Become An Inspired Backyard Pro
How to Make the Most Out of Your Outdoor Space
by Jessica Drabnis
What is in your backyard? Right now, mine consists of some sparsely growing sprigs of grass. We moved into our new home at the end of 2021. The yard was seeded and mulched shortly before moving in, but winter did not give it much of a chance until now; it is so refreshing to see those little green shoots! With the mud-pocalypse of 2022 behind us, we are making plans for the backyard this summer. Amidst all our planning (arguing), I noticed four recurring themes cropping up: privacy, beauty, relaxation, and fun. Whether your yard is a pristinely established haven or more like mine, here are the a few guidelines we found helpful.
The Aesthetics of Fencing
Safety and privacy take precedence. A good protective fence will go a long way to keep your kids and pets where they need to be. There are many types of fencing: metal panels, wood panels, chainlink fences, picket fences, and more. Before making a decision, you want to consider the architecture and period of your home. Modern metal panels would look out of place surrounding a house built in the Victorian era. Some more kid and pet-friendly options are not the most attractive (looking at you, chainlink); however, you don’t need to sacrifice aesthetics for security. You can add shrubbery in front of chainlink to minimize its appearance. Skip Laurel and Arborvitae are two evergreen options that can provide as much privacy as the best of fences. They both can grow very tall and are low maintenance.
Beauty Not Optional
Color may be the easiest way to add beauty. Take the color of your house into account before picking out furniture and flower pots. Stick with complimentary colors, and you won’t go wrong. If your house is a neutral color, consider yourself lucky to free-range any color you like. If you have a large, unused spot in your yard, consider making a miniature meadow by planting wildflowers. The no-maintenance patch of color will attract a lot of pollinators that will help your other plants flourish. You can also add potted flowers anywhere to catch the eye. Change out your sun-bleached lawn cushions for some with new vibrant patterns.
When adding new plants to established beds, layer your foliage. Ground covers are below and in front of plants and flowers. Your shrubbery should stand behind and above the plants and, of course, trees are above everything. Just follow the rule of shortest to tallest for the most eye-catching flower beds.
Whether natural or man made, I love the sound of trickling water. Water sources are never-ending entertainment for you and your kids. It also adds an element of relaxation to hear the background noise of the water. You can add endless types of aquatic life that will be interesting for you and your children all summer long. It is easier than ever to have a source of running water in our yards with the pre-cast shells and fountains you can find at nurseries and hardware stores. And it doesn’t necessarily come with a hefty price tag if you are willing to put in some hard work.
Good Old-Fashioned Fun
Fire pits are a must for all yards! One of my many favorites of summer is the primal enjoyment of sitting around a fire with friends and family on cool evenings. The warmth is so comforting, and the s’mores are the best part. (Disclaimer: If your toddler has consumed two or three s’mores and wants a hug, just say no or you’ll be cleaning marshmallow out of your hair for a couple days.) Your options for fire pits are not limited to firewood. They come in all shapes and sizes: rustic, modern, stone, metal, permanent, portable, and everything inbetween. No backyard is quite complete without a fire pit.
Lastly, take your backyard to a new level and install an outdoor cinema screen complete with ambient lighting. Your house will be the go-to for all those summer barbecues and parties. Your kids will be thrilled to watch their favorite movie under the stars. Also, you could plan a romantic stay-at-home date night with your partner. The limit is sky high with this one.
Making your backyard comfortable and fun can almost feel like adding square footage to your house. It won’t add market value to your home, but it can become a selling point. Ultimately, backyards are for making memories. And memories with family and friends are priceless.
