August 15th is Relaxation Day — and if you live in fast-paced Los Angeles, there’s nothing more welcome than a day dedicated to taking it easy. If you don’t want to deal with the hustle and bustle of the beach and hiking through national parks isn’t your idea of relaxation, staying home and enjoying your own back yard is a brilliant alternative.
Of course, you’ll first want your yard to be inviting and geared towards letting go of stress. These pointers can help you create your own oasis of peace — at home. Just remember to set aside sufficient time for the following projects. You’ll want to plan, prepare and complete them well before it’s time to relax. To learn more about taking care of your property and homeowner’s insurance, get in touch with Grand Mutual today.
- Clear away clutter. Back yards tend to collect a lot of clutter. This ranges from old bicycles and worn-out garden furniture to piles of leaves and old tarps. That’s why the first step of your garden makeover is to get rid of all the clutter. You need a blank slate to start from.
- Create a plan. Sketch out what you want your yard to look like. Write down what elements — paths, plants, grass, water feature, and sitting area — you want.
- Get rid of weeds. Weeds are unsightly and will often choke ornamental plants, so spend a couple of hours removing them — including the roots.
- Create gravel, flagstone or tile walkways. Gravel and irregularly-shaped flagstones create a more organic feel, while rectangular tiles offer a more balanced, tranquil atmosphere. All three options are relatively quick and easy to lay down — and you don’t need to wait for any cement to dry.
- Use Hydroseed to plant a quick lawn. An even, lush lawn can be cooling and offer your eyes a rest. Hydroseed — a mixture of fertilizer, grass seeds, and water — allows you to quickly grow a lawn that’s pleasing to the eye.
- Build a wooden fence. It’s nice to have a boundary to separate your yard from the neighbors or the road. Wood gives you privacy while still giving your yard a warm, organic feel. If you already have a wall or metal fence, consider placing wood paneling against it to achieve the same effect.
- Choose a minimalist water feature. The sound of water is soothing — and it can help mask the noise of traffic or neighbors. Be sure to select a water feature that doesn’t overpower the rest of your yard and that fits with the overall design.
- Choose plants wisely. Select plants that are native to the climate you live so they’ll be able to survive without too much care. When planting, consider working in layers, with the smaller plants close to the front and the larger ones to the back. It can also be a good idea to place plants in pots strategically around the yard to create a more interesting vista or — if you choose large plants — to provide more shade.
- Soften edges. Use arching grasses and decorative sand to soften the edges around walkways and borders.
- Leverage lighting. Why only use your yard during the day? With the right kind of lighting, you can enjoy it at night, too. Select string lights for a festive feeling, or for a more textured look, place sunken lights behind planters.
- Select comfortable, sturdy garden furniture. Though it might seem counterintuitive, white fabric covers on your garden furniture are a good choice because, with a little bleach, you can keep them pristine so they always offer a crisp look. Additionally, make sure your garden furniture is well-made so that it can survive for more than one season.
Homeowner’s Insurance Los Angeles
With these tips, you can transform your backyard into a relaxing sanctuary where you can wind down and relax on August 15th — and beyond! To get in touch with a top Los Angeles insurance agency, make your first stop Grand Mutual Insurance.
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