If you are considering upgrading your backyard feel by adding outdoor enhancements, here are a few ideas for your backyard. I like to start by taking a clockwise view of the area. Start at the back door. Look to your left to begin. As you scan the backyard, consider adding areas for gathering around a campfire, recreation to get physical exercise, a food growing area and a water feature.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Gathering Around The Campfire Zone
When adding a campfire area, check with your local ordinances for how far the campfire needs to be away from your building. Measure that out and look around your backyard for an open area that is away from trees and overhanging lights or power lines for safety. Now that you have the section of your yard decided upon, measure out how much space you want to dedicate to this project and remember to include room for seating, a table for beverages and snacks, as well as room not far away for firewood.
It is best to form a picture in your mind of what you want. For example, a resource covering gravel and material options for landscaping helps contractors and homeowners compare outdoor foundation materials before starting a project. Often there are example photos on these websites to help you get a visual idea so you have something to keep in mind as you plan.
Another idea for an outdoor fire that has been growing in popularity is a fireplace type of concrete section. The best part of having this is that they are built similar to an indoor fireplace in the case that the smoke goes up a chimney and away from your guests. No more listening to compaints of dry eyes or smelling like smoke!
Recreation Area
Even if you don’t have children or grandchildren, anyone with a home should have a place to play in their yard. What do you like to do? Do you like jumping on a trampoline, swimming in a pool, swinging on a swing or bench swing? Would you want a small basketball area with a hoop and concrete? Or a volleyball or badminton area? If none of these sound interesting, then how about an outdoor hot tub for relaxation?
Food Growing Garden
Home grown fruits and vegetables can be very healthy for you and a great way to get the freshest produce. Imagine going out to your herb garden to get a clipping for the freshest culinary taste. Consider whether you like to bend over to get to your plants, if not, you may want to add a permanent raised garden that you can easily reach and won’t have to worry about replacing when wood rots years from now.
Image Credit: Canva
The Water Feature
Ah, the sound of a gentle waterfall on rocks. How relaxing! If you are in a situation where you can have a water feature, would you prefer to have a fountain, waterfall or pond? Think about what would be best and whether the maintenance of it is something you want to handle or not. If you will have tiny children around, it is best to keep these areas either fenced off or higher up off the ground.
You can build scalable water features with the help of a local landscape materials retailer that can offer flexible systems you can purchase and build the full unit yourself. Many offer decorative bowls, stone baths, full ponds, waterfall areas and fountains. Often, you can find YouTube videos from their manufacturer of how to install them as well.
After considering all of these ideas, which one do you plan to start with? Let me know in the comments below.
This is a contributed post.
More From NeededInTheHome
Product Reviews
Get Our Books
Etsy Shop
TPT Store
eBay Store
Linktree
My Faith Testimony
Subscribe so you never miss a post.
If you find my tips useful, feel free to buy me a coffee. Thank you in advance!
Want to remember this? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest Board!
Join the newsletter
Subscribe to receive our latest articles and promotional content by email from NeededInTheHome
Leave a Reply