Calgary is still stuck in the throes of winter, but many homeowners are already planning their landscape projects for 2021 to ensure they have an outdoor space to enjoy this summer.

During the early 1980s, a new craze was sweeping across North America. Outdoor waterslides quickly became the hottest summer attraction in city after city, and Calgary was no exception.

Despite the gradual reopening of businesses and other public spaces as part of Alberta's relaunch strategy, COVID-19 still loom large in our daily lives several months into the pandemic. As a result, the humble backyard might be where many Calgarians spend much of their time outdoors this summer – whether they're seeking sanctuary or a place for small, physically distanced gatherings with friends and family.

So, there's no time like the present to make the most of that space. Here are six easy ways to spruce up your yard and create the outdoor oasis you've always wanted.

After an unusual spring spent mostly cooped up inside, summer's onset promises brighter days.

Summer is also a great time to notice the areas around the home that are especially in need of a refresh. This is where Alykhan Velji, principal at Alykhan Velji Designs, is focused for summer 2020.

As temperatures rise, so too does interest in enjoying the sun from the comfort of one's home, and a sunroom is one option that is easy to warm up to.

If your garden party is usually over after the irises, peonies, plums and lilacs fade, add late-blooming flowers to really stretch your summer this season. Making way for late bloomers means the joy of summer continues past your escape to the lake and well into back-to-school season.

I arrived home one day in November to find my irrigation system was spraying my snowy lawn.