Image: Robin Zebrowski

Image: Robin Zebrowski

Just because you’re not interested in cultivating a green thumb doesn’t mean your yard has to be boring. These simple-to-do ideas have big impact.

  1. Plant one tree. Planting one tree isn’t a huge effort. Once the tree is established, it’s about as low maintenance as a landscape can get — and the difference it can make to your yard lasts for decade. The key is to choose a tree that adds interest to your landscape in the form of color, shape, and texture.
  2. Add a little colorful mulch to add extra punch. Mulch is one of the easiest ways to add both color and texture to the entire yard. There’s a a multitude of mulch colors that can spice up your bland landscape. Red, black, gold, cedar-toned — you choose. The point is that mulch is easy: Choose a cool color and texture, then dump it, spread it, and forget it.
  3. Create a focal point that’s all about you. Your own passions and pleasures are great inspiration to add color and texture to your landscape. Try creating a focal point with something that brings back a happy memory, like your old toy truck, tricycle, or wagon. Turn it into a colorful planter.