Invite Family and Friends to Your Very Own Outdoor Garden Party

Lowe's Can Help You Get Ready to Entertain and Delight for Those Summer Nights

MOORESVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As warmer weather begins to bring us outdoors, children start getting anxious for the summer break and the sunlit days get longer; it all means more togetherness and gathering with your family and friends. It's time to light up the grill, update your living space and enjoy the outdoors with those closest to you.

Lowe's recently had the opportunity to work with one of the most influential voices of our time, Dr. Maya Angelou to help update her garden and outdoor spaces and make sure they were in tiptop shape for a grandiose garden party celebration with her friends and family. Here are ways to take elements and tips from Dr. Maya Angelou'sGarden Party Celebration to help you get ready to entertain and serve up the best for your guests.

Creating Your Own Garden

"A garden is a wonderful place in which to take a walk. A garden is a wonderful place in which to work. A garden is a wonderful place to be, to sit down and work out the problems of the world ... and a garden is a wonderful place in which to sit down and think about absolutely nothing," said Dr. Maya Angelou.

You can have a garden in any space, even if you don't have a large backyard. For small spaces, add a pop of color with bright flowers in decorative planters or window boxes. Change them up with the seasons to keep things fresh and inviting. Spring is the perfect time for geraniums, impatiens, petunias and foliage accents such as coleus and vinca vine.

Big backyard? Try softening an area around your deck or patio by layering trees, shrubs and perennial accent flowers and foliage. Or display large planters with accent trees and tropicals to provide scale and height or create a focal point in your favorite spot. You can always add annuals around the base for seasonal appeal. Have fun! Experiment with containers and plants that appeal to you.

Outdoor Decor

Outdoor entertaining still reigns. And the trend of bringing the indoors out is evolving with quality furnishings, rugs, lighting, weather resistant fabrics, colors and patterns.

Incorporate furniture that's casual, comfortable and complementary to your home and your life. Outdoor furniture that is easy to maintain, such as all-weather wicker or aluminum, quick dry cushions and fade-resistant fabrics, means less time taking care of the furniture and more time enjoying it. Add extra color by accessorizing with bright accents such as throw pillows, umbrellas and rugs.

Home Cooking

The cooking area is a hub of activity during a party and everyone automatically gathers there. "Guests have a natural tendency to follow the hosts into the kitchen or outside to the grill," said Melissa Birdsong, vice president of Trend, Design and Packaging for Lowe's. "Because people are entertaining at home more, open spaces for gathering are essential."

While grilling, the convenience of having herbs within reach can save money and add a natural, fresh flavor to your meal. Green thumb challenged? Herbs require no "garden" commitment - just a few planters and pots that can be coordinated with the patio. Start with fresh mint, basil, thyme or rosemary that can be used on the grill or in food preparation. Edible accessories!

Learn more from the experts at Lowe's stores, plus view how-to videos and more at Lowes.com. Also visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com for additional how-to information to help you delight your guests. To take a peek at Dr. Angelou's party and see how we utilized the space, start following @DrMayaAngelou on Twitter today and become a fan of Lowe's on Facebook.

About Lowe's

With fiscal year 2009 sales of $47.2 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 15 million customers a week at more than 1,700 home improvement stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

    Source: Lowe's Companies, Inc.