Backyards stand witness to many family milestones: the first wobbly ride on a new bike, caught ball, broken bone, and countless other cherished memories. What better place than the backyard to celebrate the major achievement of a graduation.
May is graduation season and coincidentally the month when yards from north to south really start coming into their own. Grass is thriving in the warm spring sun producing lush, vibrant green growth and the first flush of flowering perennials are putting on a show. It’s the perfect time and occasion for an outdoor celebration. Here are some tips to help prepare your outdoor space and create an environment the guests and guest of honor will long appreciate.
Get Your Lawn Party-Ready
You want your lawn looking its very best for the big party. Fertilizing and spraying weeds can help make for clean, green perfection. But be mindful of timing. The window for these spring tasks overlaps graduation season in many regions.
Weather permitting, plan to apply any fertilizer or herbicides well in advance of the party.
This will ensure the applications have ample time to give the lawn a nice boost, that any weeds will have died and been mowed, and any odors will have cleared. It’s also smart to hold off on tasks like core aeration, which will spread little cores of dirt on the lawn and leave holes that are a hazard to any high heel-wearing guests.
Sharpen and refresh the look of the space by edging the lawn, trimming dead tree branches, putting down new mulch, deadheading any potted flowers, and planting pots and any annual flower beds.
Plan to mow a few days before the party.
This will allow grass clippings time to settle into the thatch layer so they won’t end up on guests’ clothing or tracked into the house. Avoid watering the grass for a day or two before the party. If you have pets, make a final inspection of the lawn for any droppings before you begin setup.
Make It Personal
Graduation is about reminiscing and making new memories. Put together a picture board with photos featuring the graduate’s childhood days, passions, friends, and family. Create or find a picture frame with a matte area for guests to sign or leave messages for the graduate.
For parties that continue into the evening hours
Hang lights from trees, umbrellas, tents, or other anchor points in the yard to bring a festive vibe. Strings of clear glass bulbs or solar-powered lanterns make for an elegant touch. Use outdoor speakers for background music, or create a playlist of songs special to the graduate.
Give the guests, especially younger ones, something to do
A few yard games like croquet, ladder toss, or bean bag toss will provide fun distractions. For extra nostalgia, light up the firepit and provide s’mores supplies.
Plan for Comfort & Weather
Graduation parties are usually afternoon events that continue for hours as guests come and go. For sunny days, make sure there’s plenty of shade and seating under trees, umbrellas, decks, or tents. This helps keep everyone comfortable and lets the graduate mingle easily.
Always have a Plan B for rain
Large tents can keep the party outside, or be ready to move indoors to the house or garage. If a tent is used, stake it securely.
Wind can be a problem with décor
Skip traditional flower arrangements and use small potted plants instead. They won’t tip over, help weigh down tablecloths, and can be decorated with ribbons or accents in class colors.
And last, but certainly not least — if you plan to grill, don’t forget to fill the propane tank!
The rev of a mower engine sparking to life in the neighborhood might as well be a track meet pistol. It signals a start — the start of summer, the weekend, or the day. Done correctly, mowing offers more than just a trim. It can control weeds, recycle nutrients, encourage deep root growth, and contribute to the overall health of the lawn.
Here are some points to consider when setting your mowing path: