Plant Native Plants
Native plants are a good choice because they are adapted to local conditions, meaning they require less upkeep when it comes to watering and maintenance. They are generally drought-tolerant, can handle harsh winter conditions, pests and also benefit bees and birds. “Without them and the insects that co-evolved with them, local birds cannot survive,” notes the Audubon Society, regarding native plants. Try planting these 10 bee-friendly plants in your backyard this season.
Add a Water Feature
A simple water feature can be the focal point of your backyard, and the sound of moving water can be soothing. There are many self-contained systems you can purchase online, or try building your own. It would be the perfect centerpiece for a summer backyard party.
Get with the Buzz
If you’d like to help the bee population while also doing something good for your own backyard plants, make your backyard a bee-friendly place. This can be as simple as making a “bee house” with your kids or actually incorporating hives. If you’re thinking about building your own hives, backyardhive.com offers several plans online. Bee’s wax is also a great alternative to plastic in the kitchen.
Utilize Rain
Instead of using the garden hose to water plants and your lawn, consider adding some rain barrels. “Collecting roof runoff in rain barrels reduces the amount of water that flows from your property. It’s a great way to conserve water and it’s free water for use in your landscape,” notes the EPA. On rainy days, consider making one of these cute snacks with your kids!
Add Entertainment
Make your backyard a space where everyone will want to hang out by adding some entertainment. Try adding a fire pit to tell stories around in the evening, a backyard game such as giant Jenga to keep all ages entertained or even add an outdoor movie screen for a family movie night. Check out these 15 backyard games and activities.
Start Composting
By composting, not only do you prevent food scraps from taking up valuable space in landfills, but you can help your backyard plants flourish. “Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up about 30 percent of what we throw away, and should be composted instead,” according to the EPA. Use compost to enrich the soil and reduce the need for fertilizers, thus lowering your carbon footprint. Here are 8 tips that will help you start composting.
Make it Comfortable
Get the most out of your backyard by making it comfortable and cozy. Add a pergola for shade, backyard heaters for chilly nights and make sure everyone has a spot to sit with comfortable outdoor furniture. For an extra comfy touch, add a swing or hammock for afternoon naps. Check out these pieces of patio furniture that would be perfect.
Build a Bat House
Adding a bat house to your backyard will not only help keep down the pesky mosquitoes population, it’s also a great way to provide cover for wildlife and a place for wildlife to raise young, according to the National Wildlife Federation. According to Bat Conservation International, one little brown bat can eat 60 medium-sized moths or more than 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in one night—a great reason to build a bat house this weekend!
Add Natural Privacy
A privacy fence can help you make the most of your backyard time. If building a wooden fence isn’t for you, consider adding a natural fence by planting shrubs, growing hops or adding a flower wall. By the way, here’s why you should be adding fresh flowers to your grocery list.
Let There Be Light
Add some creative lighting to your backyard with string lights, solar lights and candles. String lights and solar path lights are an easy way to brighten up the backyard and they don’t require any wiring. Add some candles to your backyard dining space to create a dreamy space to dine al fresco. Try these 10 breathtaking outdoor lighting looks for your yard.
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Rachel Brougham