![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/best_venue_badge.png\"){kind=icon}
The term “wedding bell blues” has taken on a new meaning as the pandemic forces couples to postpone nuptials until it’s safe for crowds to gather. But as the $74 billion industry suffers, there’s a bright spot: Outdoor weddings are gaining in popularity. Outdoor wedding venues have always been popular. Tying the knot in Mother […]
\n","content":"\nThe term “wedding bell blues” has taken on a new meaning as the pandemic forces couples to postpone nuptials until it’s safe for crowds to gather. But as the $74 billion industry suffers, there’s a bright spot: Outdoor weddings are gaining in popularity.
\n\n\n\nOutdoor wedding venues have always been popular. Tying the knot in Mother Nature carries a splendor no indoor venue can match. Choosing a beautiful garden or vista can save you an average of $1,500 on wedding flowers. And now there’s a new reason to consider them, since they can keep guests safer with social distancing and avoiding recirculated air.
\n\n\n\nSo if you’re considering an outdoor wedding venue, we’ve made it easier by compiling a list of the best, with a special focus on landscaping and natural beauty. Below are the winners of Wikilawn’s “Wiki Wonder Award” for best landscaped wedding venues.
\n\n\n\nTo win the Wiki-award badge of honor, the venue must have several selling points:
\n\n\n\nWeeding the list down to the best was challenging. We now know what brides go through when choosing the site for her picture-perfect wedding. We hope this list will make things a little less stressful.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/jP2oGeISjwPECaOEp-mriyU4qBjTCiKSXinEeFk9COyrrLtmbjXXQ3hc4b_TDI2ZpIOYDZjjtuU4Ndq4-eMa9Lp1Xfj2oLExsQBw8M7WQR7H7e_-wXYq0GG6TFYJ30B_8eZFvkga\")
Calling itself the “emerald jewel in the crown of Atlanta culture,” the Botanical Garden opened in 1976. It’s become one of the city’s most popular wedding sites, but choosing your setting isn’t an easy task, as there are so many gorgeous backdrops. Want a serene forest setting? Got it. Lush tropical plants and the sound of waterfalls? Yep. Or go for the most popular ceremony site on the grounds: the Rose Garden, with brightly hued flowers and a brilliant green lawn.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/lNhDIvYHR3xdOsR4M-9siNjJaPJJDeLI8EXij7yHhgPutKcVnu-kXH5y__sFnjRewV4iZ3pCfCc2AAMIOcQSlIGASy0m9B1SRRAT7S-OmjqvB3CRA2EX7z2kS2-1r6CYxpbKfEHr\")
This historic mansion on Atlanta’s Peachtree Street was the talk of the town when it was built 116 years ago. Amos Rhodes was inspired by homes he saw when traveling through the German Rhineland and built this house for his family. These days, Rhodes Hall is a museum and the setting for numerous weddings. You can hold your ceremony inside, but the outdoor backdrop features a magnificent green lawn, flowers, and trees against large stone arches.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Going Green
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/HOT2Blqi3IL_AwDWpiOeupzurxaLjNC-0ksOGNTvAn9aMn2gR_-crMrMEa8Cm1rCi2Z3HXzaQ2V7PdqZ851glJ41jPSw1A5N_t7uxjEA2mMJ9PGeoeOsq1DRCkGXFAh86mDC7lz4\")
The Contemporary Austin has a lofty goal: to be an essential part of city life. With a unique combination of both urban and outdoor sites, the museum has something for everyone. The Contemporary occupies a downtown space that housed a drugstore 150 years ago. Several renovations later, it became The Contemporary in 1998. Many couples looking for a downtown wedding choose this site for the renowned Moody Rooftop, featuring a breathtaking view of downtown, including the Capitol.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Create at Home
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/vcN71kHI2Vndv0IAIxROm6Wc1OXvJRfeD3w8xL72B_av1zvCHRJinPgo9HhDwckTKmOatDXHsJqzSDmISt5vuVFjg5M8eBDGUGoL3DiQrWgFXJ-fiiyjTnslVPLDYDGPQIipWGAB\")
Atlanta, known as “the Gate City” since 1857, after the railroad system was completed, is home to this landmark. Back then, Atlanta was the gateway from the Atlantic Ocean to the west by train. Now, this 100-foot tall monument is the backdrop for weddings held in its courtyard. Ceremonies take place on the oval lawn, nestled inside Roman columns and surrounded by green trees and shrubs. There’s even a pond with a fountain.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Collections Highlights
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Rkf-iZQrNXFghJYiIpXjrGzcbTquKwQi1yNZt4khHcoQxrCHV3_6NXIUU1Cy8KjkuMi6aDuO9kTZ8XzRKLkyPbk1NprMuGcSV5YJpnWZrO8t-xrGZ_Db3E0jC644JmHDn2lXKj5C\")
This historic site in the heart of Austin, Texas, has a fascinating and varied background. Built in 1856, the Neill-Cochran House Museum features the city’s only intact slave quarters. The Greek Revival home was also used as a school for the blind and, during the Civil War, a federal hospital. This antebellum venue features an outdoor space for weddings with stone pavers, trees, flowers, and privacy shrubs surrounded by history.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Dancing With the Demon Rum
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Zj5a7g4zSoxeN_KGKmXFu1VcG46m5EV03WJ96JV6jA6gvcnR0Sjb1y577LLycEtm7qKWAXW5lIl7SfNvBUNodg_cdVYUDiCbuekOckwUKNy1xpkUiz5l6ow_J57n0mq1H-PQ5mqG\")
Co-owner Tirzah Caffee grew up around weddings, thanks to her parents, who restored historic homes and turned them into wedding venues. The Alexander Homestead was built in 1903 in Charlotte, N.C., and was renovated to its present state in 2010. The outdoor space is full of vibrant flowerbeds, emerald-green hedges and trees, pathways, and water features with small bridges.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Stress Free: The Way Your Wedding Should Be
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2nT5DK6JaEtksNSJNZ9eAnPlgyNG8-DwtclT-nL1rqp4XX7rq7rc7_NBDqxCBG3VbIcSIZO83vuGIufIvXZ_-MuoHrgvPA9eWEBqmNrziWnYx-mvWpbFmJJ1J6kWEVk2W8QFfpC9\")
The original Duke Mansion was built in 1915. Four years later, tobacco mogul James Buchanan Duke bought it and tripled its size. The Charlotte, N.C., property passed through many hands before landing with a foundation designed to preserve its history. The Duke Mansion operates as a small, upscale inn and hosts weddings 25 weekends a year, making it a much-sought-after site. Two outdoor spaces are available, each with beautiful grounds and brilliant flowers.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Mary DBT Semans Gardens
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZhvmgtrpoU5VtbO6mnoYsvJn7wyB7dT7pSt4cHUQCOEBJ0OwJb07OiSUCZADib3fpHSy-CNetDO0UZubkGZIqGbkngCUJlCiZhA8R3uh50-a68wH1qcyX1VQ0xwzc8T2SiGTtR6w\")
The 18-acre Pinecroft estate sits right in the middle of a busy neighborhood in Cincinnati. The area was less developed when the estate was built in 1928 by inventor and former owner of the Cincinnati Reds, Powell Crosley, Jr. The mansion now belongs to Cincinnati Preservation and serves as an event center. The grounds feature a 5-acre lake, dozens of gardens, and a lavish pavilion, providing a variety of backdrops for weddings.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Rich English Elegance for Your Cincinnati Celebration
\n\n\n\nCincinnati Parks
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/QQbIS4ZTqDf6uA9-9yFi79V6bsnoxVzJ4jcui6-diajiuKUKd5pmqmhv65kIFY7k7gqRGk1LLylkNf_2hvClZ5w6gT2pb9pjg2YUZ9KybUwhBFCQDWtT3Im5s-XDeUC7vvIQ8DSd\")
Cincinnati’s first park started with a donation of land in 1817, laying the groundwork for today’s large city park system. Four of the parks offer wedding backdrops, including a mid-nineteenth century domed pavilion on a vast lawn. You’ll also find picturesque gazebos and arbor settings featuring both annual and perennial gardens.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Cincinnati Parks Rank 5th in the Nation
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Tucked away in a 15-acre park setting, Nationwide Hotels & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio, is the perfect spot for outdoor weddings. Couples can choose from a patio overlooking a tranquil pond, a luxurious lawn with mature trees and vibrant floral displays, or a white pergola with clinging wisteria vines. The Nationwide Hotel hosts more than 75 weddings each year.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Send Them Off in Style
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/InuDUdWRsmQ_JO_MbADGu3dzm_z5leF0I_OcYEhw_55r4HPpEKMm7FrRpt9_Ge5Qv_CTtw9CRR3rtDtKgmiWEqQzDK64BMPRju7uERmzXkkmf8L7b8l8ytLnz6fSUpOkF8kuUPOJ\")
This banquet hall wedding venue near Columbus, Ohio, offers one-stop shopping for couples. The rustic setting features reclaimed wood, whiskey barrel tables, and a wrought iron arbor. The outdoor patio sits near a secluded stream and the garden is bursting with flowers. Guests can hold the ceremony and reception on-site, where meals are also prepared and a DJ is available, making wedding planning simple.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Ceremonies
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/JoWz-FVOol39gujChFoUZcksKGyVQM-aD7VEeqGq8cwd36HYSm7x9rhJJMO4qL0TQ198fmdw7bhH_WWKB7O0awOY10E5as4hzN5Mor-nbFPuOO7tR0i8ZnH_b6RX_fjHhhpduJnG\")
This country-like location is just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas. Rambling Rose Ranch is home to horses, donkeys, goats, and chickens. The flagstone patio in the center of a large gravel floor is surrounded by gardens, potted flowers, and oak trees. Nearly all the decor was created by the ranch owners on a shoestring budget. It’s now one of Austin’s most popular wedding destinations.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Nature=Stress Relief
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7V71g1_YzcUTND7fDn7AUgc3ui3CiWJMWhHWFFWbUSBVPTq1DwRQHI00pf2jYUDZB7tcLDtiFcwmH9fVCJszX3dkMRnlfhtYebu5Cww4EiI8qZI2vE1lBFbM0dSxHQ66gmKpF9e_\")
The backdrop for this wedding venue is a beautifully designed and landscaped 18-hole golf course. The Reception House is managed by Schmidt’s, the city’s iconic food service legacy that goes back more than 100 years in Columbus. Seal your love on the greens or opt for a patio ceremony with a view of the idyllic setting.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Wedding Receptions
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QWmzv-cuCE0kgB98AgroQOnwou0EIHw_CrxQDG9e3nOQiuqX8_E5sr4l_hUDipKYj__WKY5pmWlDpdBnLw0l7RsZqJXNM4eM9N-xzoN6XiztrRT4MPaYrmcLDrydad1fBwmueoxJ\")
Imagine dinner and dancing under the stars next to works by Picasso. That can be your wedding reality at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas. The Nasher is home to more than 300 contemporary sculptures by famous artists and has hosted countless weddings. The intimate sculpture garden includes more than a hundred weeping willows, live oaks, and magnolias. The center is a past winner of an Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Sweet Pass Sculpture Park Revels in Looseness
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QaPt7oGF22EXo4HtBJnlwdz6p5jJABRl_CqOyyCzCTBfXJghQthfEoTQB0NG7hwdCz4jkT-eTBRkzQ3Xw-6H-2XNVtFYVHsVbn20YKwBY247xuCt9VjZ-oM4044QPRnxgb_nNbde\")
Built in 1902 for James Benton Grant, the third governor of Colorado, Denver’s Grant Humphreys Mansion was sold to oil baron A.E. Humphreys 15 years later. The Colorado Historical Society now manages the property, using the front lawn and back patio (with pergola) for weddings. Photographers rave about this site because it’s located next to a park and features flower beds, birch trees, and rolling lawns. The lighting at sunset also helps create picture-perfect wedding memories.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Research & Learn
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Villa Parker bills itself as the place “Where the Tuscan Charm Meets the Rockies.” This wedding venue is just south of Denver and features a grand entrance and brilliant gardens. You’ll also get great pictures under the archways and courtyard with panoramic mountain views.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Villa Weddings
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Ck32MichoAh6rMaWaBraxzQLrzrQ6TbEPPcHTWacTmeaU9O_FeVzkgxmNog9SMGfs_GYu1W1QhaRjuRMEcMzVyQJ1E_Si5n--uW_3gREIwe-B9aWxnaVNGD8rjh0bWpcZafN0B-9\")
Wedding guests will go ape over ceremonies held at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas. This is an unmatched spot for your special day, offering several backdrops. Put black bears and jaguars on the guest list at Texas Wild!, overlook a savanna and gaze at giraffes among the trees. Maybe you prefer the green surroundings of the Museum of Living Art gardens while surrounded (safely) by crocodiles, turtles, and exotic fish.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Fort Worth Zoo Is Seeing Pink!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1uuVjKAIPRdZJiJD-ZL5jt_Fi7B4yertdiCAW5RBq0GUCVHZpmB51RRfgUJZpBQ7l0JPWmXk80YZPRrBfKBj-RCZH1LeM_tmG32iLmFQFN4wVDgKtpRLcxFC2jd1aEgq27ESLZi7\")
This art gallery and wedding venue in Fort Worth occupies a space that’s 110 years old. Enjoy two sculpture gardens and an outdoor patio. Cafe lights strung between the many tall trees create a just-right ambiance.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Elopements and Intimate Ceremonies
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/KE7jal_Av-rt0Rk7xpjvPRhHx-rZ8OOvW8ryyuR-zjO8ykj_7ox-Y0gPIE97INkL1T--9DdzsR1mn1xAvodyUGDnm1Ylt7FT1ikf3ePkfOWFFNLmUfwrSz7XBnAtSjOOE8363ILC\")
The Houstonian sits on 27 wood acres with several beautifully landscaped backdrops for couples to choose from. Pine and oak trees hold lush foliage and flora. Say “I do” under the twinkling lights wrapping a majestic live oak. Or spread out over the Event Lawn where, at certain times of the year, you’ll be treated to Houston’s show-stopping azaleas.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Celebrate Everything Azalea at the Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wb0lP0KVi0BLhKR7m7ihFdi6kF_tCRbWviwFxKj-SusXGDjcYBVJ9wNz1UW-XPY5YKYqDd4OuRAJ9_ToxuJezTziiAvZUSL6eHQfLRoKWDwxkqUF0-KdaVKWPtpOWZU9YbsBkb3z\")
Looking for a rustic setting for your wedding? Moffitt Oaks in Houston may have what you want. Say your vows under an arbor next to a lake with a backdrop of mature trees, a green lawn, succulents, and flowers. Or choose a more rural look with a corral fence, an expansive lawn and an arbor dripping with plants and vines.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Outdoor Wedding Venues in Houston That Will Get the Party Started
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/DMVLSIcSIR1mv9n3S3FXPLwNj1E98YXIAQ2aZr3qhGpqEmgZ3wmQia-D1r8dCCBXSVfBn0qXPWYL_JsM1OruPFdoBstdJwFpyXtx3ntyXGB2wzb_ina7nqwWCcKxeNOc5M-PJoX3\")
Longview Mansion was Kansas City lumber baron R.A. Long’s country estate. Built in 1913, it was once known as the “World’s Most Beautiful Farm.” Restored to its original splendor two years ago, Longview Mansion boasts numerous perfectly manicured outdoor spaces for weddings. Cultivated gardens, wooded sites, a lake and sprawling fields create a picturesque backdrop for your ceremony.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Choosing a Wedding Venue
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/dbOUOFFxhAP7azFmhfPLTF4baH6fFkNZk77GgUPiSNdy3LOeZ6TKeRHgBs-QUycO3KuszszBq8__eowLmhOH6wOVKV3yNuoRcIETacjwlaP3lcg0GjPWJndzvQmGGSp0sD0HSTs_\")
An open-air chapel is a unique setting for a wedding, and you’ll find just that at The Pavilion Event Space in Kansas City. Surrounded by an expansive lawn, the chapel features trees, a garden, hardscaping, bridges and paths. State-of-the-art amphitheater surround sound and custom lighting make it an outdoor wedding to remember.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Moody + Romantic Wedding
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/BajKR6O6P6DZ_i53nieCYp3ewEHHMlCxWU7-9Z5wfSZXQUQ7JYnIYvvGJgZwDdIeAyyx5wzTEqlX3mbz2kmCBV5pTmZHxJHNZUep1btF7WsZlHRQXbOV-nTMptgvO8ghv6AuaPUo\")
This venue in Phoenix was never intended to be the popular wedding spot it’s become. The owner created the Hidden Gardens as a personal project but soon decided to share its distinctive style. Boojum Tree is a 5-acre forest of trees, fountains — even a waterfall! Couples can tie the knot on the Mexican Plaza, the Tropical Rainforest, or English Garden.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Photo Shoots
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eRX1mWH3SLt5LZQ9oIre0gFgdiBSLXCIjqvQZOA2vKalv_Ykd-ezbdP7aEwA5AO9TLC4SMLl3TDSZOgJ5ooNdkqMJavb6P2bd55rPpIzOZcBkHF8PRia6NuBPqyQFljSjWuTc57A\")
The Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., initially operated as a couples retreat. These days, couples remain in the picture but the focus is on uniting them in marriage. Wedding sites include a stone-walled courtyard surrounded by palm trees, cacti and succulents, a lawn with mountain vistas, and the Camelback Vista with a garden and mountain views.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Weddings Outdoor Venues
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/BjARXUT0mY14S4At9hfub_7f5q5kMAoF5T-oArTWyvpXUhHThHHfJmZ3CvAIUaddfzzKB7tR6JZsvvsnczKAXoniz6j-s4Jgf5do4zQzEEzpzfscLNMEjSC3q-HI8nsJIL6846PF\")
The MIM in Phoenix calls itself “The World’s Only Global Musical Instrument Museum.” With more than 7,000 instruments from 200 countries, you’ll find items played by Johnny Cash, Elvis and Tito Puente. Wedding guests in the museum’s courtyard are treated to desert foliage, fountains, the Phoenix sculpture, and gorgeous desert sunsets.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Celebrating 10 Years of MIM
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/DYDaYhVX22_kUIQCBBDXERrIECNTLkBi1rtk6zog1tqnuX3C12uEpQR1ommQGfq6StFtMWDb4WrXtiRm-RCeDzKHoM7vRL3ha7EeyFTtZ5FzTewndgp1nxNKPOF2hCX_m-awos2A\")
The Meadows near Raleigh, sits on a heritage farm (owned and operated by members of the same family for more than 100 years). The rolling meadows and mature forests set the scene for couples who want nature to play a role in their ceremony. The Valley offers wide-open spaces, the Lawn gives a more intimate feel in a smaller space and the Meadows puts guests right in the middle of grassy fields.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Gone Camping: The Big Fake Wedding
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/pJ5JqHHKqq_J1jaGvywiYkFtUu90FxcDJD7Lsv-lMPNHETgLjeFES-ZRbU7uKhQYnyvezmZ4dt75pA9j0Sfje_7KjJmcnlZhLomXi7pqDVFSzwOtyH08CYK-VZ_889HxkOcn1mwC\")
This historic home in Raleigh, N.C., was built in 1876 by Agustus S. Merrimon, a chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. For years in the 1900s, it was used as a college dormitory. Now, the Merrimon-Wynne House is one of the city’s premier wedding venues. Couples and their guests can experience the ceremony on The Lawn, under 100-year-old pecan trees, or in front of The Carriage House, with a sloping yard and a pergola.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 8 Non-Diamond Engagement Rings That Still Have Plenty of Sparkle
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qb8ZweaDJfyas9hr49BvWob2Xi0vL90Y_Y8Ju6_dZ9urIbWc3gJkkGe1cDV_o9dwA2k9vr8rEudlpTLZa2bowfnzo6YCX8GR886vlMDb8Dno4NratVbhJTX4GDSI0tK_sOlaaS4D\")
This Minneapolis, Minn, mansion was built in 1892 for George Washington Van Dusen, a grain mogul. After years of commercial use, the historic property was set to be demolished, but an investor swooped in and restored it to its original splendor. Weddings at this castle-like estate are sure to impress. Ceremonies on the brick pavers in the courtyard are surrounded by gardens, trees, and flowering shrubs; an oasis in the city.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 2020 Minnesota Bride Awards
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BnkZGa8UBKNRVnEjAZWNzSiAXCy67iwOlaP36ioOXpqNagiay6CQBceZpHsbqPW_tVUHCZI-ZUz0OlWrpVsOVYY8BjWKtMkt5nX4GGA4KGrWlv_lDLawc5QaDTiAOQ8lROtxi4D0\")
The Japanese Garden is part of Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minn. This 2-acre gem was built in 1972 on a swampy area behind the college. A professional garden architect from Tokyo helped design the space. Couples who wed at The Japanese Garden find a serene setting with shrubs sheared into specific shapes such as clouds or hills.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Japanese Garden Beckons in All Seasons
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/5dlEURh9YQNNhAcDuBwKZpaneWZM3Zpkt85_NaGa-uHle3PxqB6TOR2AQJdLB27fnsWt4T6y1YMG7fsPb4W3UwxFaSC_ShuLKUwfVYp3rUKuvb2esRxjVEFHsTgkchuglE30UntD\")
Brides and their Prince Charmings can say their vows like royalty at this venue in Minneapolis. Set in “Cindyrella’s Wedding Garden,” the backdrop for your special day features old country charm and unique landscaping. There’s a vineyard with Edelweiss and Swenson red grapevines, a 100-year-old willow tree, a flower garden, and a lake. Best of all, you arrive at the site in a white carriage.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Ceremony
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/s45RniOSidtwsB86RA6Pfp9V9_sdga0yhAPXaA__5JLOIntB8EA4jggEusid8N1_tNuos_sIxtpV10NIulvrok-ehv3das1pDTJPEC2FdUEor37YApRiylxy7hU3OG4KzSajGzuG\")
This historic property in Stillwater, Minn., has an unusual past. It was founded in 1858 as a poor farm, a place for the chronically indigent. The farm was discontinued 100 years later and eventually abandoned. Today, fully renovated, The Outing Lodge at Pine Point, serves as a pastoral setting for weddings. With 300 acres of wooded paths and rolling land amid hundreds of pines, the setting offers something for everyone.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Theme Rooms
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Oa27X_ZjdJIkjkFn6XPi61vba1UV9yUby4JvL3XlGv_ycsokD5V4gnyqkdlHbi8hvaPRPbDQwTgPt2UrQULEspL-pGg56P-63_9D5XF34qPIBOxm-U8J6g3sDNwfIsor42aiXnoM\")
The Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, a Central Florida town northwest of Orlando, is home to one of the earliest golf courses in the state. Built in 1917 to attract investors to the owner’s citrus business, the property declined during the Depression. Many years and renovations later, an inn was built based on Spanish Colonial architecture. Couples today can choose from three outdoor spaces; Legends Courtyard, Marina del Rey, and Plaza de la Fontana, all with spectacular landscaping and water views.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Goodness From the Garden
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LYVqTIwhYTLSQ3BsV5-cP3ixIsM523w-FpE419HW8ZEt3osFk2vtavw-TK7-TRVXOrDQ_X1OTDKXpD0bIUTExeuFPafOaBWd_dwAzWLVzyaYgye184foXD7S3U3JbY1YCFN_XBeS\")
In 1895, Richmond, Va., businessman Lewis Ginter bought property that was once Powhatan Indian hunting grounds. He then built the Lakeside Wheel Club, a place for local bicyclists. After several expansions, the property morphed into the Botanical Garden. Couples choose from three wedding sites: The Rose Garden envelops guests in vivid roses and delicate scents; Flagler Garden features a secluded pagoda, surrounded by a circular screen of trees; and Grace Arents Garden offers a wide lawn, a paved path leading up to an arbor and plenty of bright flowers and plants.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Worms! How to Make a Wormery
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/XYkzGurq0lFuFJUy4Sl0SMpNeAG0w7HIADMouxDdEKmo81lx5YnU7tC5BfR0CeT-qRkaxShwKpaAzE-zo6jM6QshwdmLFblRqMW9o4NX1zLs6m7IFOvu2iMekr3iddgfqiZ6QlDf\")
Raise a glass to ceremonies at Virginia’s first urban cidery! Founded seven years ago in a historic building in Richmond, Blue Bee creates artisanal ciders from heirloom Virginia apples. This full-fledged cider production and tasting facility makes for a wedding backdrop like no other. The cidery offers French country style buildings and garden with vivid blooms and, of course, cider. Bottoms up!
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Persnickety Pawpaws
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4m8SCIeJPbYjiMh7g7h3QYehAIqrZ48_4kzZxXYYOnKS2CDHMCRErIuQUvwDnIyfblEoVFCLLHwxyZBMUlix1OLsBN3zWTmSXRIveFLRy6M-KzcH5-hdyMjyTqrMGrwmJeb_rZRa\")
This ornate mansion on 100 acres of manicured lawns, flower gardens and trees started out in 1893 as the home of a wealthy lawyer and his wife. Having no children, the couple left the property to the people of Richmond, Va. Maymont is now a city park and museum and hosts many weddings each year. Impeccably landscaped spaces include the Italian Garden with hundreds of brilliant blooms, the Japanese Garden with a terraced waterfall, and The Robins Nature Center with fish, turtles, and river otters.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Teacher Appreciation
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yOZ14a2mtfhjQC3xBxIx-mYBCCPVyh7tQL1hmu5Wq3D8x0UqzyOvCtRkBLprQSzaVNJA1SgOU61fF7AOFf7mJOlCRPXR4bf3_nhgxJidksdNlV3ZUSK3Qnz4xNxlIZO8RHwddQTk\")
The 1850 Settlement in San Antonio, Texas, offers a taste of the old Southwest. The property was homesteaded 170 years ago. Couples choosing this venue will find some of the original buildings still standing. Wedding guests will enjoy a spacious lawn, an outdoor firepit and enormous live oak trees, all set against the original homestead and The Settlement Stage Coach Station.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Rainy Day Wedding
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Qfyl2q_qxWVcZz7GggXH5thu7Ooqd0QPu5pZ70j7Pwi0iYv3fxTKKEc9Y86wY3jm4Wtzxp1J5aOrJSTw8KW1hIVCOTWzBIwFZ9h21hJaoJGcSXw8-FCdF31uOuX7izw0eKXELhYx\")
This 1894 home is modeled after the chateaus and castles in Belgium and France, as its original owner was Ambassador to Belgium in the early 1890s. The historic house in San Antonio, Texas, now functions as an inn and event venue. Couples who wed outdoors on the lawn have the arches of the mansion, well-kept shrubs, and plenty of mature trees as a backdrop.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Afternoon Tea Party
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/I8kqEwrhb5qKz_f7KqAUvVbP_6tvJYlBrVm2FPzBJBQSOaEVsz8N1ZpK5brD-exS8-KROh8ysaH67OKLbPbb_y3dI87mx7ZGNwYfpmfyzV_lqE0ID8fEKV7OfNJ0J4KGgpm8_mrZ\")
Couples looking for European ambiance and charm in the Austin, Texas, area will find it at The Gardens of Cranesbury View. An Italian Sculptured Garden sits on 32 acres and features intricately designed hedges, rose bushes, and peaceful water features. An ornate gazebo with classic columns completes the picture-perfect look.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Useful Wedding Favors for Family and Friends
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/PpKdUUSxa60QPPQyS5V1Ovog-zlPnOrk_kEMu8hXONPLrAzYcQpkmWaI6xnl7cf8q5NNwbw_o4ApA1K28mGH8d0cmV4j95_FaudqaBIhu3TnvUPzMiSROmoReMmjDyibNMP_dy89\")
Imagine having peacocks on your guest list. That’s the reality for couples who hold their ceremonies at Hummingbird Gardens in Tampa. This family-owned business has been around since 2005, filling the grounds with well-known and exotic plants, trees, and flowers. Wedding guests will see the peacock and his family roaming the gardens, as well as horses and chickens.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Garden Nursery
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A_HYDn5xQs1AdNEq-gRGttLB69laW1SrPU6_fB4CxTVEKoSVr_Exr_9qw23lYM1VdXPVgBlq_QCIvh2H6Q7wvdgL_BwY_2TSWLeYz3zVyV0gLYFe3Z-Xfmrc8wkqmZolYgM-E6p\")
Four acres of natural landscaping just seven minutes from the ocean make this the ultimate wedding venue for couples wanting greenery with a beach nearby. Country Villa in rural Virginia Beach, features white blooming bushes and trees behind a unique altar. You’ll also find a pavilion surrounded by mature pines, a spiral staircase attached to a vine-covered tree, and a bridge over a rock river surrounded by flowers.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Groom’s Room
\n\n\n\nDumbarton House
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/B0iZqhAo4heFaxBMnq3JrsVl5Unkha9ofQaTAFJFCz1xB2OIu2Ea8bqSBSHsBgujrZU2BZNg4F9R9xLBLsjqCQ8tpJ-UEHLr5xeuWrtJOQXQtZZQfb2IfpMQvcFmtOpLPBJDulkQ\")
Built in 1799, Dumbarton House offers a look at life in the earliest days of our nation’s capital city. The home is famous for being the place Dolley Madison first fled to when learning the British were coming during the War of 1812. These days, the museum is often used as a wedding venue. A courtyard paved with slate is among 1.2 acres of gardens and terraces, including an herb garden growing more than 40 varieties of plants.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Dolley Madison
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LCuW0U-zFxwSXRg6Mcr6j2ks18A-jcJ09DRVRyOILUXdsjiJ_ETy36f_RkoAaypUHc-ewVa7lIa44KyxO1eMx2AJqMXjnRCCy3rfaTSrL708c3viMaQ2dbb6kArOxHH7mB07iDn2\")
This landmark hotel in Washington, D.C., has hosted presidents and world leaders since 1930 and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. In 1933, the Omni Shoreham Hotel put on the first inaugural ball for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Thirty years later, The Beatles booked the entire seventh floor. Today, the property boasts three garden wedding venues complete with trimmed hedges, cherry trees, tulip beds, and a pavilion on a vast lawn, all surrounded by a colorful forest.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 48 Hours In Washington, D.C.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/cvTy4qJc8PxFkGYiHsz1YDZ30x_hLm3T-A4g4TdCRWig7qXU-Uzsq962PzNShPILWqJSIXH0T2g6c_bljecCm4oVuzsc-Mmr_NRws3c2jqEWVdzerXzUbnJiXU6lLNQ6asPtCZk-\")
This private country estate in Jacksonville, Fla., was discovered by its owner five years ago as she was searching for a one-of-a-kind site for her own wedding. She took the rough space and put in the hard work to make it what it is today. The Keeler Property features Florida’s only covered bridge that’s open for both public and private events, a barn for rustic charm, all set on a lake and surrounded by trees.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: How Wedding Music Can Make — or Break — Your Reception
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_4a5ZFiUV_WNnWwMxp9loxH1HiWAbGaEihQbaX_3wjf7FCUZMr3vtEvNQ2crviM92DHQd2xKJBFqwtVwKJViXTZKbUmSS7MzFVgG99yp_4bNMMrdIZz0IsYLBhveIGGNJvb6FlWx\")
More than a million people visit the Chicago Botanic Garden each year, some of them brides and grooms. The Garden is a living plant museum and conservation center situated on nine islands in the Cook County Forest Preserves. Wedding parties can choose from many spaces, including a canopied terrace next to the water, an English walled garden, the Rose Terrace with its water features and roses, and the Buehler Enabling Garden, with hanging baskets and vertical flower beds.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Elements of Design
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/i-jivfckafGtfkXtvCPktuueF0ti5RSX51Wedya85cf2r6M9l7Csx17Pgwe84WHf8W6l6TlHaugCh8m64NW2t0ZI7aEFhjPnHhwFqQHNIPhPL9THfxQnyV9K0da7usp5KCMUZ100\")
In an epic example of reuse and recycling, South Coast Botanic Garden in the Greater Los Angeles area is one of the first botanical gardens to be created over a sanitary landfill. The garden is proof that land reclamation can help solve refuse disposal problems while creating a brilliant and beautiful space. Couples and their wedding guests enjoy 87 acres of rolling meadows, vivid flowers, a rustic amphitheater, a gazebo and a shaded koi pond patio, experiencing first hand this unique example of environmental improvement.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Banyan Grove
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/5Udrz2Y-lFktEL8QF2RNrnYyK6wxScUZYEbbFLcC3FQMDc9VRvCTmKLeG__BVxIyL_zSoE5QRaKO-mUfc0AuFhyz48ly3J8e6VwTnKBYJ-Lhb_0hTqJkbxfRtcoEPYOTTE9JWRJU\")
The vision of Lisa Brannon, an Ohio native and avid conservationist, sprang to life nine years ago near Dayton, Ohio. While creating a refuge for endangered species, including monarch butterflies, she also came up with a perfect outdoor wedding venue. The backdrop is a Tuscan-style pavilion surrounded by an expansive lawn, trees, stone paths, a pond, and vivid flowers everywhere. Cedar Springs Pavilion bills itself as the place where elegance meets nature.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Gardens
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/fYp_vMbfuGc5Aq-X97PGNf_ioh7jN6OhNvijpGBefDBrfaPLk_xdYpN754SahlA2MraVqr5wvQe3Yc-Del7YMk9q7hwtLYX9qVeAZYO5M0Frl4eX3fUHrpNqhrmfq5Enps7qYXwc\")
If you’re looking for a spectacular backdrop for your wedding, you can’t beat the Rocky Mountains. And if you’re looking for five-star luxury, The Little Nell has it. Located in Aspen, Colo., and named for an 1800s lady of the evening, it sits on land that’s been used as a summer hunting grounds for the Ute Indians, a place for miners to rest and a railroad depot. Today’s weddings at The Little Nell are nothing short of amazing, no manmade landscaping needed. Mother Nature already did that with jaw-dropping views of the mountains.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Wine Experiences at the Little Nell
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Y3rQ7_wiZcGTF53Ve6yMHPKq_4gBv7kKg3TAiUYy8rm_R2iS1ayG2Nigc-y1buCVmho7G9tWRd5OcSmUsqvfa1RfewV293d0lraWVuBgQnmwl_5t3jKPJJH2jOA8Ycfi9vdIcsDK\")
They really know how to throw a party here, as this 24,000-square-foot event center was designed specifically for weddings and banquets. Stonebrook Manor in Thornton, Colorado, features outdoor ceremonies in brightly colored gardens. The greenery is set among bubbling brooks and waterfalls with bridges, gazebos, arbors, and benches.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: 5 Ways to Make an Entrance at Your Wedding Reception
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/hVfO5sQf92bescAtovB8ULjaVCrw2YKUyBkkL0_c2m0ySyIgm_yrXagmVJe4cboUruIEVKEzQ7eYD9wUhTBa_dVBqQGR6IRTZw-ru_ckPghBK6s5z5ezgGMOCYUR_diVwmubMY2L\")
This living landscape is part of the University of Utah system and is a state arboretum in Salt Lake City. For 35 years Red Butte Garden has been connecting people to plants, with 100 acres of formal gardens, natural areas, waterfalls, and mountain views. Couples can say “I do” in the Rose House, the Rose Garden, or the Fragrance Garden where each spring, you’ll find a half million blooming bulbs.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: The Garden Misses You
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dU2QHjJ2wRPTq0-hiYNXEA01AC2cJZ7UoJJeGWbkmSHncmRkOPFsctackOXjDs5p6kvr33mqdtJ0-pWIDGLMJkLq8Vd1yw9nxmZrEBNOh3vxt_tYavVf7Sk3RmtwKeuzsswCJkJU\")
Experience the Wild West with your wedding guests at This Is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. Featuring 50 historic homes and structures, train rides, panning for gold and mining, the Park takes you back in time. Couples have ten wedding venues to pick from, including two outdoor pavilions. The third option, The Garden Place, is a rustic mountain lodge with French doors that open to a patio with a waterfall, a massive outdoor fireplace, and, of course, a majestic mountain view.
\n\n\n\nFavorite Post: Pioneer Children’s Memorial
\n\n\n\nGetting married outdoors comes with the risk of a hiccup or two. You’ll have to worry about the weather and maybe a few uninvited mosquitoes. But the Wiki-award winning venues have you covered, literally. All have awnings or contingency plans for rain, and each has a bug zapper and plenty of bug spray on hand.
\n\n\n\nThe pros for choosing an outdoor wedding venue far outweigh the cons, especially when it comes to price. With the average couple spending more than $22,000 to get hitched, saving on flowers and other decor is a huge plus. Keep in mind, like real estate, the cost of any venue depends on location, location, location.
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\n","content":"\nPlaying outside is one of the greatest joys of childhood. There are extra considerations when your child has special needs, but time outside still can offer tremendous therapeutic benefits, especially for children with autism or similar conditions. But it’s possible to create a sensory-friendly backyard landscape for your child with special needs.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking to create a safe and sensory-friendly outdoor sanctuary where your children can enjoy themselves and learn through nature-based sensory play, it’s imperative first to approach the design and construction with an understanding of your child’s specific needs — including sensory, cognitive, visual, or auditory impairments, as well as issues with fine and gross motor skills.
\n\n\n\nThis guide will focus on techniques to use in creating a sensory-friendly backyard for your child with special needs. You can design a haven that offers plenty of stimulating activities to engage all the senses. At the same time, you can take steps to address accessibility barriers, common behavioral and environmental risks, and potential safety hazards.
\n\n\n\nYou might wonder, what’s the point of creating an outdoor space for my child? Are the potential benefits worth the work? Yes, they overwhelmingly are, says pediatric occupational therapist Christine Sadecki. “Outdoor play can address many challenges for children with sensory processing disorders and/or autism. It can be calming or alerting.” Studies show hands-on sensory play can help kids operating on the autism spectrum or experiencing low vision, as well as those working to develop fine motor skills.
\n\n\n\n“Outdoor play encourages listening skills, executive functioning, motor planning, and body awareness, as well as self-control and social development,” says Sadecki. “It also encourages participation in the senses such as touch, sound, sight, vestibular, and proprioception, which can be challenging areas for children with sensory processing disorder or autism.” Playing outdoors helps promote kids’ strong, sustained, physical development in a number of ways:
\n\n\n\nMany children with autism face vision issues, such as a lazy eye or crossed eyes. A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that 40% of children with autism and related conditions have some issue with their eyes.
\n\n\n\nVisual stimulation can help kids with low vision improve their understanding of what’s around them and feel more comfortable with their surroundings. Outdoor landscapes can offer a variety of visual stimuli not available indoors, from flowers and trees to the sky overhead. And they can offer the added benefit of helping even a child with visual impairment become familiar with more organic shapes and colors than are found in manufactured environments.
\n\n\n\nBecause there’s more to see outdoors, there are more reasons for your child to stay engaged. Did you see that bird that just flew past? What was that in the bushes? A squirrel? The wind makes the trees seem to dance as it rustles through the leaves.
\n\n\n\nOutdoor environments are constantly changing, constantly inviting engagement and attention. Just being out in nature can increase a child’s attention span, and there’s more room on your back lawn to create new adventures than the indoors could ever provide.
\n\n\n\nThe sun’s ultraviolet rays can stimulate the production of vitamin D. Why is this important? Vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium it requires to maintain strong bones. It’s also important to muscles and nerves, and it’s part of the immune system’s defense against viruses and bacteria.
\n\n\n\nYou can find vitamin D in food supplements, although the most direct source is sunlight. Be sure, though, that your child is protected from the sun if they’re outside for an extended period. The body can only produce so much vitamin D at one time, and spending prolonged periods outside without protection can increase the risk of skin cancer. For kids with sensory issues, try using fast-application sprays or sun-protective clothing.
\n\n\n\nKids need to develop gross motor skills — the kind they need to walk, jump, and climb — before they can learn to master finer motor skills that require more patience, such as holding a pencil or opening a package. Developing gross motor skills is no easy task. If you’ve ever seen a child learning to walk, you know the amount of concentration and physical effort it takes.
\n\n\n\nA backyard lawn can give your child a big, safe place to exercise these skills. A large, flat surface with a soft landing space is a lot better than a hazardous environment such as a staircase or a hard tile floor. An accessible space outdoors provides your child with a safe, fun place to develop balance and coordination.
\n\n\n\nThe more room your child has to roam, and the safer the environment, the more she’ll be able to exercise. It’s as simple as that. And the more exercise she gets, the more physically fit she’ll be overall.
\n\n\n\nThis is important because children with autism are at higher risk of obesity than other kids. They also face greater challenges when it comes to balancing or catching a ball because they pay more attention to their own muscles than to watching what’s happening around them. Having a safe backyard play area gives them the space they need to work on their motor skills, while at the same time keeping them physically fit.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/autism-child-backyard-630x1024.jpeg\")
Safety is, of course, the paramount consideration when designing and creating play and learning environments for any kids. Extra measures must be taken when designing outdoor spaces to accommodate children with special needs.
\n\n\n\nYour backyard landscape will consist of living and nonliving elements. The first is called softscape, comprising primarily horticultural elements: grass, flowers, trees, plants, hedges, vegetable gardens, and so forth. Nonliving or hardscape elements, by contrast, can include the following:
\n\n\n\nIt’s important to incorporate both softscape and hardscape elements when designing an outdoor play space for your child with special needs.
\n\n\n\nAccessibility and safety considerations to keep in mind include:
\n\n\n\nBuild or widen walkways to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. According to the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), pathways should be at least 6 inches wider than a wheelchair, or a total of 36 inches. Entries and gates should be at least 32 inches wide.
\n\n\n\nEmphasize the openness of the outdoors. Even if your child does not use a wheelchair, pathways should be wide to emphasize the feeling of openness and freedom a garden can provide. This is not a place to feel cramped or crowded. It’s an expansive place to explore! Still, paths should have clear boundaries, so your child knows where the walkway ends and the garden begins. If your child is sensitive to light, install non-glare surfaces and make sure they’re smooth and easy to navigate.
\n\n\n\nAdd wheelchair ramps. ADA standards require that the grade for wheelchair accessibility ramps rise no more steeply than 5% — and, at most, 2% at entrances and steps.
\n\n\n\nEliminate surprises. Visual aids and signs can help children with special needs feel secure. If they are nonverbal, a system of pictures can help them feel safe. A child who feels lost can grow anxious and worried, and he won’t feel safe enough to explore and enjoy his backyard wonderland. Make sure they always know where they are and consider creating orientation maps to help them get where they want to go next, easily and directly.
\n\n\n\nInstall handrails or handholds along paths, on decks, and in seating areas. Handrails should be installed on both sides of a pathway. When installing handrails for kids, the ADA calls for heights to be measured at a 90-degree angle from directly above the walking surface. Handrails shouldn’t be more than 28 inches high and should be at least 9 inches apart so kids don’t trap their heads or hands between the uprights.
\n\n\n\nInstall tactile features on or alongside walkways. Tactile features include raised bumps, lines, and patterns. They aren’t to help traction. Instead, they accommodate special needs by helping those with impaired vision know when they’ve entered a new path or they’re about to leave the path they’ve been on.
\n\n\n\nStrive for consistency. Once you’ve created the layout of your backyard, keep it constant. Try not to change the location of a bench, water fountain, or bird feeder, for example, unless it’s necessary for safety or functionally essential reasons. Once a child is familiar with his surroundings, you can make small, incremental changes to challenge them as part of the learning process. Children with special needs feel safer when they know what to expect. They’ll blossom in an environment they know they can count on.
\n\n\n\nCreate transitions. Gradual transitions are much easier for children with special needs to process than abrupt changes. Give them space and time between activities, and provide them with visual and verbal cues to alert them when something new is about to happen. Preparing kids for change helps them accept it and feel safer than springing a new situation or activity on them without warning.
\n\n\n\nEnclose play areas with fencing or railings. It’s important to make your backyard as safe as possible. One study found that nearly half of children on the autism spectrum wander from a safe place at some point. Enclosures can help keep this from occurring. Fences improve safety by keeping children from wandering into an area where they shouldn’t be, like a flowerbed or hedge. They also can help them stay focused on the adventure you’ve created. Fences should be at least 5 feet high and shouldn’t provide handholds that kids can use to climb. Smooth surfaces are best.
\n\n\n\nLabel play areas with Braille or textures to help a child with low vision find the location they’ll be visiting next or the activity you’ve planned for them.
\n\n\n\nFeatures worth adding can include:
\n\n\n\nHazards to avoid:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/unsplash-child-sandbox.jpeg\")
According to the STAR Institute, kids with conditions that hinder them from readily processing sensory input may have a hard time knowing where their body is in space. The results can include poor posture, weakness, motion sickness, awkwardness, and clumsiness. So it’s important to identify the sensory activities that can best help your kids learn, improve their motor skills, and focus on their environment without getting frustrated or distracted. Here are a few sensory play ideas for backyard activities designed to engage your child’s senses:
\n\n\n\nHands-on sensory-based play is one of the best ways to capture a child’s attention and provide much-needed tactile sensory input.
\n\n\n\nSwinging: Nearly all kids love to swing, and the benefits include an enhanced response to proprioception, better coordination and balance, stronger muscles, and a boost in positive mood. A repetitive back-and-forth motion also can be soothing and calming for kids with autism.
\n\n\n\nSadecki, the pediatric occupational therapist, recommends careful attention and assessment to help your child get the most out of swinging: “Swings stimulate the fluid in the inner ear, which activates the vestibular senses. It lets your child know they are moving, and it can also impact the brain’s ability to process and use sensory information in their environment.
\n\n\n\n“However, the amount of vestibular input needed varies by child,” explains Sadecki. “Some crave movement to feel more centered in order to focus and attend to the world around them. Others may be movement-sensitive, which makes things difficult such as riding in a car, so swinging can be used to help desensitize them to movement. Vestibular input as part of a sensory diet should be monitored by an occupational therapist.”
\n\n\n\nWater activities: Water is a versatile element that offers so many hands-on sensory possibilities, limited only by your imagination.
\n\n\n\nPlaying in sand and soil: Who says you need the beach to build sandcastles? With a bag of sand and a little water in a small enclosure, that can happen right in your backyard! Otherwise, your child can enjoy the fun of getting their hands dirty by digging and planting in soil.
\n\n\n\nClouds: Invite your child to lie down in the grass with you and stare up at the clouds as they pass by. What shapes does she see? What do they remind her of?
\n\n\n\nLeaves: Collect fallen leaves with her and point out their different shapes, as well as the colorful reds and golds and oranges they turn in autumn. Look for birds that share their various colors. Study the effects of wind and water after a spring rain.
\n\n\n\nDay and night skies: Take your child out at daybreak to see the sunrise or at dusk to witness the sunset. Make a wish on the first evening star you see. Look up at the night sky and point out the moon, the stars and the constellations. Find out when the next meteor shower is expected and see how many shooting stars you and your child can count.
\n\n\n\nScavenger hunt: For a more-organized activity, consider a scavenger hunt. Remember how much fun you had getting up early on Easter Sunday for an egg hunt? See how many things your child can find in your backyard. Give him a list and accompany him on his quest for specific plants, birds, animals or perhaps for items you have hidden.
\n\n\n\nTreasure hunt: Another possibility is a treasure hunt. Get your child a special treat and hide it in the garden, then make a pirate’s map and help her follow it to discover the secret treasure.
\n\n\n\nBird calls/ insect sounds: Help your child become conscious of sounds we often miss in the background (or take for granted) by listening for bird calls and insect sounds. What does a blue jay sound like? What about a crow, a lark or a sparrow? That high-pitched humming is a cicada; let’s see if we can find it! What’s that rapid rat-a-tat-tat coming from that tree trunk over there. Could it be a woodpecker? Learn about birds and insects yourself. You might want to pick up a book on birdwatching that identifies different species in your area, or listen to recordings of bird calls online. Then point out which birds and insects make which sounds and help your child learn to identify them.
\n\n\n\nGarden flavors: Plant a vegetable garden or fruit trees and let your child taste what you’re growing there. What does a tomato taste like? A strawberry? An apple? You can illustrate the concept of growing food like this: Accompany your kids around your garden and pick samples from vines and trees, showing them the difference between ripe and unripe fruit. Wash the fruit off with then and prepare it as part of a sandwich or simple meal, then make a picnic trip back out to the yard and eat it underneath the tree that shared its fruit with you. Your children will be able to follow the journey of the meal you’ve created from tree to table — or, in this case, picnic basket.
\n\n\n\nNature’s aromas: Help your child learn to recognize the many smells of your yard by getting close to the source of each scent. Let them sniff different flowers and herbs, saying the name for each so they can associate the word with the smell. And this goes for not-so-pleasant outdoor smells, too: Help them find the wild onions, or sniff the recently spread mulch. In other seasons, point out the crisp, clean scent of snow, or that particularly lovely scent in the air just after a spring rain begins.
\n\n\n\nSensory garden: You can engage all your child’s senses by creating a sensory garden. Include plants that will attract wildlife like crickets, buzzing bees, and chirping birds; maybe plant some bamboo stems so your child can hear the sound they make in the wind. Set up a birdbath or birdhouse to attract some feathered friends or a hummingbird feeder for those faster-than-the-eye-can see winged wonders. Water fountains and wind chimes can enhance your child’s auditory experience, too.
\n\n\n\nFind plants with fragrant scents such as gardenia and honeysuckle, as well as those with a variety of tactile sensations, from moss to jade trees to lamb’s ear. (No roses, cacti or other thorny plants, though!). Also, seek out plants with a variety of forms, from creeping vines to woody stems to soft grasses.
\n\n\n\nConsider dividing these sensory-friendly environments into two areas — one for playtime and another for relaxing and unwinding. If you can, put brightly colored flowers with red or yellow petals in one area of the garden, and provide a shaded area in the other. A pergola or shade trees can provide a haven from the bright sun and vivid colors that provide stimulation but can be overstimulating if your child doesn’t have a calm place of refuge in which to retreat.
\n\n\n\nAnother possibility: an outdoor speaker system that plays soothing background music on occasion. Just don’t leave it on all the time. You want your child to notice the natural sounds all around her in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nTo help your child feel at ease, think about creating a theme for your garden that she’ll enjoy: maybe a fairytale character, a favorite game, or an animal.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pexels-photo-1661818-man-carrying-child.jpg\")
The best outdoor spaces are inclusive, welcoming kids and grown-ups alike with a variety of capabilities, considerations, and objectives. When designing a backyard play space, keep in mind any of your child’s special requirements and build in features to accommodate them. Here are some elements to consider for safe sensory learning environments for kids with different conditions:
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/photo-unsplash-dogs-1555897209-208b67f652c5.jpeg\")
Most people think of eloping as running away to get married, but the word literally just means to run, or lope, outward. In the case of children with special needs, it indicates wandering or running away from a caregiving environment — and it’s a common hazard for people on the autism spectrum.
\n\n\n\n“Studies show that 50% of kids with autism spectrum disorder elope, but it is still unclear as to why,” says Sadecki. “Many parents believe that their child simply enjoys running and exploring, but it could also be because they are escaping anxious or overstimulating sensory situations.”
\n\n\n\nThe more strongly children are impacted by autism, the more likely they may be to elope. Parenting styles aren’t a factor; most parents in a survey about the phenomenon said their child just enjoyed running and exploring.
\n\n\n\nThis makes it all the more important to provide plenty of sensory stimuli for children with autism. The more you give them to explore right in their own backyard, the more likely they are to stay focused on the adventures you’re providing — and the less likely they will be to wander off.
\n\n\n\nEven so, it’s important to repair or install continuous fencing, as well as out-of-reach locks or latches on gates and doors to keep your kids inside where they belong. As mentioned before, this is particularly important if you have a pool. Secure fencing and locking gates are important for all young children. Similar gates and fences should be in place around other potentially hazardous areas, such as dog runs, thorny bushes, or rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nStepping in poo is a perfect way to start a meltdown. Minimize the possibility of your child’s coming into contact with pet waste (which is toxic in some cases and unpleasant in all cases) by designating a separate area for your pet, and/or diligently picking up after their bathroom time.
\n\n\n\nPlastic bags and pooper-scoopers can make this odious (and odorous) task a little more painless. There are even high-tech, dog poop vacuums that pull up pet waste, which can then be ejected into a trash bag or toilet.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer can be an irritant — a toxic one, if it contains pesticides or other chemicals. Use fertilizer according to the directions and keep it contained appropriately when not in use. Don’t assume a fertilizer is safe for kids just because it’s labeled as “organic” or “natural.” Also be aware that fertilizers in powder form can drift into other areas on a windy day, so apply them when the air is calm and be sure to sweep any excess away from paths and other areas your child might frequent.
\n\n\n\nStanding water not only invites messes, just waiting for kids to reach or step in, but it also can be a health hazard, depending on the organisms growing in it. If left around long enough, pools of standing water can attract breeding mosquitoes. Take care to empty any uncovered containers with standing water in them. If you find standing water remaining at a low spot in your yard for any length of time, make sure you find a way to drain it away.
\n\n\n\nPrickly or toxic plants can puncture skin with spines, cause rashes with irritating secretions, initiate a sneezing fit with pollen, or poison a person who ingests any part of them. Make sure your outdoor area is free of poison ivy, poison oak, stinging nettle, and other allergenic plants.
\n\n\n\nHow do you recognize toxic plants? Poison ivy and poison oak each have three leaves growing off a main leaf stem (giving rise to the saying, “leaves in three, let it be.”) Their leaves also alternate on the stem or branch, never growing directly across from one another. Stinging nettle leaves are heart-shaped, prickly-looking, and tapered at the end.
\n\n\n\nPlants can be poisonous in two ways: They can irritate the skin if touched, or they can be toxic if ingested. Some very pretty plants, including oleander and monkshood, can be dangerous. Be sure you have a medical kit. You can look up information from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 if you think your child has eaten a toxic plant.
\n\n\n\nAlso be on the lookout for mushrooms, which aren’t technically plants, but fungi. Those with scales, warts or white (not brown) gills are likely to be hazardous. Other red flags: a bulb-shaped base, or a ring around the upper or lower stem. The vast majority of mushrooms aren’t toxic, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you notice mushrooms in your yard, remove them immediately.
\n\n\n\nMove cactus, agave, and other spiny plants out of traffic areas. Keep fencing around rose gardens so kids can’t wander or stumble into their thorns.
\n\n\n\nLoud noises are a potential problem outside, where barking dogs, heavy equipment, or a backfiring car nearby can trigger a child’s noise sensitivity. Creating areas buffered from ambient noise with fences, walls, high bushes, or shrubs can help protect your child from overstimulation by sound.
\n\n\n\nIn an age when kids are often glued to their phones or gaming systems indoors, an outdoor adventure can be (literally) a breath of fresh air. Sadecki says electronics should be limited for all children, especially those with special needs. “There have been lots of recent studies done that have shown the impact of too much electronics on kids. Children who spend more than 2 hours a day on electronics are more likely to have emotional, social, and attention problems. They also develop shorter attention spans because their brain develops the need for constant stimulation by bright, fast-paced programming. It makes it more difficult for them to connect to and focus on people and things in their environment that don’t provide that constant stimulation.”
\n\n\n\nWe as adults often spend most of our days indoors, too, whether we’re working at the office or around the house, and it’s easy to forget how important it can be to get out of the house. The outdoors can be a forgotten resource to check our worries at the back door and enter a land of refreshment and adventure.
\n\n\n\nAdults need a break from highly structured indoor settings, and so do children with special needs. Why not offer them a safe backyard playground with an expansive lawn and fascinating sights, sounds and smells to explore? It will open up a whole new world to them. And that can make a world of difference!
\n\n\n\nAll the tips in this article were reviewed by licensed pediatric occupational therapist Christine Sadecki, OTR/L, owner of Reach for the Stars Therapy Services, LLC, in Lake Worth, FL. The strategies reflect widely accepted therapeutic practices, however, for specific advice, you should always consult a medical professional.
The debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage […]
\n","content":"\nThe debate over rock salt is a slippery slope. More than 25 million metric tons of rock salt are dumped onto roads, sidewalks, and driveways every year to de-ice them. While these de-icing salts make life safer for motorists and pedestrians, they have the unintended consequence of damaging lawns. Most of the time, salt damage is not apparent until spring, when snowmelt and warming temperatures reveal the dead grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NjGOu8zuJtv1iLsWaOawKFZkMeM88I6RMbT39KNWxyyP4HtkKpZ3FaM3z-QvKFOfPq_ruGVeQvxM4VYlm51XL_BWd4oUJp_7-eKeEKNVLH5FYFx7YXLEebmoYGqR3_sKplyNOfVl\")
If you live on a major roadway where crews use salt as a road de-icer, consider a little preventive and remedial lawn care to safeguard your lawn.
\n\n\n\nWhen rock salt is applied to icy surfaces, it melts the ice and then runs off or is sprayed by the tires of cars driving through the slush. That overspray can travel up to 150 feet, which means even if your yard isn’t directly affected, some mist may still reach your yard. Salt spray can cause injury to plant buds, leaves, and stems.
\n\n\n\nSalt draws moisture out of leaves, leaving them brown and dry. It also pulls moisture out of the soil, causes soil compaction, and exposes grass roots to chlorides. When chlorides build up to a toxic level, plants lose the ability to produce chlorophyll and eventually die.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/eMqSKQJMlPHs_fovZyFU86BptGtpjXzfRSIJMS6h5y6pAMvBZrj4YuQ9mChNNaxemCHLuKi8jEmxVrM6PsA9_4yeacUeQQgx6VnTAL1L6UlHuHOHT3ZraXxc6OK9hfElPEz_GXzZ\")
Rock salt has a corrosive effect on hard surfaces, often leaving white spots on natural stone walkways and patios. Concrete that isn’t sealed is porous and will soak up the briny water left behind from a de-icing treatment. That absorbed water will refreeze when the temperature dips below freezing, causing expansion. This process will eventually cause chipping, cracks, and flaking in concrete structures. The least expensive de-icing salts tend to be the most corrosive. Pricier de-icing agents are less harmful to grass and less corrosive to concrete and stone. Even if you use a cheaper, more corrosive de-icer, you can cut it with sand to reduce the volume of harsh chemicals.
\n\n\n\nSalt remains in the soil for years, and it accumulates over time until it creates an environment where grass can no longer thrive. Salt is leached out by rainfall, but it can take a while for this process to be complete. Speeding this process by irrigating deeply once the weather warms up will help. But the best solution is to avoid the accumulation of salt in the soil in the first place.
\n\n\n\nGenevieve Schmidt, owner of Genevieve Schmidt Landscape Design and Fine Maintenance in Humboldt County on California’s northern coast, recommends using calcium or magnesium acetates rather than chlorides to de-ice areas around yards and landscapes. She cautions, “When you see dieback and browning or yellowing of leaves, it’s evident there’s been salt damage. If you suspect salt has leached into your landscaping, it’s wise to rinse plants and soil with water as soon as the snow melts. Apply 2 inches of water over a two- to three-hour period, then repeat a few days later.”
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mzr4JokmArjex8fONGsriVGdlk7rogYtVDYn7Jn2p9p6dkkmm55B4mFZ5yBYIdX2jHnqwOIigim53_JN9OnlWXt497yNnHHE5MD4LtQ7cYwWqutEXbn5L5y8Ku7xq5axXtgrLMwm\")
There is little point in reseeding or overseeding a lawn that has a high level of salt buildup. Without flushing out the salt beforehand, the new grass will absorb the chlorides in the soil and eventually suffer the same fate as the grass you’re replacing. Once you’ve adequately flushed salt out of your lawn in the spring, take your time to reseed your lawn the right way. While salt damage in your yard is nothing to shrug off, it also isn’t the end of the world. With a little foresight and prevention, you can protect your lawn and treat the damage before it’s irreversible.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Michael Pereckas, CC by 2.0
\n","title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.8311874105865522,"src":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/107df/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/293e9/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/f2cbb/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1789c/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/356ef/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/67b76/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 320w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/8df11/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 500w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/98a65/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 800w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/1dd6e/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 960w,\n/static/b1ef5d85b3cc6b0c560dae1ef673f23e/93f70/1280px-Salt_truck_Milwaukee.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Prevent, Repair Rock Salt Damage on Lawns | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"a832e1d0-c1e5-51ab-a4f9-8636c20c71e4","slug":"5-native-plants-phoenix-az","path":"/lawn-care/az/phoenix/5-native-plants-phoenix-az/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"kk","id":"dde4169a-f9d0-5770-97b5-2ac023bd4b45","path":"/author/kk/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/425367d30a2aaed212b569216f858a75?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"November 21st, 2019","excerpt":"Phoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native […]
\n","content":"\nPhoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native plants from the dozens that can decorate our outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nThis sprawling perennial also known as plumbago scadens is showing up in more and more Phoenix gardens. The flowers, a startlingly bright white, are quite dramatic against the deep green of the foliage. The leaves are long and lance-shaped, a deep red as new growths, then green when they mature. They return to red during the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nIn Phoenix, the white desert plumbago prefers filtered or partial shade, which is pretty quirky for a native of the Sonoran Desert. It’s an easygoing plant all around: It’ll grow under trees or taller shrubs; climb fences, walls or trellises; or cascade from containers or hanging baskets. Plant them along the perimeter of your yard for an innovative and informal hedge.
\n\n\n\nTufted evening primrose is a low-growing perennial with fragrant flowers that open at dusk, glowing white through the night, and then fade to pink and fold in the morning heat. The hairy, narrow leaves are gray-green on top and blue-gray underneath. They also fold up in the heat to retain moisture.
\n\n\n\nLike all native plants in Phoenix, the tufted evening primrose needs little water. However, if you water it moderately, you’ll be rewarded with flowers all summer. The flower’s petals are held above the base of the flower by a long tube that collects nectar. Night-flying hawkmoths love the plant. Their long, coiled tongues stretch far enough to reach the nectar.
\n\n\n\nPlant near a patio or porch so that you can view the fascinating transitions in the evening and early morning hours.
\n\n\n\n![\"Feather](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feather-bush-brian-ralphs-cc20.jpg\")
Also known as fern of the desert, the heat and sun-loving feather bush is a single- or multi-trunk tree that can reach a height of 12 to 15 feet and spreads to widths of up to 15 feet. Clusters of fragrant, creamy white puffballs bloom in early spring amid long, lacy leaves that resemble graceful green feathers.
\n\n\n\nPlant the feather bush around a pool or pond if you want to simulate an oasis, group it to create a natural privacy screen or bring a tropical ambiance to a patio or entryway. Wherever you plant it, you will be captivated by the colorful butterflies fluttering among the flowers and foliage.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as false mesquite, the fairy duster’s vibrant red flowers bloom most of the year, and in some areas, all year. The striking flower is actually spiky stamens that form puffballs. The delicate leaves are a deep green composed of tiny leaflets.
\n\n\n\nIt’s an evergreen but may thin out during those very rare “cold spells” in Phoenix. But there is no such thing as “too hot.” Plant it where you’ve not been able to grow anything, such as in the full sun against a west-facing wall. You can plant it in partial shade, but you will not have anywhere near as many blooms. Hummingbirds flock to the shrub. Watch closely and you’ll also see some finches, wrens, and verdins.
\n\n\n\nThe hedgehog cactus is a low-growing succulent with short, spiny stems that resemble hedgehogs. All varieties of the cactus have magnificent blossoms that last five days in shades of pink or purple. They open in the morning and close at night.
\n\n\n\nOnce the flowering is complete, the plant produces edible red-orange fruit with a fleshy white pulp that tastes like strawberry. At first, the fruit looks too dangerous to pick — the stems are densely covered with sharp spines, but the spines fall off as the fruit matures.
\n\n\n\nEven though the hedgehog cactus grows in sandy, rocky soil, and full sunlight, it also does well indoors near a sunny window.
\n\n\n\nFeature image source: Alan Levine / CC 2.0
\n","title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/107df/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/293e9/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/f2cbb/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/356ef/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/67b76/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/8df11/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/98a65/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/93f70/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f6b0b0e0-da8f-59fe-a29c-72229f6dc7a9","slug":"grass-around-pools","path":"/lawn-care/grass-around-pools/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Kelly Holland","id":"87ed81cb-6dc6-5b6f-8673-e295fb5aa8f3","path":"/author/karen/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7bdc84bcad759506a493dca25650999?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Just picture it: getting out of the pool and walking around on soft, green grass instead of hard, hot pavement. It seems like a good idea — but there are some things to think about when it comes to poolside grass. Will the pool water affect the grass? How do I keep grass clippings out […]
\n","content":"\nJust picture it: getting out of the pool and walking around on soft, green grass instead of hard, hot pavement. It seems like a good idea — but there are some things to think about when it comes to poolside grass. Will the pool water affect the grass? How do I keep grass clippings out of the pool? Can a grass installation be as low-maintenance as hardscape around the swimming pool? Here’s what you need to know about grass around pools.
\n\n\n\nThe benefit to a concrete or tile pool deck is the maintenance — or lack thereof. At most, you might power-wash the deck at the beginning and end of the pool season, and it’s an easy continuation of your pool design. It also stands up to heavy foot traffic with no problem. Grass around pools, for all its comfort on bare feet and safety, needs more TLC. Two major concerns are water and mowing — water, because pool water may have an effect on your grass, and mowing because it can make a mess in the pool. But with a little effort, you can keep the grass around your pool from getting into your pool.
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf has come a long way in the last few decades, from that plastic, bright green stuff, to synthetic grass that looks real. You and your guests may not be able to tell it apart from natural grass at first glance. Fake grass doesn’t need mowing, fertilizing or watering — but it maintains the same look as real grass. And the best artificial grass will keep your feet cool and cushion any slips and falls as well.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass may also hold up better when doused by the chemicals in your pool. But keep in mind turfgrass can tolerate chlorine better than ornamental grasses and shrubs. If you accidentally spill full-strength chlorine on the lawn, you can flush the chemicals out of the soil with a heavy dose of water. The grass should bounce back without too much trouble.
\n\n\n\nSaltwater comes with different rules, and it depends on what kind of grass you have. Certain varieties, like Bermuda grass and seashore paspalum, tolerate saltwater pretty well. Seashore paspalum is used on golf courses, and watered with brackish water. But some varieties such as Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues will dry out and suffocate when hit with too much salt.
\n\n\n\nToo much salt in the soil will also impact other plants as well as water features, like a koi pond, as the salt leaches into the soil. That’s something to consider if you want to change your landscape design in the future.
\n\n\n\nA concrete pool deck won’t get quite hot enough to fry an egg, but it can get up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit — definitely too hot to walk on with bare feet. That includes any hardscape surface, like pavers, that are part of your pool landscaping. Grass is a terrible conductor of heat, so it’s safer and more comfortable for you, your family, and your pets in the pool area.
\n\n\n\nThere’s a reason the lifeguards at your local public pool are always screaming at kids to “WALK!” When you add water and some oily sunscreen residue and wet feet to a concrete pool deck, you’re looking at an easy recipe for injuries. The Consumer Protection Safety Commission posted a warning back in 1974. That warning about slippery pool decks lives on today because the danger is the same as it was more than forty years ago. The CPSC says, “Many severe injuries result from falling on slippery walkways and decks and falling from diving boards and ladders.” While slipping on grass is not impossible, it’s less likely, and the landing is softer. Safety should be a major consideration when designing your pool and deck.
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re installing a new pool, or making some upgrades to an existing one, both concrete and grass have pros and cons. Weigh them carefully before deciding which is best for you.
\n","title":"Grass Around Pools","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":0.99609375,"src":"/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/1789c/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/107df/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/293e9/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/f2cbb/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/1789c/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/28e3e/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg 1020w","srcWebp":"/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/1dd6e/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/67b76/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/8df11/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/98a65/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/1dd6e/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/11d64/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp 1020w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Grass Around Pools | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"4e0d8cb2-9348-5c34-9621-9affb156fa88","slug":"best-ground-covers-yard","path":"/blog/landscaping/best-ground-covers-yard/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"John Freedman","id":"2b0fdd6b-62df-527d-a469-37ab1935839b","path":"/author/joeyjoeyfarruggio-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/85c5c4009d774dbcc0eacb7cae07960a?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 8th, 2019","excerpt":"Ground covers are the unsung heroes of your yard and garden. They fill in bare areas where grass won’t grow, provide us with low-maintenance areas, and give us green leaves in the winter months. They can also offer carpets of blooms that attract pollinators and bring us joy. The mastermind behind Epic Gardening, Kevin Espíritu, […]
\n","content":"\nGround covers are the unsung heroes of your yard and garden. They fill in bare areas where grass won’t grow, provide us with low-maintenance areas, and give us green leaves in the winter months. They can also offer carpets of blooms that attract pollinators and bring us joy.
\n\n\n\nThe mastermind behind Epic Gardening, Kevin Espíritu, is a huge fan of ground covers as a lawn replacement. “If you have children or pets who are likely to play in your yard, you can do a blended yard,” he says, adding, “Be mindful of both your average high temps and your low temps, and pick plants that can handle both.”
\n\n\n\nNow that you’re convinced, take a look at some of the best ground covers for sun or shade in all climates.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_SDqGc7dP9YS9F6Y3RkvK_8iO3lTYkZZZ5VNlOL6sedxdWXBAJa5RPVA6ZBfP4rVwgY6DGapir_ww-ob8xo6Y-QscKHAKscDBJmkf0xXfYAs_afx7MnbKteF8mUu2610okjWik-R\")
Bugleweed comes in dozens of varieties ranging from green to bronze, purple, and sometimes even variegated. This ornamental ground cover stands up to heavy foot traffic and is hardy to minus 40 degrees. It can thrive in full sun to part shade and presents blue-purple flowers from late spring to early summer.
\n\n\n\nThis fast-growing ground cover spends months producing white flowers and is hardy all the way down to -30 degrees. Candytuft is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s the perfect choice for sunny slopes and rock gardens.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial ground cover with chartreuse leaves is a favorite for its hardiness and attractive foliage. Creeping Jenny enjoys full sun but can tolerate part shade as long as the soil is moist. With a fountain-like growth pattern, she’s a favorite for raised flower beds and planters.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/F60x8NcemcIl4tDxNhj0lfnrrohZY4EQxU2lPGir5Hb_PCrBjwPrOZw2HiuRcIgXVeOaLPzXSRaIFgAGjWeRHbVZd2I8gdtbWvHwnDXUd77Q_NEqsmUBPtUiBGpUhKG8um3oS6Xt\")
Deer resistant and cold hardy to minus 40 degrees, creeping phlox bursts into glorious bloom in spring. Best with full sun to part shade, this 6-inch-tall superstar performs well on slopes and retaining walls.
\n\n\n\nAdding stunning beauty to shaded areas, deadnettle has silvery, variegated leaves, and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. This deciduous plant offers cheerful pink flowers in late spring but dies back in winter. The only precaution to take when planting deadnettle is to make sure you’re not in an area where it’s considered invasive.
\n\n\n\nThe thyme family offers dozens of varieties of this hardy ground cover, most of which can handle temps down to minus 20 degrees. Only 3 inches tall, most varieties don’t attract deer or rabbits. Plant in full sun and enjoy a show of pink flowers in summer. and an herb for cooking all year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Uru5bSHYQ_Bl5BvRgE0FWNnd9AMwMkHYn0XKgx7l2u1wWpnJOdVJozdHyp6T2SnGnU0uzKdbxq3Nl6v9YfumhAAW6fQTy6uVa5KxuTvF1uE7gaJMbzVY0_l-N9BnstfGoPg-BENA\")
This succulent, evergreen thrives in warm climates and can’t tolerate foot traffic or temperatures below minus 10 degrees. But on sunny, well-drained slopes, it provides beautiful texture and neon-bright, flowers from mid-summer to early fall. For high-visibility blooms and solid erosion control, ice plants are hard to beat.
\n\n\n\nThis drought-tolerant evergreen prefers part to full shade and is hardy to minus 30 degrees. The glossy, dark green leaves create a 12-inch tall mat of foliage that produces spiky white blossoms in late spring.
\n\n\n\nThis grasslike ground cover, also known as lilyturf, thrives in sun and shade (but needs moist soil) and is hardy to minus 15 degrees. Both clumping and creeping varieties erupt into spikes of purple, white, or blue flowers in late summer. Liriope makes an attractive garden edging and is good for erosion control or under trees as a substitute for grass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/8vDsC_PoUx3TzLUQu3IfExcvkoDqrJ2fWxATHrfZ9J-lI7Ot8wzZLSGGw61FF8y-VwV4xgmwMme31AaupVrYyatVrhKgQUpp7RYDNltF1M9vPDKVdsdKK62C55AkEkDUd4dkF2Kz\")
One of the most popular evergreen ground covers, periwinkle, prefers moist soil in partly shaded areas. Hardy to minus 20 degrees, periwinkle is a vigorous, vining plant that may need to be cut back every so often to keep it under control.
\n\n\n\nWhether your goal is to cover the bare spots beneath trees or to fill the negative space in your flower beds, there’s a ground cover out there for the job. Choose wisely, and your groundcover will reward you for years to come.
\n\n\n\nTop image credit: “Ajuga reptans Chocolate Chip,” David J. Stang, CC by-SA 4.0
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![\"Fairy](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fairy-dusters-renee-grayson-cc20.jpg\")
![\"Hedgehog](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/hedgehog-cactus-brent-myers-cc20.jpg\")