There’s nothing like enjoying the cool spring breeze before it turns into warm summer days, especially in the Carolinas. To enjoy the Carolina weather to the fullest, it's a must that your home has a spectacular outdoor living area to soak up the sun. At Shea Homes®, we understand the importance of creating a seamless transition between indoor comfort and outdoor tranquility. In our communities, we've curated homes that capture the essence of indoor-outdoor living, inviting you to embrace the beauty of the Carolina outdoors right in your own backyard.
A properly designed outdoor living space makes for a perfect sanctuary and also serves as a great place to enjoy some outdoor fun and entertain guests by extending your home’s square footage in a functional and fun way. An outdoor fireplace, kitchen, or patio are just some of the ways that allow you to fully appreciate our beautiful weather.
Now’s the time to start thinking about how you’ll utilize and maximize your outdoor living space so you can create memories with loved ones. From lively parties to a quiet dinner on the patio, here is a quick list of ways you can elevate your backyard! Get ready to get outside this summer!
Gardening Zones
Get your hands dirty and unleash your inner green thumb with some gardening therapy! Cultivate a garden, whether it's a whimsical butterfly haven, a serene zen retreat or a few seasonal vegetables that will last through the summer months. Not only will you beautify your outdoor space, but you'll also reap the rewards of fresh herbs, flowers, or veggies straight from your backyard. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of nurturing growth and watching your garden flourish!
For a yard that’s blooming with color in the summer, it’s important to plant your flowers in the spring. Planning for summer blooms in the Carolinas involves selecting plants that can tolerate the heat. Below are a few options:
- Hydrangeas are classic summer flowers known for their large, showy blooms. They come in various colors, including blue, pink, white, and purple, depending on the pH of the soil. With proper care, they can thrive in the Carolina climate.
- Daylilies are hearty flowers that can bloom in a wide variety of colors throughout the summer. They are low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil types and weather conditions. Daylily plants can last for years and continue blooming flowers each summer, so they are a great long-term landscaping investment.
- Zinnias look very similar to chrysanthemums, however unlike the autumn-loving chrysanthemum, zinnias flourish in the summer! These easy-to-grow flowers can tolerate some real heat, and come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Zinnias bloom all summer long and are excellent for adding pops of color to gardens and flower beds!
Fitness Fun
Who needs a stuffy gym when you have the great outdoors as your playground? Get your sweat on with some outdoor exercise – whether it's jogging through a scenic path in your neighborhood, striking a yoga pose on your patio, or sculpting your muscles by bringing your gym equipment outdoors. You can complete a full-body workout in your backyard by using portable and lightweight equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands, medicine balls, jump rope, or a yoga mat!
Find a flat spot to roll out your yoga mat for stretching or weighted movements or improve your cardio fitness by scoping out some local hills for an incline sprint workout. Embrace the challenge of exercising in the warmer weather, but don't forget to stay hydrated and sun-safe while you work up a sweat!
Dinner on the Patio
Elevate your dining experience with a touch of outdoor magic! Set the scene with a charming outdoor dining area adorned with twinkling patio lights and fragrant blooms while you enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
For added convenience and style, bring a rolling beverage cart outside and serve refreshing summer drinks like a Paloma or Aperol Spritz – we love this recipe below!
Summertime Paloma
2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
2 ounces sparkling water
½ ounce lime juice
¼ ounce simple syrup or agave nectar, adjust to taste
2 ounces tequila (or omit as desired)
Mix ingredients and pour into a glass with ice cubes. Add salt to the rim as desired and adjust sweetness to taste. Garnish with a lime or grapefruit wedge and enjoy!
Movie Night in the Backyard
Turn your backyard into a cinema with a movie night under the stars! Gather your loved ones, set up a cozy seating area, and fire up the projector for a larger-than-life movie experience. Don't forget the classic movie snacks – popcorn, candy, and fizzy drinks – to complete the theater experience. With the night sky as your backdrop and the laughter of friends as your soundtrack, it’ll be a movie night you'll never forget.
Make this summer the best one yet by enjoying your outdoor living space. From dinner parties to movie nights, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your sunscreen, round up your loved ones, and let's dive into a summer filed with fun, relaxation, and unforgettable memories right in your backyard!
Sales: Shea Communities Marketing Company (NC #C25840), (SC #24982); Construction: SHALC GC, INC. (NC #75061), SH South Carolina, Inc. (SC #CLG.125141). Equal Housing Opportunity.