Backyard Design Ideas | 10 Great Tips
by Jay Chua
1. Utility First, decide who will use this retreat. If you are a couple, the decision is simple; but if you have children or pets, their age appropriate needs must be considered. Some suggestions are sandboxes, swing sets, and wading pools for small children. Teens will offer their own ideas. (Teen boys can be a great asset to help with yard work, or perhaps assemble a porch swing kit.) Adults need a quiet corner . A hot tub will be enjoyable for everyone if there is sufficient space. A weatherproof miniature garden train is wonderful fun and landscaping the track layout is a good project for the whole family. 2. Plantings Wouldn't it be nice to step out the back door and pluck fresh veggies for dinner? Or would you prefer fresh blossoms for the table? Why not do both? A small section of yard could grow a vegetable garden without destroying the aesthetics. Even in a small space, you could grow peppers, tomatoes, radishes, and even a few cucumbers, and cantaloupes. Everyone will feel a sense of pride in knowing they have grown something of value. Flowers for the soul - veggies for the body. Blooming plants such as petunias (these smell luscious), marigolds (bugs hate these), cosmos, zinnias, and impatiens will give wonderful color through spring and summer. 3. Family Time To keep communication lines open, create an inviting conversation nook. This strengthens family ties and maintains unity. A portable fire pit would work well here to create intimacy. Eliminate distractions . Cell phones are especially disruptive; make a no phone zone. Don't allow anything to rob you of that precious family time. 4. Group Therapy Group activities such as badminton or croquet are a good way to get exercise and have team competition. Horseshoes and a dart board are good choices also. 5. Workable Waterworks Water offers another element of nature. A water fountain attracts birds, and the soothing sound will buffer some outside noise. A larger fountain could support a few goldfish and lily pads. And of course ponds are always great backyard design ideas, particularly with waterfalls! 6. Music hath Charms . . . Different music can be used to set the mood for any type of gathering. You can install discreet speakers in the trees or some inconspicuous spots around the yard. Some manufacturers offer outdoor speakers which look like rocks and create the illusion of being in a completely natural setting. 7. Cooks Nook An open flame invites a gathering. There are wonderful grills on the market in many sizes, colors, shapes, and price ranges. These allow cooking outdoors and keep the heat out of the kitchen. Also, portable fire pits set the right mood for intimate conversations. Both can be used for roasting hot dogs or marshmallows. 8. Chuck the Chores Advance planning will eliminate many maintenance chores. Lay down a roll of weed blocker before placing your paving stones. Use mulch to hinder weed growth. Reduce pruning work by choosing shrubbery which is size appropriate. Keep grassy areas at a minimum to eliminate some mowing. 9. Furnishings Choose carefully. Select items that are weather resistant, durable, comfortable and low maintenance. Cushions should have colors complimentary to the surroundings. A one time investment in durable, quality, low maintenance items will pay big dividends in the future. 10. Take Stock Now that you have all these backyard design ideas in mind, you can make your plans. The first thing necessary to start, is to note what you already have. List these things; some to keep, others to discard. Large trees and shrubs will be assets, if in the right location. Structures like a deck, porch or patio will be helpful. Pay attention to areas of shade and sun.. Next, plan ways to use these things as a foundation on which to build; perhaps new paint for the porch or deck and a wooden privacy fence. If your fence is chain link, plant some fast growing vines to give you privacy. Prune overgrown shrubs and trees, discard that old worn out grill and get rid of useless articles. If your house is too close to the neighbors, plant evergreens to absorb the noise. Now take a deep breath, and begin to implement your ideas, step by step. Before you know it, you will be enjoying your very own garden hide-a-way. We hope these ten tips will be helpful in your planning. You will think of many more on your own. It will be personal to you and your family and will become your very favorite place. ****************************** About The Author  Jay Chua is an avid gardener and nature enthusiast who has turned his love of the outdoors into a business designing backyard retreats. His designs utilize wood swingsets and/or porch and hammocks stands. Residents of Vancouver, Canada, Jay and his wife Deisy spend their leisure time in their own backyard retreat. Jay is the publisher of PorchSwingSets.com. Access the site to find furniture to help you enjoy your retreat as much as he and his wife enjoy theirs.
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