Have you decorated your home exactly the way you want it to look, but have no idea what to do with your backyard? Maybe you think that you don’t have to do anything to your yard, but the backyard is now considered an extension of the home these days. So if your yard seems boring, here are eight ways to improve its look.
Planting a simple or elaborate garden in your backyard is a great way to add something decorative to it. You can plant some of your favorite flowers and plants, as long as they’re able to thrive in the areas you live in. A garden can also serve a more practical purpose by planting fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You can use these items in your kitchen and cut down on the amount of money you spend at the grocery store.
One of the best additions to your backyard is a gathering space, and building a small deck is a simple way to achieve that. A simple platform deck can be made out of wooden deck boards, and it won’t require you to attach it to your home or build any stairs. This will still create a cozy area for family gatherings, or having a drink with your friends with space to place a home outdoor bar, or just giving you another place to decorate as an extension of your home.
A D.I.Y. fire pit is another opportunity to create a cozy gathering area in your backyard. If you’re pretty handy, you can build one yourself, but you also have the option to buy one. A small fire pit will compliment your backyard deck or patio perfectly— or you can even take it a step further and invest in an outdoor kitchen. This usually includes a stove/oven or grill, a sink, a bar area, and a small refrigerator.
If you have more space for a larger garden, consider creating or buying a garden arbor (an arch that leads you into your garden) for the entrance. This adds an elegant touch to your garden area, and you can have more than one depending on how much space you have in your garden.
Water features also add an air of elegance to your backyard— as long as they’re properly maintained. You can add a water feature, such as a fountain or a small spring to the center of a moderately-sized garden, or you can even have a water feature without a garden. Swimming pools are probably the most popular backyard water features, and they also create a gathering space as well as a fun outdoor activity. Combined with a deck/patio area and an outdoor kitchen or fire pit, you have the perfect atmosphere for summer gatherings.
A well-defined pathway through your backyard is a great way to incorporate some landscaping. Paths can be made of stone, concrete, or even gravel, leading from your back door to your gathering area, swimming pool, a garden, or any other major feature in your yard. You can even create a path in your larger garden, starting from your garden arbor and winding all the way through the entire garden.
As mentioned earlier, swimming pools are very popular, so this is something to consider if you have the space for it. However, swimming isn’t the only outdoor activity— and you probably don’t want a swimming pool if you live in a colder area. Still, when the weather's nice, you’ll want to have some space for enjoying the outdoors right in your backyard. For example, a tire swing or a homemade cornhole game can provide some fun activities for children and adults of all ages.
Finally, make sure that you’re taking care of your lawn because a poorly maintained lawn (both in the backyard and the front) can ruin all of the above backyard ideas. Make sure that you’re watering and mowing your lawn according to what is recommended for the climate and season you’re currently in. Also, don’t neglect lawn aeration and fertilization in addition to watering and mowing to keep your lawn healthy.
If nothing else, make sure that you are taking good care of your lawn. You don’t have to have the most elaborate features in your backyard— even if you have a huge yard. All you need is a green and healthy lawn to have a gorgeous backyard. This is also a great foundation for any other features you may want to add in the future.