Summer is here, and with many of our usual summer plans on hold because of coronavirus restrictions, it’s the perfect time to revamp your yard to create your own little summer oasis at home. Make this year’s staycation the best yet. Give yourself somewhere beautiful to dine alfresco, entertain the kids, and just unwind.

Things to Consider:

  • Buy a new patio set
  • Get a pool, or at least a kiddie one to soak your feet
  • Power wash your siding and walkways
  • Upgrade your grill situation
  • Add a fire pit
  • Set up an outdoor theater
  • Get a hammock
  • Hang up some twinkle lights
  • Invest in some yard games like bocce, horse shoes, giant JENGA, or cornhole
  • Treat the kids to some new outside toys

And if you need some assistance getting your pool and the yard itself in its best shape, there are local experts that can help. The following 2020 Happening List Winners and Finalists are pros at what they do and are offering safe ways to prepare your home for the upcoming season.

Public pools might be closed. Camps might be cancelled. Traveling might be on hold. BUT, summer is still HERE. Prepare your home, so you can enjoy it!

Create a Garden

Fingers crossed, we seem to be past the danger of overnight frost, so it’s safe to get out in the garden. Decide if you want to plant pretty flowers and shrubbery or healthy (and tasty!) fruits and veggies, or do both! Then get planting. There are a number of local garden stores that are offering safe options for online and in-store shopping, and the staff can help with all of your gardening questions.

Daniel’s Lawn and Garden Center in Harleysville – 2020 Happening List Winner

Daniel’s receives truckloads of annuals, vegetables, perennials and shrubs daily. The store is now fully open, but they ask that you practice social distancing and wear a mask. They are still offering delivery. See the site for details and an order form. Daniel’s specializes in gardening, landscaping, hot tubs and pool supplies, so if you’re nearby, it could be your one-stop shop for most of your backyard needs!

For gardening tips and even more local places to shop, read this article. (Please note that some stores may have changed their policies since restrictions have eased since publication.) 

Get the Pool Ready

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool already, you’re probably going to be using it more than ever this summer! So you’ll want to make sure everything is clean and running properly. And if you don’t have a pool, this might the year to take the plunge!

Hasbrouck Pool and Spa Inc. in Valley Forge – 2020 Happening List Winner

Hasbrouck Pool and Spa sells everything you need for your pool and spa, plus they provide a variety of services such as pool opening and closing, leak detection and repair, and weekly service.

For more Happening List picks for Pool Services, click HERE.

Spruce Up Your Landscaping

To fully enjoy your yard, you’re going to want it to look its best. Lush green grass, fresh mulch and beautiful plants do wonders for creating your little haven. Whether you need to completely revamp your landscaping or just need someone to come for regular maintenance, there are local experts that can help.

Christopher Zeek Landscape Design & Construction in Ambler – 2020 Happening List Finalist

Christopher Zeek Landscape Design & Construction offers a wide range of services, from designing small landscape installations, to complete comprehensive master plans. In addition to installing plant material, they also install hardscapes, using stone, brick, and concrete pavers to create beautiful ponds, patios, walls and walkways.

According to their Facebook page, “We aren’t hired to do a job, we are hired to create a living piece of art that connects us back to nature.” Can’t go wrong with that mindset!

For more Happening List picks for Landscaping, click HERE.

Protect Yourself from Tiny Pests

You’ve created the perfect, relaxing yard experience. But how can you relax when you’re worried about ticks, hornets and mosquitoes!? (Oh my!) Let these local businesses take care of that for you.

M.A.D. Exterminators, Inc. in Norristown – 2020 Happening List Winner

Do you have an unknown bug around your home, and you’re not sure if you should be concerned? Send a pic to M.A.D. Exterminators! They can help identify it, and then schedule a treatment to get rid of them if necessary.

M.A.D. Exterminators is available Monday through Saturday for exterior treatments against mosquitoes, ants, flies, and more.

For more Happening List picks for Pest Control, click HERE.

Maintain a clear view

Once you’ve created that backyard oasis, you’re going to want to see it from all angles, including your kitchen window.

Fish Window Cleaning in Collegeville – 2020 Happening List Winner

Fish Window Cleaning is back open and following all CDC recommendations to provide safe, quality service. They can get even the hardest to reach windows in your home so that you can focus your time on enjoying the view.

For more Happening List picks for Window Cleaning, click HERE. 

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