If you are looking to enhance your backyard this year, you have many great options available to you. There is something for everyone, for every yard, and for every budget. This can be a fun time to reimagine your landscaping and the possibilities for your backyard.
We will look at a number of ways to trick out your backyard, from gardens to landscaping lights. Let your creativity express itself this year and pick one (or more) of these great ideas to implement to beautify or maximize your yard.
Gardens
The addition of a garden may be just the thing to bring light and life to your backyard. There are so many directions to go with a garden and it can be a great way to express your style and creativity. One way to begin to narrow down your options so to think of your garden in terms of a theme. This will make choosing flowers, plants, and garden decor easier since you will have a better idea of what you are looking for when you head to the greenhouse or nursery.
A few common garden themes include
- Oriental gardens, marked by southeastern Asian plants and flowering trees, are often very colorful while still being delicate and tasteful
- Mediterranean/Italian gardens often contain statues and stone fountains and have a very sophisticated feel
- Butterfly gardens are grown with specific flowers and plants to attract butterflies.
- Evening/moon gardens are full of night-blooming plants. A unique and surprisingly stunning choice.
- Edible or apothecary gardens are gardens where fruit, vegetables, roots, and herbs are grown.
- Wildlife gardens take a natural approach to the aesthetic of the garden. They are full of wildflowers, large rocks, ponds or fountains with running water, birdhouses, and long grasses and moss.
- Cutting gardens are planted with flowers meant to be cut. Sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, peonies, dahlias, and many many more can be grown.
- Cottage gardens are picturesque and quaint. Roses, foxglove, English daisy, daylily, phlox, and more are common varieties for cottage gardens.
- Formal gardens are stately, symmetrical, and orderly. They are carefully shaped and paved, with well-placed and organized flower beds, trimmed bushes, and symmetrical tree placement.
Swimming Pool
Another way to trick out your backyard this year would be to install either an above-ground or in-ground pool. While not the cheapest option, pools are a great way to get outside more and make summer months more bearable. If you need help with any of the water hookups or electric setup, some plumbing/electric companies like All-Star Service may be able to help you install your pool with more confidence.
Fire Pit
Fire pits are another great way to utilize your backyard, especially in the summer. Fire pits are pretty straightforward to assemble, so once you check with your HOA for any restrictions regarding fire pits, you can get one set up in no time.
- First, you need to mark out your location
- A gravel base comes next
- Then lay out your brick or stone frame
- Measure for a bowl if you are using one
- Then use construction adhesive to bond the bricks or stones together
And just like that, you have a fire pit.
Patio Furnishings
Another more affordable option for sprucing up your backyard is to buy new patio furnishings for your patio or deck. You can also get new upholstery for outdoor furniture you already have. Buy some big potted plants. Place bug-repellant candles around. Set up some lights. Get a couple of side tables. Make it an inviting place to sit with plenty of comfortable chairs and places to put cups, plates, books, or bags.
Koi Pond
Adding a koi pond could be a very fun way to beautify your yard. A little forethought has to go into planning a koi pond, but they are relatively straightforward to make.
- First, plan out where you will put your pond. Make sure you can see it clearly in the backyard from outside (and inside if you want). Mark out the area with spray paint to get an idea of the space it will take up.
- Next, you have to dig your hole. Koi ponds should be at least two feet deep.
- You then need to install and set up the pond pump. This is the most complicated part so make sure to follow instructions carefully.
- Next, you will need to lay down liners. First, a heavy-duty underliner to prevent tearing, and then a normal liner to keep the water contained.
- Then fill your pond with gravel and rocks. Pick multiple sizes of rocks and stones and don’t use ornamental rocks.
- Water is next. Fill up your pond and then take a couple of weeks to prep the water and get it ready for fish.
- Lastly, add your koi and enjoy. Be sure you know what to do to take care of your fish and how to keep their pond clean.
Landscape Lights
Lighting can be a very dramatic way to add some flare to your backyard. There are a variety of choices available to you when it comes to landscaping lights, each with a different purpose or placement.
- String lights are pretty universal and can be strung on trees or from fence posts, or even around the house (it doesn’t have to be just a Christmas thing).
- Garden lights are usually mushroom-shaped lights, only allowing light to shine downwards.
- Floodlights are big bright lights that can light up dark patios or decks so that outdoor activities can continue into the night.
- Spotlights are used to dramatically light the sides or front of houses for an aesthetic flare, but they can also be used to light trees and fence-lines too.
Swing or Hammock
Lastly, you can always consider adding a swing or a hammock to your backyard setup. Always be sure to look up specifications for setup and follow any printed instructions on installation to ensure that you are safe while you relax. There are lots of kinds of swings available and it really just depends on the look or design you desire.
Final Thoughts
This year would be a great year to consider ways to make your backyard more appealing. No matter your budget there are options to choose from and there is enough variety to ensure that you can express your creativity and better utilize your outdoor space.
