Summer in Colorado is more than just a season. It invites you to step outside and enjoy every inch of your outdoor space. But without the right summer landscape, a yard that looks tired, patchy, or uninspired could cause you to miss out on the best months of the year.
At Westside Grounds, we believe your summer landscape should feel like a personal retreat, where long evenings, bright flowers, and shady afternoons come together naturally. With thoughtful updates, you can transform an ordinary lawn into a beautiful summer landscape that turns heads and brings joy all season long.
Read on to learn about some of our favorite ideas for refreshing your yard and making this your best summer yet.
Beautiful Summer Landscape Ideas for Colorado Homes
If you are ready to refresh your yard, here are some landscaping ideas to get you started.
1. Incorporate Drought-Tolerant Plants
Colorado’s summer heat demands plants that can handle long periods without heavy watering. Adding drought-tolerant plants like lavender, Russian sage, yarrow, and ornamental grasses brings beauty and resilience to your landscape.
Grouping drought-tolerant species into colorful beds can create a beautiful landscape design that flourishes even when rain is scarce. Plus, you’ll enjoy lower maintenance and reduced water bills.
2. Install a Shaded Seating Area
Add a shaded seating spot to make your backyard more inviting. Consider a pergola, a retractable awning, or a simple canopy paired with comfortable outdoor furniture. A shaded space allows you to enjoy your yard even on the hottest afternoons.
Add a few potted plants, hanging baskets, or a string of outdoor lights to complete the look and create an oasis you will never want to leave.
3. Create Vibrant Flower Beds
Nothing says summer like a splash of bright flowers. Plant seasonal favorites like petunias, marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos to create colorful borders, flower beds, and container gardens.
Mix different heights, colors, and bloom times to keep your garden lively throughout the summer. Flower beds placed near patios, walkways, or driveways add instant charm and welcoming energy to your home’s exterior.
4. Build a Low-Maintenance Rock Garden
Rock gardens are a smart and stylish solution for landscaping in Colorado. They offer beauty with minimal upkeep and work particularly well in sunny, dry areas where grass struggles to grow. Rock gardens add visual interest and texture while conserving water and reducing the need for mowing.
5. Upgrade Your Mulch
A fresh layer of mulch improves the appearance of your garden beds and helps retain soil moisture, control weeds, and protect plant roots from extreme heat.
Opt for organic mulch such as shredded bark, pine needles, or wood chips. Choose natural, earth-toned colors to complement the Colorado landscape and give your yard a polished, well-cared-for appearance.
6. Add an Outdoor Fire Pit
Fire pits create a natural gathering space for family and friends on summer evenings. Whether you choose a built-in stone fire pit or a portable metal version, adding a fire feature increases the enjoyment of your outdoor space.
Surround the area with comfortable seating, and consider incorporating stone pavers or pea gravel to define the space. It is a great way to extend outdoor living into the cooler nights of late summer and early fall.
7. Focus on Native Plants
Native plants adapt to Colorado’s climate and soil conditions, making them ideal for summer landscapes. Species like serviceberry, rabbitbrush, penstemon, and blue grama grass provide beauty while requiring minimal irrigation and fertilizer.
Native plants also support local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies.
8. Install a Drip Irrigation System
Efficient watering is critical during the heat of summer. A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the roots of your plants, minimizing evaporation and maximizing efficiency.
Installing a drip system keeps your plants healthy, saves water, and makes maintaining your garden easier all season long.
9. Brighten Your Landscape with Outdoor Lighting
Good lighting extends the usability of your yard into the evening and highlights the best features of your landscape. Solar-powered pathway lights, uplighting for trees, and spotlights for architectural elements all enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Choose warm, soft lighting to create a cozy and inviting summer atmosphere while boosting your home’s safety and security.
10. Create a Wildflower Meadow
If you have a larger yard, consider turning part of it into a wildflower meadow. Native wildflowers require little maintenance and provide incredible color and movement throughout the summer.
Wildflower meadows support pollinators, conserve water, and add a natural, effortless beauty that changes with the seasons.
Why Focus on Summer Landscaping?
Summers in Colorado are all about outdoor living. Investing in your landscaping boosts your home’s curb appeal and extends your living space into the outdoors. Smart landscape design can:
- Create shaded areas for relaxation;
- Add vibrant colors, textures, and movement to your property;
- Improve water efficiency through drought-tolerant plants and smart irrigation; and
- Increase the overall value, beauty, and enjoyment of your home.
A well-designed landscape makes your property more resilient during the hottest months, helping your yard handle temperature swings, dry spells, and sudden storms with ease. Whether you are planning family gatherings, backyard barbecues, or quiet evenings under the stars, thoughtful summer landscaping ensures your outdoor spaces are ready for it all.
Refresh Your Yard with Westside Grounds
Summer is the perfect season to breathe new life into your outdoor space. Whether you want to add colorful flowers, install a relaxing fire pit, or transform your yard into a low-maintenance retreat, Westside Grounds is here to help.
Every homeowner deserves an outdoor space they love. Whether you want a colorful garden refresh, a complete summer landscape redesign, or simple improvements to boost curb appeal, our team has the expertise to make it happen. With over 25 years of experience working in Colorado’s unique climate, we know how to create beautiful landscapes that are easy to maintain. Contact Westside Grounds today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can create a stunning summer landscape tailored to your style, needs, and Colorado’s beautiful environment.