1 / String bistro lights for instant ambience.
Retro strands with exposed filaments shimmering from Edison bulbs bring a nostalgic quality to any yard, says Andrew Galindo, owner and lead designer at Bryant Outdoor Lighting. “They remind you of a good time in your life, maybe at a beer garden or a first date at a cafe,” he says. Galindo advises hanging lights in a triangle or zig-zag pattern, rather than “willy-nilly” about the yard. Bonus: Edison bulbs can be energy-efficient. LED bistro strands use 2 watts per bulb compared to 11 watts per incandescent bulb. Galindo suggests going with dimmable strands that allow you to control the glow. “You don’t want to have to wear sunglasses in your backyard,” he says. His favorite options include Brightech Ambience Pro, Waterproof LED Outdoor String Lights and the Smart Dimmer Plug by Treatlife. String lights can be tricky to install, so Galindo offers a few tips:
- Fix strands to thin, steel cables using zip ties for a more secure hold.
- Use hardware such as carabiners, which allow for easy removal if a repair or light bulb change is needed.
- Allow slack in the strands between trees or between the house exterior and a tree.
2 / Seek out inspiration.
Consider a walk through the San Antonio Botanical Garden, where its Mays Family Display Garden offers plenty of ideas for floral color combos, and its WaterSaver Lane, which features six demonstration cottages that show how to implement drought-tolerant landscape, provides solutions for every home style.
3 / Dress up outdoor seating with throw pillows.
“Outdoor pillows are an inexpensive way to change the look,” says Elva Solis, a design consultant at the Summer Classics showroom on Broadway. Solis says to select from the variety of outdoor fabrics that can take the Texas heat without fading, such as Sunbrella, which can be hosed down and even bleached, or faux leather. “Choose great embellishments, from faux leather to tassels and trims, all rated for the weather,” Solis says.
4 / Green up your space.
While options may be limited this year due to February’s winter storm, Mary Broemer, a plant expert at Milberger’s Landscaping and Nursery, suggests planting impatiens for a quick burst of springtime color on a shady porch, along with elephant ear-shaped caladiums. For year-round vegetation, consider English Ivy and various asparagus fern varieties, including Myer’s (also known as foxtail), which Broemer says creates “an organized look” with its burst of structured tendrils. “It doesn’t get out of control, and it can stay in a pot for three years before being broken out,” says Broemer. Want something even simpler? Chica Verde offers easy-to-maintain succulents plus quirky accents, vintage containers and other pops of color that can brighten a patio without requiring a lot of upkeep.
5 / Create a path to your outdoor oasis.
You won’t even need to clean up inside if you’re able to guide guests to your outdoor living space without having them traipse through your home. Big Grass Living, tucked away amid antique stores on West Hildebrand Avenue, offers unstained wandering path pavers, which are tapered and molded concrete shapes meant to offer a DIY option that can be arranged in a variety of ways. It’s the perfect alternative for those not into flagstones or brick pavers often used by homeowners.
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April 01, 2021 at 04:23AM
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5 Ways to Make Your Patio and Backyard More Inviting - San Antonio Magazine
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