Pep Up the Back Yard

When a couple both work and lead busy lives at the weekend they do not have time to maintain the back portion of their home block. It becomes at best a boring area of grass and at worst a junk heap holding rubble, dog bones, or just weeds. No one wants to go out there for any reason whatsoever, let alone to relax and enjoy the outdoors. What can be done to pep up this area so that spending time there is an attractive and enticing prospect?

If the work cannot be outsourced, then set aside a full weekend for clearing away all the rubbish. Once the decision has been made to do some landscaping on the back area, it won’t take all that long to do the work. Execution often follows motivation, so get stuck into it and clear all the rubbish out. Hiring a special dumpster may be necessary, depending on how much rubbish there is. Invite the family or friends around to help and shout them a meal at the end of the job.

Mowing may be necessary if none has been done for ages. Now remember that the back yard fell into disrepair because there was not enough time to take care of it. So don’t plan on making a garden that will end up suffering the same fate. Instead, go for a makeover that needs no maintaining.

Ideas to Renovate the Back Lawn Area

Here are some ideas that may suit. Much depends on the size of the area and personal taste.

• Cement the area if small and cover with attractive gravel or artificial turf. Add some deckchairs, a barbeque and a row of potted plants.
• If the area contains good junk with no other home, erect a small garden shed at the back fence. Make it look attractive -like a cubby house or quaint cottage. Add a winding path of stepping stones or attractive gravel.
• If you have children, make the area into a playground for them. Sand or rubber pieces under the equipment will take care of falls. Make sure there is enough room to get past a swing that is in action, otherwise leave that out and have slides and climbing equipment instead.
• If you really want a garden, cover the top with a thick layer of white pebbles to keep out weeds. And plant permanent things that will not need replacement.
• Make a Zen garden with sand or pebbles, a stone lantern or mossy log, or a water feature.
• Add an archway with climbers at each end and a birdbath underneath.
• Make good use of statues, water features and unusual seating for an attractive nook to relax in.
• If swimming is an attractive pastime, make the back yard into a pool area. With the surface covered by pool decking and water, mowing will be considerably reduced.
• Or install a fishpond – but have it done professionally for the best look.

Three More Ways to Add Interest to the Average Suburban Block

Even if the back yard is an average to medium suburban block with lawn, a few shrubs and a bit of garden, it can still be pepped up in various ways to make it more attractive.

The addition of an outdoors spa complete with decking, pot plants and walls for privacy will certainly encourage usage of this area.

Adding a barbeque with tables and comfortable chairs, plus a heater to extend usage time into cooler evenings, will encourage all to make use of the back yard.

For those who are bird lovers, adding a birdbath – with a heating element so the water does not freeze in winter – and various bird feeders will make this area one which will delight, as different birds take shelter there. If small birds abound, then adding thick foliage bushes will give them a place of protection to hide in from predators.

Once the back yard is made into an attractive area it will add value to the home and give extra space for relaxing and entertaining.