

 

Homemade Composting

 

Many new gardeners rush to the store in search of a shopping cart full of potting soil when they have plans for a new flower bed or small vegetable garden. And while good soil is an important part of making sure your plants receive the nutrients they need, it is not necessary for you to deliver this nutrition through soil alone. You can cut your cost for soil considerably by mixing in organic scraps from your kitchen. One bag of potting soil mixed with an equal amount of organic compost will provide you with a nutrient-dense mixture that will greatly aid the development of your plants.

 

Add Lighting

 

Light fixtures are a great way to add style and aesthetic appeal to your property. One quick and simple solution is to update any old fixtures that may already be in your yard to newer models. Light fixtures strategically placed along key spots and pathways will also provide you and your guests with an added degree of safety when navigating your yard in the nighttime hours.

 

Edging Your Garden

 

Using rocks to set the edge for your garden will make your garden the focal point of your yard and add to the aesthetic value of the space. You may be able to find rocks that are located near your home to eliminate the cost of purchasing rocks specifically designed for landscaping.

 

The Bottom Line

 

The summer months are a great time of the year to complete the landscaping project you have thought about performing for months. You will have more hours in the day to work on these projects and likely receive more visitors to enjoy the work you perform once the summer begins. The six ideas above are a great place to start for homeowners who want to improve the look and condition of the property surrounding their home this summer.