Your backyard is an extension of your home interior that can be another usable “room”. With a little effort, you can transform your yard into a space for relaxation, entertainment, recreation, or all of these. The area should be a reflection of your own personal style. Whether you seek the services of a professional landscape designer, or do it yourself, you can bring new life to an often-overlooked space. Here are a few tips for designing your dream backyard.
Combine Soft and Hardscapes
If your yard is simply a patch of grass lawn, consider adding a stone patio for dining al fresco. You can surround the patio with grass and other plantings. This will create areas for different activities. Add a table and a few comfy chairs to the patio. To soften the noise, try planting some small bushes or seagrasses at the perimeter of the patio.
Keep Landscaping Simple
Unless you are an avid gardener, it makes sense to plant bushes and trees that are easy to maintain. Many evergreens don’t shed and they stay green all winter. If you want to ensure that the plantings don’t grow too tall, place them in containers. This is also nice because you can relocate the containers as the seasons change for a fresh design.
Fence It In
A fence is sometimes necessary for keeping your children and pets safe. It can also provide privacy from your neighbors. Consider using a fence as a growing wall as you might see in office lobbies. The fence can have planters attached at different locations that are filled with colorful flowers. Or, you can encourage climbing roses and vines to grow up the fence, creating a soft backdrop.
Add a Fire Pit
What is cozier than sitting around an open fire making s’mores on a cool fall evening? A circular, raised fire pit that is made of masonry offers a great place to prop up your feet and your skewers. Surround the pit with simple Adirondack chairs and warm blankets.
Create a Meditation Space
For quiet reflection, create an area that encourages solitude. This can be a small area that has a river stone gravel base for comfort underfoot. Add a soothing, trickling water feature. A nice wood bench, preferably teak, makes for a good place to meditate or read.
Keep It Cool
If your yard gets tons of daylight, you might want to create a shady spot. This can be as sophisticated as a retractable awning attached to the house. It could also be a pergola that provides partial protection from the sun. Or, plant a decorative and graceful shade trade, such as a Japanese maple.
Have Fun with Lighting
Accent lighting can bring charm and ambiance to your backyard. Turn off that blinding flood light. Instead, have in-ground LED lights that brighten up a tree or bushes. Have step lights in your stair risers, retaining walls, and paths. And don’t forget about those popular string lights along your fence.
