Transforming your backyard into an all-season garden oasis offers the opportunity for you to enjoy the outdoors any time of the year. Imagine plants that bloom at different times providing a symphony of color and texture or a cozy outdoor kitchen and entertainment area. Here are six tips to update your landscape for year-round use from Hicks Landscapes, the top-rated landscape design/build firm on Long Island:
1. Choose Plants for Every Season
Selecting a diverse array of plants ensures your garden remains vibrant throughout the year. Hicks Landscapes recommends beginning with evergreens like holly and boxwood for winter structure and color. Spring heralds the arrival of bulbs like tulips and daffodils, alongside flowering trees like cherry and magnolia. Summer explodes with a profusion of blooms from roses, hydrangeas, flowering annuals, and perennials. Lastly, as autumn approaches, they suggest adding ornamental grasses and shrubs with fiery foliage, mums, and Montauk daisies.
Evergreen Holly
Spring Flowering Kwanzan Cherry
Summer Blooming Roses
Fall Chrysanthemums
2. Add Hardscaping
Paved pathways guide visitors to where you want to lead them in your outdoor space. Choose materials like natural stone, brick, or gravel for their durability and timeless appeal. Intersperse stepping stones amidst lush grasses or create meandering trails bordered by fragrant herbs. Strategic lighting along pathways enhances safety and extends the garden’s allure into the evening hours. For a touch of whimsy, create a focal point with a decorative fountain.
3. Invest in an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen extends your living space into the garden, allowing you to fully enjoy nature and the fair weather ahead. Necessities include sturdy countertops for food prep and serving, weather-resistant cabinets for storage and a built-in grill. Enhance the ambiance with an overhead pergola draped in climbing vines or a retractable canopy for shade during hot, sunny days. Additionally, add cozy seating around a fire pit, perfect for roasting marshmallows under the starlit sky, or keeping warm during cooler nights.
4. Create Cozy Nooks
Incorporate secluded corners and cozy nooks throughout your garden oasis. Imagine a bench and plantings beneath a canopy of a flowering trees. Adorn seating areas with plush cushions and throws to encourage lingering conversations. Integrate water features like bubbling fountains or tranquil ponds to foster a sense of serenity. Lastly, for added privacy, screen outdoor spaces with privacy plants such as arborvitae and skip laurels.
5. Add Outdoor Furniture & Accessories
Invest in outdoor furniture and accessories that withstand the elements while providing comfort and style. Choose durable materials like teak, wrought iron, or weather-resistant wicker for longevity. Cushions upholstered in outdoor fabrics resist fading and moisture, ensuring lasting beauty. Enhance comfort with accessories such as windchimes, outdoor rugs and garden accents that infuse personality into your outdoor retreat. Find a huge selection at Hicks Nurseries for every budget and style.
6. Year-Round Maintenance: Sustaining Your Garden Oasis
Maintaining a 4-season garden oasis requires ongoing care to preserve its beauty and vitality. Hicks Landscapes has an experienced, professionally trained maintenance staff to keep your landscape in optimum condition. Keep in mind that regular watering, pruning, and fertilizing encourages robust growth and is necessary for plant health. Additionally, mulching beds retains moisture and suppresses weeds, promoting a thriving ecosystem.
Crafting an all season garden and outdoor living space will let you enjoy your yard no matter the season. From beautiful plantings to meandering pathways, entertainment areas to secluded sanctuaries, each element harmonizes to create an outdoor haven to enjoy with family and friends year-round.