Vancouver Real Estate News Blog

Summer is upon us, and that means it's time to work outside. Beautifying your yard is one of the best ways to enjoy the warm weather, and it doesn't have to be expensive. Turning old materials into attractive landscaping additions is one of the easiest ways to save money. A few landscaping projects here and there can both spruce up your home landscape and give you a fun way to spend your time outdoors. 

Edging Your Garden or Home Landscape

A few considerations when purchasing edging are the cost, the look you are going for, and how your landscaping will change over time. Each style of edging adds a different look and feel to your garden, and each its own set of pros and cons. 

The actual edging material can include anything from bricks to wood to gravel chips to copper piping. First, determine your priority: budget or appearance? If you are a do-it-yourselfer, then chances are you have material around the house that you can use, such as old bricks or stones. If you have a specific theme or feel that you are aiming for, then find inspiration online and shop around for the material that will best suit your goal.

Landscape Lighting

Outdoor lighting is one of the best ways to add mood to your landscape after dark. As with edging, decide whether you want a specific look and feel, or if you prefer a budget-friendly approach. Outdoor lighting can be as simple as stringing up some homemade hanging lanterns, which can be cheaply made from paper, an old coffee can, and some electrical cord; however as these will be seen by guests you'll want to opt for something a bit more aesthetically pleasing.

One of the most common ways to add light to your yard is by adding path lights, which shine downwards onto a walkway. Up-lights, another common approach, are designed to add aesthetics by illuminating portions of your yard or garden. Solar lights can be good for those who don't want to add electrical wiring, and underwater lights are a good choice for adding mood to waterfalls or ponds.

Landscaping with Planters

Planters can be the quickest, cheapest way to add flavor to your yard. Creativity is the name of the game. Anything you can think of can be recycled, primed, painted, and reused as a planter. The key to making an old container attractive is covering its surface. Adhesive can be used to attach fabric or linen, and paint can be used to cover up old labels or boring colors.

Instead of buying new planters, consider reusing some of these common household goods: yogurt containers, wooden crates, old tires, mason jars, paint cans, cinder blocks or even old rubber boots. If you’re aiming for something more modern, then feel free to purchase planters or be creative with attractive materials found at your local home and garden supply store. 

Sprucing up your yard can be one of the best ways to spend your summer. Whether you are looking for a fun way to fill an afternoon or a productive way to spend your summer months, the resourceful do-it-yourselfer will be able to find projects that are fun, creative, and attractive.