Fall has officially arrived, bringing with it rich colours and crisp, cool temperatures. Take full advantage of the more palatable temperatures by creating a comfortable space in your backyard for your family and friends to enjoy. With or without the pumpkin spice beverages.
Whether you have a small or large backyard, there are some simple things you can do to transform your outdoor space into a cozy gathering space for autumn. We’ve put together some landscaping ideas for you to consider for your backyard (or front yard). Keep in mind that cleanup and fall maintenance is implicit – remember to rake up your leaves, cut, water, and aerate your lawn!
Add some fall ambiance with an outdoor fireplace
Keep the nighttime chill at bay and cozy up with family and friends around an outdoor fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces range from inexpensive chimineas and moveable metal models to permanent fire features that mimic indoor fireplaces in design.
The best outdoor fire features tie into the surrounding landscape, whether that’s incorporating the fall foliage or integrating the design with the home’s architecture.
As always, consider local regulations when planning your outdoor fireplace, as some municipalities require permits and enforce bylaws. Thankfully, safer alternatives are readily available that run on natural gas, propane and even ethanol.
Plant some fall-friendly trees and shrubs
Fall is a great time to plant evergreen trees and deciduous ornamental trees and shrubs. Japanese maples with their graceful, weeping branches can add some rich colours to your backyard landscape.
Shrubs like bayberry, sumacs, roses, and elderberries have gorgeous, coloured fruit that brings extra vibrancy to a garden. But consider the other seasons and the progression of colour in your outdoor space. Fall is a great time to plant bulbs of spring-flowering plants for the spring season.
Create a simple outdoor kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are known for being pricey, but they don’t have to be. And everyone loves a good kitchen party, especially outdoors in the fresh, crisp air of autumn. Consider a pre-made outdoor grill island to minimize costly customizations like countertops and stone bases.
If you’re looking to invest a little bit more in this must-have focal point and gathering space, take stock of your requirements and criteria. How much cooking will you do outside? Location is also critical in planning and situating your kitchen. A knowledgeable landscape architect can help you make decisions and think creatively about your design to maximize impact and minimize cost.
Start planning for a Springtime redesign
Maybe the quick fixes aren’t cutting it, and you’ve realized a more extensive investment in your outdoor space is necessary. Fall is a great time to start thinking about a new backyard design and build project. Beginning the whole process now gives you more time to plan and fantasize about your ideal outdoor space.
To assist you with your planning and daydreaming, we have a free Inspiration Guide for you to browse through.
And when you’re ready to make your outdoor living dreams come true, book a free design consultation. Our team of landscape architects, project managers and experienced pool and landscape construction pros are here to help you create an outdoor space you’ll love.
Let us help you create a cozy backyard.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION
Need inspiration?
When you start to think about designing the perfect yard, deck, patio or backyard oasis, it can be helpful to have some solid ideas of what you want to achieve. We can help with that.