Home to Backyard
For most homeowners the backyard is more than just a patch of grass. The backyard needs to be a place of solace after a long stressful day. When deciding what items to include, consider what you will do there. It is the most personal area of the property, and it should reflect your tastes. Does this Spark an idea?
Make Your Backyard User Friendly
List your priorities by importance. The size of your backyard will dictate how much can go there, and some items may need to be dropped. Privacy is always important, if there are walls or fences in place you are already ahead. If a fence is an impossibility, you can create a plant screen for privacy. You will need hard surfaces, and there are a lot of patios and paths you can do yourself. Flagstone is popular because it does not require mortar. It will require a flat sandy surface in which you dig and drop the stones into. Creating a solid path is more difficult because there is cutting and mortaring. By using flagstone in a free-form way you just need some creativity. Pavers, brick and cobble stones are laid down in the same way. Plain concrete is still the most common material for patios. You can always lay tile over the concrete later on. Pebble gravel can be used as a temporary path material and can later act as a base for more permanent paths. The important thing is to have these areas mapped out and leveled before any planting is done. Putting in a lawn is easy. Sod is more expensive but quick and great for small areas. If you choose to seed a lawn find out what the best type of seed is for your area. Lay down good soil before seeding and sprinkle a light layer of compost to hold the seed in place. Fall is the best time to plant a lawn.
Must-have Suggestions
Everyone needs some type of seating. You may desire a comfortable chair to read in or an entire outdoor dining set. Think of the backyard as an outdoor living space not just a place to grow plants. If you visualize yourself working outdoors on your computer, make sure there is easy access to electricity. More and more people are working from home at least part of the time. You will want to use your backyard as many months of the year as possible. Make sure there is a covered area so you can be there when it is raining. This could be a simple table umbrella, awning or a structure built over the patio. Make sure there is lighting so you can stay outside in the evening.
he sight and sound of water can be very tranquil. Some feel this is an extravagant addition but there are plenty of small inexpensive fountains. Ponds are for people who find the maintenance part relaxing. Fountains and waterfalls are for those who just want to look and listen. If water is moving, it stays free of algae and mosquitoes. If the recirculating reservoir is enclosed falling debris will stay out. Another worthy addition may be a hot tub. If you cook a lot you may want to add an outdoor kitchen. This does not have to be the prefabricated kind. Start with a good barbecue and add a small refrigerator, sink and cabinet just as you would inside the house. Adding as you go is easy if the areas are set aside for your ongoing projects.
Choosing Plants
Large trees are too big for most modern lots and create a lot of raking. Layer small trees and shrubs at different heights to create a woodland setting. If you enjoy watching birds, add berry-producing shrubs. If your side yard is sunny, plant the vegetable garden there instead of in the center of the backyard. Vegetable gardens look bad in the winter. For instant effect, place annuals in containers for the deck or patio while your landscape matures.
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