Designing a Perfect Outdoor Space in Kennett Square, PA

Gorgeous Kennett Square is known for its opulent homes, close-knit community, and excellent restaurants. As a walkable city, residents love to spend time outdoors – and this means they need a great place to relax.

Great outdoor living doesn’t just provide a perfect backdrop for family get-togethers: it’s a long-term installation with an excellent return on investment. 

In fact, an attractive lawn can provide a whopping 256% return, proving that curb appeal truly matters if you’d like to get an excellent offer on your home in the future. 

Every home is different, and yours is no exception. However, there are a few projects that will certainly create an amazing outdoor oasis you’ll be proud to show off.

Backyard Deck

If you want to have a backyard barbecue, there’s nothing more important than a good, sturdy deck. This provides you with a solid foundation for attractive lawn furniture, where you can enjoy the company of your friends and family in luxury. 

However, it’s essential that you choose a good deck builder rather than relying on fly-by-night companies or trying to tackle this project yourself. Search for “deck builder near me” and carefully assess the reviews and reputation of each company in your area to ensure that you’ll get great work at an affordable price. Given that a deck is a permanent structure, you need one that is steady, sturdy, and able to withstand cold Pennsylvania winters.

Outdoor Lighting

There’s no better way to turn your backyard into a magical after-hours paradise than with prudent lighting. Not only does this allow you to host friends long into the evening, but it also provides protection against burglars. While Kennett Square is quite a safe neighborhood, with a crime rate that is over 18 times lower than the national average, you never want to leave things up to chance. 

Consider a combination of motion-sensor lights and solar-powered lights to ensure that you have good protection against potential thieves as well as adequate lighting when you’re enjoying your patio.

Sprinklers

We all lead such busy lives, and while it can be relaxing to spend time gardening, sometimes things get hectic, and you may forget to water your beautiful bushes and flowers. As such, a sprinkler system will give you peace of mind, especially if you are careful with positioning to know your plants are getting just the right amount of hydration. 

Consider a timed sprinkler that will go off shortly after sunrise, as this will ensure that excess water evaporates by nightfall and won’t rot the roots. The lower light in the morning also allows the plants to better absorb water because it won’t evaporate too quickly.

Bug-Repelling Plants

There’s nothing worse than trying to enjoy a family dinner on the desk, only to be besieged by mosquitos and other flying pests. They aren’t just annoying, either: mosquitos carry numerous diseases, including West Nile virus, which has unfortunately been identified throughout Pennsylvania. 

One of the best ways to deter these winged party crashers is through gardening; consider planting species that mosquitos and other pests don’t like, including marigolds, lemon thyme, peppermint, and lavender. Bee balm is native to Pennsylvania, meaning that you can assist local wildlife while keeping away obnoxious flies and gnats. If you have a vegetable garden, strongly consider planting garlic and basil, both of which are major mosquito deterrents. 

It’s important to note that some plants that repel mosquitos are toxic to household pets, including lemongrass and eucalyptus. Be sure to carefully check that any plants are pet-safe before heading to the local nursery.

Outdoor Firepit

Camping is a favorite family pastime: heading to the great outdoors and cooking s’mores over the campfire while you tell spooky stories is a wonderful bonding activity, making memories that will last forever. However, you can enjoy many of these same experiences in your very own backyard if you install an outdoor firepit. 

Choose a solid firepit made out of brick or other heat-resistant materials, and always ensure that it is placed on its own concrete pad, well away from trees or combustibles. Should you want to capture the feeling of being out in the wilderness, choose a more rustic fire ring, but if you’re seeking a high-class touch, go for fire glass, which comes in a variety of colors and provides an incredibly unique aesthetic. 

Kennett Square, PA, is a city of beautiful homes, and this includes backyards. Build a place people will love to visit by considering the little amenities, such as sprinklers and mosquito-repellant plants, as well as larger investments such as a deck and permanent outdoor lighting, and you’ll soon be the most popular house on the block.