Summer may be weeks away, but now is a great time to start planning for some budget-friendly ideas to tackle.  Upgrading your backyard doesn’t mean having to spend boatloads of money on a new pool or huge deck – there are plenty of smaller projects that can add appeal to your summer-time enjoyment.

 

Budget-friendly landscaping, functional zoning, and ambient lighting are the best summer backyard improvements for Southeastern Virginia.

These ideas focus on heat-tolerant plants, cozy gathering spaces, and low-maintenance upgrades that thrive in humid coastal climates. 

 

Climate-Smart Landscaping – this is the quickest way to add some life to your backyard.   Adding trees or bushes each year, a few at a time, gives you an investment in shade in the long-term. 

  • Native Perennials: Plant Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, and Virginia Bluebells for reliable color that survives intense summer heat.
  • Ornamental Grasses: Add Switchgrass or Pink Muhly Grass for texture, privacy, and excellent wind resistance during storm season.
  • Mulching: Apply a three-inch layer of hardwood mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress aggressive summer weeds.
  • Shade Trees: Plant fast-growing native trees like the River Birch to create natural cooling zones across your lawn.

 

Hardscaping & Zoning – your backyard doesn’t have to be one giant swath of grass that reminds you it needs mowing every week. Try some of these hardscape ideas to to put the FUN in a functional backyard!

  • Paver Patio: Install a DIY pea gravel or concrete paver pad to create a level foundation for outdoor furniture.  This is a great alternative to an extensive deck.
  • Fire Pit Zone: Build a simple stone fire pit ring surrounded by Adirondack chairs for family evening gatherings. Don’t forget the fixings for s’mores!
  • Vertical Gardens: Use wooden pallets or wall planters to grow fresh summer herbs without sacrificing valuable yard space.
  • Defined Borders: Edge your garden beds with clean brick or stone borders to instantly elevate the visual structure.

 

Comfort & Ambiance – the more you make your backyard a comfortable place to gather, the more you will enjoy every inch of your home!  Try these low-cost ideas to improve your outdoor space this Summer.  Remember, this area is known to enjoy mild temps well into October and even November, so these ideas will be perfect to enjoy for months ahead!

  • String Lights: Hang commercial-grade LED string lights overhead to transition your yard seamlessly from day to night.
  • Shade Sails: Tension a UV-resistant canvas shade sail over your seating area to block intense afternoon sun.
  • Citronella Station: Set up decorative torches or a hidden fan system to keep local mosquitoes away from guests.
  • Water Feature: Add a plug-and-play solar fountain to mask suburban noise with soothing, ambient water sounds.

 

No matter what you have planned for your summer, be sure to use some of the ideas found here and make the most of your space!