How to Make a Big Splash with Your Small Yard

by | Apr 13, 2013 | 17, 18, 19, Articles

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">How to Make a Big Splash with Your Small Yard</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – A baby boomer couple downsizing, a working professional’s downtown city condo, and a young family’s starter home in a metro suburb — the trend of people moving to smaller homes with smaller yards continues to grow. If you are one of them, how do you make the most out of your small outdoor green space? With the right tools and strategies, you’ll find the possibilities are endless.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"When people move to smaller homes, they want to make the most of the green space they have," says Ashton Ritchie, lawn expert and master gardener for Scotts. "They still want that outdoor retreat after a stressful day."</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/18a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/18a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Ritchie says that smaller yards can be some of the most stunning because they require less time and homeowners can focus more on what they really enjoy. "The difference is with a small green space, it’s not an overwhelming full-time job. I’ve seen many beautiful small yards with intensive gardening and great landscaping."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Here are Ritchie’s tips for getting the most out of small outdoor green spaces:</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>1. Make it your own.</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">If you want to create an outdoor retreat, a small yard holds many possibilities. Your priority should be deciding how you are going to use your yard. If you enjoy cooking, have much of your space dedicated to a great vegetable and herb garden. If you want to use your space to unwind at the end of the day, create an outdoor room with relaxation elements. If you plan to use your small yard as an additional space for entertainment, incorporate sitting space and tables for overflow from the house.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>2. Use contrast to your advantage.</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">The nice thing about a small lawn is the contrast you can easily achieve in the foliage. Lush green grass is the foundation that contrasts with the colors and textures of other plants. Keep your lawn vibrant and consider planting flowers, shrubbery or an herb garden. The contrast in these elements provides as visual frame that is very appealing.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>3. Fertilize for a green and beautiful lawn.</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Green grass provides us with a soothing, relaxing feeling. But the No. 1 problem with grass is it ends up malnourished and starves. Therefore it’s important to fertilize four to five times a year so you get strong root and top growth. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">People with small yards don’t want to bother with bulky bags of fertilizer and storage of a spreader. Scotts Turf Builder with Built-in Spreader is a great new solution. The handheld, all-in-one container is simple to use –simply flip the spout, tilt and shake onto your lawn. Made from ingredients found in nature, the fertilizer strengthens lawn and promotes a healthy root system. It feeds a lawn up to 1,000 square feet. If you finish and have extra, the small container is easy to store for use next time.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>4. Outdoor decor adds appeal.</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Consider adding elements to your yard that interject your personal style. For example, adding a water feature is a great idea that is visually appealing plus it adds a water sound that creates a relaxing atmosphere. You could also add a bird feeding station to attract wildlife. If room is very limited, consider a small hummingbird feeder. Be creative and get ideas from your local gardening center.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/17a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/17a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425&quot; height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>5. Use space-saving furniture.</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Small spaces do not call for big and bulky outdoor furniture. Benches can be a good option because they seat multiple people and also take up less space. Look for pieces that are multifunctional like a bench or table that also opens up to provide storage space. Finally, make sure furniture can withstand temperatures all year long since it probably won’t be stored in a different location.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Small yards can provide big beauty with these tips and strategies. Visit <a href="http://www.Scotts.com" target="_blank">www.Scotts.com</a>  where you can read Ashton Ritchie’s blog and get other ideas for maximizing small green spaces. </p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>