Simple and Cost-effective Ways to Makeover Your Yard in the Summer

Summer is a great time to entertain your family and friends in your backyard. Whether it's sending the kids out to play during the day or hosting a backyard BBQ, you want to make sure that your yard is looking spectacular. To help your yard look its best, here are three simple and cost-effective ways that you can use to freshen up your outdoor space:

1. Add some color When the summer sun is out, the last thing you want is a drab and dreary backyard. There are several quick and easy ways that you can add color to your backyard. Paint your outdoor furniture. You don't have to buy a whole new set - you can simply coat your furniture with some spray paint to give it a fresh new look. Add new pillows. If you don't want to paint your furniture, another easy way to add a pop of color is to add new (or recovered) pillows to your outdoor chairs and couches. Plant some flowers. Flowers are a beautiful way to add a continuously changing field of color to your backyard. Make sure that you pick varieties that work for your climate and whose maintenance match the amount of time you want to spend in your garden

2. Add some light If you want to have parties into the night, you are definitely going to want to make sure that you add plenty of light. There are a couple of easy ways to light up your backyard. String up some Christmas lights. Theses lights are not just for the tree. Strands of white lights hung in your trees or on the roof of your patio make an elegant setting for your backyard. Hang up Chinese lanterns. You can either purchase the lanterns or make your own. Either way, they add some vibrant colors and create a great mood in your yard. Create some lanterns. You can create your own lanterns out of old wine bottles, vases or any other glass bottles. All you need to do is add a candle to the inside.

3. Create a water feature When you want to combat the heat, create a water feature where the kids (and any adventurous adults) can cool off and play. You can create a homemade slip and slide with a large tarp, a hose and a little bit of soap. Just make sure it is on a slight decline so that the kids can slide with ease. Create a potted fountain. These fountains can be created out of found items, such as garden pots or even circular items such as bowling balls.

Build a portable pond. You don't have to go to all the expense of digging out a pond in your backyard. Instead you can create a portable pond out of a standard garden planter or even a miniature version in a clay pot. Just add some water and some of your favorite water plants.