1. Start with a Fresh Foundation A freshly cut lawn is the foundation of any outdoor party. Whether you mow it yourself or pay for a service, schedule your lawn maintenance a day or two before your outdoor party to allow the clippings to settle. If you have a pool, make sure it’s clean, functional, and safe for guests, with precautions like secure fencing and designated supervision for children. Store away any garden tools, toys, or equipment that may be out in the open. Creating a clean and orderly space makes a great first impression and allows your guests to move about easily. 2. Incorporate Plants and Flowers Potted plants, hanging baskets, and flowerbeds can enhance the beauty of your space. We have a variety of beautiful seasonal and perennial flowers and flowering shrubs at Landscape Systems Garden Center. Our expert sales staff can help you choose a mix of colorful flowers and greenery that can withstand the summer heat. This week, we have potted ferns at 50% off … a perfect statement of southern charm on any porch or patio! 3. Clean up the Patio & Outdoor Furniture Sweep the patio or deck to remove large debris. And while you're at it, make sure to clear any cobwebs lurking in the corners. Fences, walkways, and outdoor furniture may need some attention, too. Power washing these areas can bring life back into outdoor spaces! Wipe down windows and clean any cushions. Need help getting ready? Landscape Systems has our own preferred window washing service and pressure washing service to meet your needs. Contact us today to schedule! 4. Have Plenty of Comfortable Seating Spread-out seating areas can help prevent damage to your lawn from heavy foot traffic. Adding throw pillows will make your seating area more inviting. Use the canopy of your trees or large umbrellas to provide shade for your guests. If you don’t have a lot of seating options, it is perfectly acceptable to ask guests to bring their own lawn chairs. If rain is a concern, be prepared to move the party indoors or have a large party tent on standby. 5. Create Ambiance with Lighting and Music Use string lights, lanterns, or solar lights to illuminate your space as the sun goes down. This not only adds charm but also ensures safety for guests navigating your yard at night. Pay special attention to walkways, slopes, and steps. Have a way to incorporate a subtle soundtrack. A mini sound system such as a Google Home, Alexa, or portable speaker, provides background music to fill lulls in conversation. Play your favorite music to match the vibe of your party. Whether it’s a kid’s birthday party or a casual gathering of friends, the music you choose will help set the tone. 6. Set Up a Food and Drink Station Food is an essential part of any gathering. Plan a menu that suits your guests' tastes and any dietary restrictions, but keep it simple enough that it isn’t a strain on your hospitality. A relaxed and pleasant host is far more important! Designate an area for drinks and snacks, making sure it’s easily accessible. Consider using a bar cart or a dedicated table, stocked with summer essentials like iced drinks, fresh fruit, and finger foods. And don’t forget the napkins! 7. Enjoy Your Guests and Have Fun! You may want to set up some popular summer yard games, such as cornhole, bocce ball, or giant Jenga, to give your guests a fun way to stay entertained throughout the party. Additionally, make sure pets have a safe and comfortable space, providing shaded areas, fresh water, and a quiet spot for relaxation. If loud noises upset your pets, be sure to keep them away from fireworks and ensure they’re comforted and secure during celebrations. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can transform your yard into a beautiful venue for summer celebrations. By focusing on comfort, ambiance, and accessibility, you’ll create a space where memories can be made all summer long. Enjoy your summer parties and happy hosting!

Grill tools, tube socks, a new necktie? This Father’s Day, skip the predictable and give Dad something he’ll truly appreciate—a little help around the house, and the gift of time well spent. Whether he’s the kind of guy who enjoys DIY projects or someone who'd happily skip them, giving the gift of time, convenience, and a little pampering can go a long way. Landscape Systems offers home services that make perfectly thoughtful Father’s Day gifts. Contact our office to arrange any of the following services for the dad in your life. We are happy to assist you! 1. Automotive Detailing If your dad loves his car almost as much as he loves you, a full-service auto detailing is a slam-dunk gift. Interior shampooing, waxing, tire shine—let the pros give his ride a showroom glow while he sits back and relaxes. 2. Window Washing Crystal-clear windows can totally change how a home looks and feels—but most people avoid doing it themselves. Gift Dad a professional window washing and let him enjoy the view without the ladder and elbow grease. 3. Pressure Washing Service From the driveway to the deck, a good pressure washing can make the exterior of a home look freshly renovated. If your dad is the type who loves a sparkling clean patio or walkway, this is a simple gift that makes a big visual impact. 4. And of course, we offer Landscaping Services! If your dad takes pride in his yard, a professional landscaping installation is a great way to keep things looking sharp—without him lifting a finger. From a complete overhaul to a simple landscaping refresh, we are here for you! Book services like mulching, tree trimming, or planting seasonal flowers to spruce things up. Home services are more than just tasks—they’re time-savers, stress-reducers, and elevations to daily life. Whether you book a one-time treat or purchase a gift card for flexible use, this kind of gift says, “I see how hard you work—and you deserve a break.” This Father’s Day, give a gift that’s practical, thoughtful, and far more appreciated than another pair of slippers. Home services give Dad what he really wants: more time to enjoy the things—and people—he loves most.

Landscape Systems Garden Center is thrilled to introduce Edward Gates as our primary landscape architect! Originally from New Zealand, Edward grew up on the wide, open plains of Canterbury, surrounded by farmland and a culture of practicality. He studied horticulture and later landscape architecture, blending a hands-on knowledge of the land with an eye for design. Over the years, Edward has worked on a wide variety of projects—from small backyard makeovers to large-scale community spaces—always with the belief that every landscape has a story. Edward comes to us from Carrgate Design, a firm he helped create in the mid-90s with a straightforward mission: solve problems, create beauty, and treat every project as unique. He brings a collaborative, grounded approach to design, always open to new ideas and passionate about working closely with clients and teams to bring shared visions to life. He believes the landscape is more than just physical elements—it’s part of what shapes who we are and how we live. That philosophy, along with his creativity and experience, makes Edward a perfect fit for our team and our clients. Please join us in welcoming Edward to the team! We are excited for the fresh perspective and skill set that Edward brings to his new role.

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There are a few ways your local landscape designer can create a beautiful yard for your home. Keep reading or contact us today to learn more.