Your New Jersey home boasts a beautiful backyard, but are you making the most of your outdoor space? We took a look at the work of tri-state area landscape architect, Steve Griggs Design , for inspiration on how to elevate your backyard. From adding perennial plants to playing around with different lighting options, these simple upgrades will make an immediate impact—just in time for summer.  Add New Plants and Vegetation Photo courtesy of Steve Griggs Design

Photo courtesy of Steve Griggs Design

According to Griggs, having a lush outdoor space is not about having “a few cool-looking plants…it’s about having the right plants.” This means choosing plants and vegetation that will work with, not against, your natural environment and lifestyle—whether you’re a hobby gardener or the low-maintenance type. Griggs’ three decades of experience “ensures he knows every plant and where it needs to go.” Redesign Your Pool and Patio Photo courtesy of Steve Griggs Design

Photo courtesy of Steve Griggs Design

Planning on adding a pool to your backyard? What about sprucing up your patio? Consulting with an expert will help you narrow down the size, style and cost. Not to mention, they’ll be there to guide you through the process. “If your backyard lays unused and unattractive, a pool might be just the thing it needs… And if you want to catch up with your friends and family, your new pool could be the perfect reason,” says Griggs. Play Around With Lighting  Photo courtesy of Steve Griggs Design

Photo courtesy of Steve Griggs Design

The benefits of landscape lighting are twofold. For starters, it’s an easy way to instantly revitalize your yard. In addition, it can increase visibility by highlighting specific areas of your outdoor space. Griggs explains, “Landscape lights allow you to soak in the beauty of your landscape regardless of the time of day. When done right, landscape lighting is absolutely mesmerizing…and when it also makes your home safer, it becomes a necessity too.” Create an Outdoor Cooking or Entertaining Space Photo courtesy of Steve Griggs Design

Photo courtesy of Steve Griggs Design

Picture this. The weather is warm, the family’s over and you’re stuck indoors manning the stove. Since we all know the best part of summer is being outside, now might be the time to up your entertaining game and invest in an outdoor kitchen. “An outdoor kitchen is not a whim, it’s a necessity for entertaining,” says Griggs. “It works as an extension of your home, allowing you to spend more time outside, where all the summer fun happens.”

Are you thinking about elevating your backyard? For more on Steve Griggs Design, follow his work on social media .  landscape architectlandscape designerlandscapernew jersey landscape architectnew jersey landscape designernew jersey landscapernj backyardnj home designnj landscape architectnj landscape designnj landscapersteve griggs design

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