BACKYARD GETAWAY
Preparing for outdoor living
Montrealers spend much of their year waiting with bated breath for warmer temperatures to arrive, and when they finally do, we want to spend as much time as possible outside. A backyard that is outfitted for additional activity such as entertaining, playing, and more, makes outdoor living that much more enjoyable.
First things first: the yard must be prepped.
Yes, this may require a bit of muscle, but it will be worth it in the end when you have a well-kept, healthy landscape.
“You will need to do some basic cleaning by tidying up the flowerbeds,” said Luigi Mastromonaco, of LM Landscaping.
“You also want to add top soil to your grass; it makes the grass a lot healthier. You want to spread it out on your existing grass when the weather starts to get a bit warmer. Eighty-five per cent of my clients request this service.”
Trees and bushes can be pruned, and flowers can be added to beds and planters. Put up birdfeeders, and prepare rain barrels after cleaning out the gutters as well as exterior composting bins. Tune up lawn equipment, like lawnmowers and edgers, and fill them with gas so they are ready to go.
Another important element in a well-planned backyard is the furniture. This season, it’s all about a chic industrial look.
“We are seeing a real trend toward metal furniture — the look of the metal product tends to be more contemporary and streamlined,” said Stephanie Hauser, of Hauser site furniture. “Sectionals in metal are increasingly popular and, because of the modular design, they can be reconfigured into some really unique designs.”
What is key in choosing outdoor furniture is finding something that suits your lifestyle.
“Pick something that is comfortable and that matches the style of your home,” she recommended. “Invest in products that are built to last and can be easily added to, as your space may change. Remember that outdoor furniture is truly put to the test of elements, so you will get what you pay for in terms of the longevity of the product.”
Having comfortable seating is a huge contributor to the overall feel of an exterior setting.
“Cushions are a large part of many of the outdoor seating pieces, so be sure you are getting a cushion that is built to stand up,” Hauser said. “Less expensive cushions tend to fade, flatten and soil over time.
“You also want to invest in covers for your furniture to help to keep the cushions protected and clean.”
Finally, an added backyard feature can really up the ante in your outdoor living area. This could be anything from an outdoor kitchen for the avid cook (with as many bells and whistles as you want) to a striking water feature, such as a pond.
David Nanasi, CEO of Aquasculpture by Nanasi, has been creating incredible water features in and around Montreal for decades, and knows what an asset these can be in a backyard.
“Nature and all of its beauty is something that everyone can appreciate and share,” he said. “It’s like a little piece of the country in our city, where you can have some solace.”
Water plants — and even living creatures, like fish — can become the centrepiece in an outdoor oasis.
We invest a lot of time and energy into outfitting the interiors of our homes; why wouldn’t we give the same attention to the exterior — especially when our time outdoors in the warm weather is so short-lived.
So give your yard some TLC this spring, add furniture pieces that suit your wants, and incorporate a little something extra special to make your yard all the more appealing.