When you think of a storm shelter, you might picture a plain, utilitarian structure. But with a bit of creativity, you can turn it into an attractive feature of your garden.
1. Create Paved Walkways
Lay down stone or paver paths leading to the storm shelter entrance. It’s practical and adds a touch of sophistication. I often suggest this to clients who want a more formal garden aesthetic. My own path is made of flagstone, which I think adds a rustic charm.
Consider these options:
- Outdoor Stone Paver Set: Enhance your landscape with durable stone pavers for an elegant and functional walkway solution.
- Garden Landscape Edging: Define your walkway beautifully with sturdy garden edging that prevents soil creep and grass invasion.
- Outdoor Pathway Lighting: Illuminate your walkway with stylish lights, ensuring safety and adding elegance to evening landscapes.
2. Add a Burst of Colorful Flowers
Plant vibrant flowers around your shelter to create a cheerful, welcoming vibe. I love how they soften the harsh lines of concrete. I’ve found that annuals like petunias and marigolds offer the most consistent color throughout the season. My preference is to mix colors for a truly eye-catching display.
A few relevant products:
- Perennial Mixed Flower Seeds: Brighten your garden with these easy-to-grow perennial seeds for vibrant, lasting color displays.
- Garden Border Edging: Define your flower beds with stylish edging for a neat, polished look around your storm shelter.
- Solar Garden Lights: Add ambiance with solar-powered lights that enhance your flower displays and guide the way.
3. Opt for Evergreen Shrubs
Plant evergreen shrubs around the shelter for year-round greenery. They provide a lovely backdrop and require minimal upkeep. In my experience, boxwoods and junipers are excellent choices for this purpose. I think they provide a sense of structure and permanence.
Give these a look:
- Evergreen Shrub Seeds: Plant evergreen shrub seeds for lush, year-round greenery with minimal maintenance effort.
- Garden Shovel: Easily plant your evergreen shrubs with this durable and comfortable garden shovel.
- Natural Fertilizer for Shrubs: Boost your evergreen shrubs’ growth with this organic, environmentally-friendly fertilizer.
4. Plant Native Grasses
Use native grasses to create a natural, flowing landscape around the shelter. They sway beautifully in the breeze and are eco-friendly. I’ve noticed that native grasses are also very drought-tolerant, making them a low-maintenance option. My favorite is little bluestem, with its beautiful fall color.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Native Grass Seed Mix: Transform your landscape with eco-friendly native grass seeds for a lush, natural look.
- Decorative Garden Stones: Enhance your garden path with durable, stylish stones for a natural, elegant finish.
- Outdoor Plant Fertilizer: Boost your grass growth with nutrient-rich fertilizer tailored for native plants and grasses.
5. Opt for Mossy Accents
Incorporate moss-covered stones or features for a mystical touch. It’s like bringing a bit of the forest into your garden. I find that this works particularly well in shaded areas, where moss thrives naturally. My clients are always surprised at how much character these elements can add.
Possibly handy products:
- Moss Starter Kits: Enhance your stones with lush moss growth. Perfect for a natural, earthy look.
- Decorative Stone Landscaping Set: Create a mystical garden path with decorative stones for an enchanting forest touch.
- Outdoor Moss Planters: Incorporate mossy planters to add a touch of greenery and a rustic charm.
6. Embrace Raised Beds
Surround your storm shelter with raised garden beds using bricks or wood. It adds depth and a touch of elegance while keeping plants organized. I’ve used this technique for clients who want to grow vegetables and herbs close to their homes. My personal garden has raised beds made of cedar, which I find very attractive and long-lasting.
Try these:
- Wooden Raised Garden Bed Kit: Enhance your garden aesthetics with this elegant wooden bed kit, keeping plants neat and organized.
- Brick Edging for Raised Beds: Add a classy touch with brick edging, creating defined and sophisticated garden spaces easily.
- Gardening Soil Mix for Raised Beds: Optimize plant growth with nutrient-rich soil mix, perfect for your raised garden beds.
7. Achieve Natural Blending
Design the landscape so the storm shelter seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. I love using native plants for a cohesive look. This approach creates a more natural and harmonious feel in the garden. I find that it also reduces the need for excessive watering and fertilization.
You might like:
- Native Plant Seed Mix: Enhance your landscape with diverse native plants, ensuring seamless integration with your surroundings.
- Low-Maintenance Ground Cover: Use ground cover to create a lush, low-maintenance landscape that naturally blends with the environment.
- Natural Stone Pathway Kit: Craft a natural stone pathway to guide and enhance your landscape’s organic flow and look.
8. Incorporate Terraced Gardens
If your shelter is on a slope, create terraces for planting. It’s a great way to use vertical space effectively. I often recommend this to clients who have challenging landscapes. My advice is to use retaining walls made of natural stone for a rustic look.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Garden Terrace Blocks: Enhance stability while beautifying your slope with durable garden terrace blocks.
- Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants: Choose low-maintenance ground cover plants to add texture and color to your terraces.
- Automated Irrigation System: Keep your terraced garden hydrated with an efficient automated irrigation system.
9. Use Climbing Vines
Let climbing vines cover the storm shelter walls for a lush, green facade. It’s a beautiful way to blend it into the landscape. I’ve seen clients use ivy, clematis, and even climbing roses to achieve this effect. My observation is that it softens the look of the shelter and makes it more visually appealing.
Explore these options:
- Trellis for Climbing Plants: Enhance your shelter’s facade with a sturdy trellis, perfect for supporting lush climbing vines.
- Vine Support Clips: Secure your climbing vines easily with these handy support clips for a neat and tidy look.
- All-Purpose Plant Fertilizer: Boost your vines’ growth with this plant fertilizer for vibrant and healthy green foliage.
10. Add a Water Feature
Install a small fountain or pond near the shelter. The soothing sound of water can be quite calming and inviting. I often suggest this feature to clients who want to create a relaxing outdoor space. My own small fountain is a haven for birds, which I find endlessly entertaining.
Products that could assist:
- Outdoor Garden Fountain: Enhance your landscape with a garden fountain. Experience soothing sounds in your outdoor space.
- Decorative Garden Pond Kit: Create a calming oasis with a garden pond kit. Enjoy the tranquility it brings.
- Solar Powered Water Pump: Add a sustainable touch with solar water pumps. Enjoy eco-friendly outdoor water features.
11. Design a Seating Area
Create a cozy seating area nearby with benches or chairs. It’s a perfect spot for enjoying your garden’s beauty. I always advise clients to choose comfortable and weather-resistant furniture for this area. My favorite spot includes Adirondack chairs around a small fire pit.
A few suggestions:
- Outdoor Wooden Bench: Enhance your garden space with a charming wooden bench, perfect for relaxation and enjoyment.
- Weather-Resistant Outdoor Chair Set: Add comfort and style with weather-resistant outdoor chairs, ideal for any garden seating area.
- Garden Side Table: Complete your seating area with a functional garden side table for convenience and decor.
12. Surprise with Edible Landscaping
Plant edible plants like herbs or berries around the shelter. It’s a practical and tasty addition to the landscape. I’ve found that many herbs thrive in sunny locations near structures like storm shelters. My preference is to plant herbs like rosemary and thyme for their fragrance and culinary uses.
Items that may come in handy:
- Variety Pack of Herb Seeds: Plant a diverse herb garden to enhance your landscape and elevate your culinary creations.
- Berry Bush Starter Kit: Start your own berry patch and enjoy fresh, juicy berries right from your shelter’s surroundings.
- Raised Garden Bed: Create an organized garden space that maximizes growth and adds visual appeal to your landscape.
