CURB APPEAL: HOME TIPS

CURB APPEAL

Garden, lawn and patio tips to spruce things up this spring.

By Jack McLaughlin

March means spring, Columbus, so it’s time to get outside.

We have a fresh start. The world is turning green again, and that means there’s no better time to get out there and create the exterior home elements you’ve always wanted.

Not sure about where to begin? Don’t worry. We’ve compiled a useful and easy to follow list of tips for your garden, your lawn, and even the patio, so you can start turning your outdoor space into the neighborhood outdoor space. We’ve also identified a list of chic outdoor design trends so you can stay on top of it all while crafting your dream home exterior.

Get those shovels ready, Columbus. →

For your garden

Go native!

Did you know that the Franklin Water and Soil Conservation District created a voucher program for native plants? This means that the group will reimburse you for up to $50 worth of native plants, which is great, since going native is all the rage now as well.

You can opt for Ohio natives like bleeding heart, white trillium or blackeyed Susan, to name just a few. Even more, certain local nurseries often have entire sections dedicated to native plants, just to make sure you know what’s what.

Plant your flag

While classic pots and planters have a time and a place, this spring, why not approach each of your potted plants as an opportunity to stand out instead?

Swap out the classic, tan terra cotta planter for one of the many unique creations from local maker Roots Ohio, who offers giraffe, skull, and even Julius Caesar-shaped pots. There’s a whole lot more where that came from too.

There’s also a way to remain understated while still opting to be stylish and unique. Concrete planters from the Columbus-based The Plant Gays feature an earthy texture with a minimal-chic aesthetic. Concrete is also hyper-functional, allowing moisture to seep through due to its porousness, while still offering heat insulation to keep your soil warm.

Pollinators are your friends

The importance of pollinators has been made abundantly clear over the last several years, and if you’re not willing to go as far as not mowing your lawn (not the sleekest look, to be honest), creating a pollinator-friendly garden is both on-trend and great for the earth.

Consider adding purple coneflower, wild bergamot, or calico aster, and make sure your garden has exposure to sunlight and at least some protection from the wind.

For your LAWN

Walk this way

Don’t underestimate the importance of walkways. Whether your yard is massive or compact, a nicely-placed walkway is a great way to tie elements of your yard together, and make your yard a cohesive space.

If you’re not up for a big project, it’s fine to keep this simple, too. Even a few wellplaced stones can sometimes do wonders.

And like planters, you have a nearly endless variety of choices when it comes to walkways. Do you want sunken or raised stone? What color, and what type of stone should you use? Embrace this to make your walkway, well, yours.

Take the plunge

Home ponds have experienced a meteoric rise in popularity during the pandemic, and we’re not complaining about it.

And just like gardens are trending in 2022, so are more organic-feeling ponds. This means it’s all good if some natural vegetation starts to sprout, and you may even want to think about adding some water lilies or marsh marigold to brighten things up while maintaining a natural feel.

To tree, or not to tree?

In more cases than not, a lawn landscaping job is about removing a tree or trees, rather than adding anything new.

So whether it’s an oak, maple, or spruce, we’re here to tell you that you shouldn’t be afraid of opting for a tree–or even a small group of them–to add a natural element of structure to your yard.

Not only are trees great for the environment, they’re also totally on-trend, and a row of bushy evergreens can even provide some privacy if that’s something you value.

For THE PATIO

Grill out, chill out

One way to transform your patio into a bonafide gathering place is by really leaning into your culinary elements. Sure, grills are an essential, and they’re great, but upping the ante by adding a small food prep station with some space for dinnerware, or even a mini-fridge can really boost your outdoor atmosphere.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the addition of an outdoor (and wood-fired) pizza oven is easier to accomplish than it might seem, and it can turn pizza night into a full-fledged event for the whole family. And the neighbors. And all your friends. Because, you know, free pizza.

Inside-out

During a pandemic especially, having an outdoor space that feels livable is becoming increasingly popular, and homes across America are bringing elements of the indoors outside.

You can start by selecting sturdy garden chairs that wouldn’t feel out of place in a living room, and tie them together with potted plants, maybe an outdoor rug, and even some indoor design elements you enjoy, like a minimal end table. Creating a pergola (it’s easier than you think!) can help to keep things dry and create even more homey vibes. Add a fire pit–or even a stone fireplace if you’re feeling fancy–and you may never go back inside.

Righting the lighting

It’s easy to overlook, but finding the right lighting for your patio and home exterior can make a world of difference, especially when your parties end up carrying over into the evening.

String lights are a perennially-popular option if you want to add a touch of quirky charm to your space. Weave them across your fence-line, a gazebo roof, or even set up your own poles to create a freestanding string light structure that’s sure to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get a little weird with the lighting, either. Moroccan lamps, with their intricate metalworking and unique charm, create a chic but still cozy aura that’s hard to beat.

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