What’s your dream backyard? Is it a spectacular paradise where you can escape the daily hustle to relax and tune out from the world in? Or are you a social butterfly with friends and family constantly flocking in and out and you need something a little more exciting to entertain and cater for them? Maybe you are a growing family and need something bigger so the children don’t go too stir crazy cooped up inside – whatever it is, having a backyard that adapts to your needs and lifestyle is essential.
Take a seat in your backyard, are you comfortable? If not then it’s probably because you never got around to buying the right outdoor dining furniture, or maybe it just hasn’t been decked out the way you want it to be. Creating an outdoor space where you feel happy in is just as important as choosing the right home to buy. Not only is it going to be where you will spend most of you days at, but a well decked out area will ensure you get a great resale value should the time come to sell. We look into a few expert ideas you can implement, for both ends of the budget.
1. Build a Pond
Pond appeal is a fantastic opportunity to create an attractive visual addition to your scenic landscaping. If relaxation was on your essentials list, a pond can enhance your soothing space to unwind in. Building a pond can be relatively simple and can offer a safe haven for little creatures including frogs or buying some easy to maintain goldfish will add to the good feng-shui.
A pond, any shape or size will offer you your own sanctuary, a safe place to hide from the world. Consider adding a water feature nearby or a fountain flowing into the pond to really boost the soothing aspects.
2. Decked Out – An Entertaining Space
If you love to entertain then a deck and patio area is a must. You can be as adventurous as you like but constructing a good deck will give your home a dynamic outdoor ambience, creating the comfortable and convenient space you desire. You can add appeal to the area with various wood stains and natural materials for the deck and for those that have a deck that needs a slight ‘pick-me-up’, consider a simple re-varnish or a new built in feature like a hot tub or outside kitchen.
Be sure to include a decent BBQ and some outdoor lighting. Buying new furniture can also boost your outdoor area and acts as a solid investment. Whilst it may be tempting to save money on outdoor furniture, thinking of it as an investment and buying something that is built to last will have your area looking great in no time for years to come. Consider Velago Patio Furniture when looking for modern and contemporary garden furniture.
3. Child Friendly Features
Keeping children entertained can be a mission but there are features you can have in your backyard that can be as exciting for them as they are for you. Statues can add character to your garden and creating a fairy garden or a cave with gnomes and other features can get your children’s imagination to flow and spark all sorts of fun adventures.
If you have a pool, purchasing some pool toys can generate hours of fun. Make sure you are aware and up-to-date with the pool fencing regulations though to ensure safety. Bird baths and feeders can be a good way to compliment your garden and attract native birds, whilst offering your children an enjoyable learning experience. You can get your child to help in the garden by building a small bird house or leaving seeds out to attract different kinds.
4. Get Planting
Plants and luscious grass areas can really liven up a stale looking backyard. Not only do they look great though, but they provide shade in the warmer months and privacy from neighbours or passer-by’s, ensuring your outdoor area really is your own retreat. If you have a busy lifestyle, consider easy to maintain plants but bear in mind you need to think about soil type and climate conditions too. Vegetable gardens are also a convenient option, look fantastic and can really impact on your wallet over time. If your existing garden is looking a little worn out and you don’t have the budget to replant everything, a few bags of mulch can get it looking much tidier – pine bark and eucalyptus mulch will work wonders.
If you have a grass area or looking to start a lawn section make sure you keeping it looking lush and green with fertilisers and enough sun and water. Make sure you mow your lawn and create a “grasscycle” by leaving clipping on the area, this improves the soil with organic matter and nutrients.
5. Declutter
The atmosphere of a clutter free area can be enough to entice. With any renovation or backyard design project, maintaining it is a must – cluttered backyards will only reduce the size of your space and leave no room for comfort or relaxation. Start clearing up those kids’ toys, keeping the BBQ clean and the garden equipment hidden. If it’s starting to look too hectic, building a small shed out the back will offer a tidy outlet and give you more room to entertain and unwind in.
This article is written by Jayde Ferguson, who writes for Drovers Garden and Lifestyle Centre, one of Australia’s biggest garden and lifestyle centres.
