Graduation is one of the most significant milestones in a young adult’s life, and should be celebrated as such! Many of us will be hosting graduation parties in our backyards this spring, and that means it’s time to not only plan the party, but also prepare the yard!
The good news is that with just a few simple steps, you can easily transform your yard into a clean and beautiful space fit for any gathering. Below we’ve gathered 10 simple tips to help you set the stage for a memorable graduation party that you and your guests will cherish for years to come.
1. Tidy Up
First on the party-prep agenda is to tidy up the yard. Clear away any mess or debris that may be cluttering the space. Weed your garden beds and mix in some new soil to keep them looking fresh. Cut away dead branches and stems of trees. Trim your bushes and shrubs so they look well-cared for.
2. Straighten Garden Borders
Few things are more pleasing to the eye than a nice, sharp edge. Define your garden-borders with an edging tool to trim the overgrown grass and cut down any weeds. Once you’re finished, consider adding bricks or stone along the borders to create a more intentional, elevated look.
3. Plant & Water
Thinking about doing some last minute planting? Even if it’s the day before, you can absolutely plant some pretty flowers to spruce up the space! Consider some colorful tulips, daffodils, or ranunculi. Just make sure to water deeply after planting to make sure your new plants are well-established the next day.
4. Spread Mulch
Once you’ve finished planting, spread some fresh mulch over the ground to insulate your new plants and make sure they retain moisture. Mulch also has the added benefit of making those colorful flowers really pop.
5. Provide Seating
Now it’s time to think about your guests. Make sure there are plenty of seating areas available in your yard. Set up some outdoor furniture, or bring out extra chairs so everyone can relax and enjoy the party. If you need to, make sure your yard is wheelchair accessible by adding ramps where necessary.
6. Create Shade
If your graduation party is during the day, make sure to provide some shade for your guests. No one wants to be squinting all day or get sunburnt! Set up a canopy, umbrellas, or even a pop-up tent to keep everyone cool and comfortable.
7. Add Lighting
Plan on celebrating into the evening? Make sure you have some attractive lighting to keep the party going! Illuminate your walkways so people don’t stumble or trip. Hang some string lights overhead. Underlight your new plants. Consider adding a fire pit for maximum good vibes!
8. Decorate
Now for the fun part! Make sure to decorate your yard to get everyone in the graduation party spirit. From classic streamers to elegant gazing balls, you can spruce up your yard in whatever way suits your fancy. Want to go the extra mile? Try to decorate in your graduate’s school colors.
9. Create a Focal Point
A focal point can be anything that draws your guests’ attention, such as a centerpiece, a decorated tree, or a backdrop for photos. (Consider creating a living wall with a fun neon sign to commemorate the event and make it extra Instagram-friendly!)
10. Add Entertainment
Plan some fun activities for your guests to keep everybody entertained throughout the night. Outdoor games could include cornhole, horseshoes, darts, giant Jenga – the possibilities are endless!
By implementing these 10 easy steps, your yard will be graduation-party ready in no time. Congratulations on your graduation, and we wish you a wonderful celebration with your loved ones!
Spring Is Around the Corner! Are You Ready?
At McDonough Landscaping, we specialize in creating beautiful outdoor living spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you need help with landscape design or maintenance, we are here to assist you. Contact McDonough Landscaping today or give us a call at (651) 755-7901 to learn more about how we can help you get your yard graduation-party ready today!
