Moving into a custom-built, luxury home is an exciting time, especially when that move coincides with the return of North Carolina’s warm weather. You may still be unpacking a few boxes or exploring your new community but now is also the time to start turning your outdoor spaces into a season-ready oasis! Ken Harvey Homes offers beautiful, brand-new homes on spacious lots that are perfect for delightful days spent outdoors. Whether you want to plant roots in the Blue Ridge or Triangle area of North Carolina, we have the perfect design plan to get started.

How can you ready your patios, porches, and lawns to create amazing memories? It only takes a few steps!

• Clean the Slate: Before you start decorating or planting, you’ll want to remove debris left behind by winter’s winds. Remove fallen branches, lingering leaves, and that pesky coat of yellow pollen. 
  • Sweep patios, decks, and walkways to clear off debris.
  • Power wash your home’s brick and concrete surfaces to remove grime or mildew.
  • Wipe down outdoor furniture to remove pollen, spider webs, and dust.
  • Clean light fixtures, door handles, and your mailbox to brighten up your home’s little touches!
• Love Your Lawn: Each Ken Harvey Homes’ new build includes a gorgeous, lightly landscaped lawn. If you love your lawn as is, fantastic! For those that prefer to personalize, now is the time to get started. 
  • Create flower beds using plants native to North Carolina such as Black-eyed Susans, Purple Coneflowers, or Coral Honeysuckle. Using native plants decreases long-term maintenance, leaving you more time to enjoy your work!
  • Top off flower beds by adding two to three inches of mulch. Mulch will help conserve moisture during North Carolina’s long, dry spells and it looks beautiful! Don’t forget to add edging to your flower beds to create a crisp, tidy appearance.
  • New plants will need more water as they get settled in their new home. Watering early in the day will help those roots get established more efficiently as evaporation increases as temperatures rise throughout the day.
  • Container gardens are a simple way to bring summer to life. Tomatoes, basil, peppers, and cucumbers all thrive in containers on a sunny porch or patio. Herbs like rosemary and mint are almost foolproof and wonderful for use in summer cooking and drinks.
• Patios, Porches, and Personalization! Customizing your outdoor entertainment areas offers a chance to get creative! 
  • Whether you opt for a small table and pair of chairs or a large, al fresco dining area–build a space which beckons you outside during this sun-soaked season.
  • Invest in a sturdy umbrella or sail shade to create a spot that stays cool all summer long.
  • Add outdoor rugs in bright colors and unique patterns to create interest while defining different zones for multi-use spaces.
  • More plants! Potted plants or planters are great for a touch of greenery. This also creates an easy way to swap out seasonal flowers all year long!
  • String lights or lanterns can take a porch or patio to new levels by offering soft ambiance once the sun goes down. Opt for solar-powered, LED lights for added convenience.
• Long-term Lifestyle and Entertainment: Because it can be overwhelming to create outdoor spaces, feel free to focus on one area at a time, expanding each year. Start by thinking about how your family lives and plays!
  • If you have kids at home, include shaded play areas, a corner sandbox, and a spot to set up a sprinkler.
  • Pet-lovers should include a designated potty area, sturdy fencing, and a shaded spot for pets to relax.
  • An outdoor chef’s kitchen should include an oversized grill (don’t forget the fuel!), ample prep space, and easy access to clean-up needs. 
  • Al Fresco eating? Invest in a dining table that offers loads of elbow room for visiting friends and family. Accessorize with citronella candles for a two-purpose pop of light.
  • Extend quiet evenings under the stars by adding a fire pit in a quiet corner of your yard. It will be a perfect place to enjoy crisp temperatures. 
• Plan for Upkeep: One of the easiest ways to lose momentum with outdoor spaces is by not considering the upkeep that will be needed down the road. This is also why “starting small” makes sense as you can better gauge time needed for maintenance. 
  • Weed Weekly: Plan on spending fifteen minutes weeding a few times a week to avoid those unwelcome visitors from getting out of control.
  • Deadhead Flowers: While weeding, pinch off any fading blooms from flowers. This will encourage new growth all season long!
  • Daily Watering: If your plan involves new plants, plan on daily watering until they are established. This may require two to three weeks of daily soakings (or longer during a dry spell). 
  • Mow Strategically: As temperatures rise, so should your mower’s blade. The hot, summer temperatures can easily scorch grass–by raising your mower blade, roots will be better protected. 
  • Clean Furniture: Plan on cleaning outdoor furniture every few weeks to prevent mildew or stains. An outdoor storage box is a convenient spot to store a few rags and cleaner.

Moving into a brand-new home is exciting, especially as warm weather returns and dreams of glorious outdoor spaces form. Make your outdoor spaces work for you while focusing on one area at a time. When it comes to patios, porches, and personalizing your lawn, there is no finish line. Start small and remember: the best yards are the ones that are used—not just admired.

Ken Harvey Homes has a variety of beautiful floor plans available to its clients. We are building luxury homes in both the Blue Ridge and Triangle areas of North Carolina. If you’ve already found your dream homesite, we are happy to come to you. Reach out to the Ken Harvey Homes team today to get started on your custom-built, luxury home!