5 Ways to Spruce Up Your Garden this Spring

Written by Widha Gautam

Spring is just around the corner and one of the best places enjoy its soft colors, fresh air and new life is your very own backyard. Livening up your landscaping doesn't have to be an intimidating endeavor. With a little planning and attention to detail, you can turn your garden into a private sanctuary in no time at all.  

Bring in the Birds

Bird baths and feeders will not only add detail and charm to your garden, they'll draw in the colorful birds that are migrating back to Oklahoma for spring.  

What better way to start the day feeling fresh and optimistic than to the happy chirping of nature's own visitors every morning?  

Make your own feeders or baths from recycled household products like mason jars and old appliances or pick one up at a local nursery or hardware store. 

Eyes Over Here, Buddy

Making your home garden a Pinterest worthy masterpiece can be as simple as intentionally creating an interesting focal point.  

The idea is to determine which portion of the yard you want to highlight and what areas you'd rather not. Once you've figured that out, select a focal piece to draw eyes to the best parts. Keep in mind that you need to consider your landscape from all angles— what will you see from the bedroom window, the kitchen or the curb across the street? Decide which spot you want the premium view from and work from there.  

Sculptures, vases, trellises and, if you want to go the classic route, plants can all act as your outdoor spotlight. Visit a local nursery to find small trees, bushes or flowers that'll create the perfect vibe.  

Pro tip: Some of the best places to put a focal piece, is where the lines in your garden intersect.  

Color it Up

Don't put the burden of bringing color to your garden solely on flowers. Instead, try adding splashes of color in quirky, unexpected ways.  

A brightly colored bench, urn or planter can make all the difference in brightening up your yard and giving it some personality at the same time.  

If you're feeling bold, consider painting your fence or garden shed a whimsical shade of purple or sky blue. Just make sure you don’t go overboard with the colors or you’ll risk ending up with a yard that looks like the life-sized version of Candy Land — which, if that's your thing, we're totally not judging.  

Pro tip: For a minimalist look that's still compelling, make your color statement the focal point of your garden.  

Start a Compost Pile 

The words compost pile don't exactly scream "Glamour!" but your soil (and the environment) will thank you for starting one. Leaves, twigs and greens that go into your pile eventually decompose to become nutrient rich fertilizer that will reduce soil disease and boost overall health.  

The EPA has a comprehensive composting guide on their website that can help you get started. 

The best part? There are tons of creative structures, like boxed fences and sandboxes, that can act as your compost pile without detracting from your garden's overall attractiveness.  

Get Comfortable  

You put a lot of effort into making your garden gorgeous. Treat yourself by setting up a space to relax and enjoy it. Install a picnic bench, hammock or bistro table in a shady spot where you can read a book, have evening cocktails and just give yourself a break.  

Now is the best time to get your outdoor paradise ready for spring and summer. Try some of these ideas on your own, and let us know how it goes!  

For more intricate, large-scale projects, call a local landscaper, nursery or lawn care professional—the good ones are knowledgeable in their field and definitely worth the investment.