Back Yard

Backyard Landscaping
The backyard is prefaced with the patio.  Most of us step out on the patio and gaze across the yard to the far fence.  Then we turn right or left to look for flower bed details like blooming flowers. 

Patio Furniture
Imagine an indoor room that you like.  What is it about it that you like?  Then take your ideas and put them into a patio. For most people, the patio needs to be beautiful and comfortable. 

Last year I got a patio chair as a present.  It was a cheap Wal-Mart one made of plastic.  While sitting in it, it broke and I tumbled to the floor.  In addition, the chair wasn’t that comfortable in the first place.

The problem with many patio designs is that the furniture is an afterthought.  The landscaping is done and we need a place to sit down.  Then, you guessed it, someone thinks “Where is the cheapest place to buy plastic furniture?”  This type of thinking is what keeps us from spending a lot of time outdoors.  If we don’t make the space attractive, you won’t want to be there.

Patio Sets
A patio should have a soft cushiony sofa, some cushiony chairs, a storage chest or storage dresser, and maybe some ottomans.  The main thing is to make it comfortable so that you want to spend time outdoors.  Lightweight furniture is ideal because you always need to rearrange for large parties.  You should also keep some lawn chairs on hand for extra seating of guests.

Nowadays patios are also equipped with television, stereos, fire pits, and even outdoor kitchens.

The Back Fence
Since your eye is immediately drawn to look across the yard, make the backdrop beautiful.  I’m sure your fence is lovely, but it’s much nicer to look at a wall of flowers.  Consider planting vines and flowering shrubs in front of the fence.  Don’t plant them in a straight line; either.  The plants should have at least four feet of depth and texture.

Pathways
The patio should have a pathway that leads right up to it.  The path will take you across the yard to a secret grove or hiding place.  It might be  a secluded spot with an outdoor shower or a garden bench under  a patio tree.  The important thing is that the path is lined with flowering perennials and that the special place speaks to you individually.

Plants and Flower Beds
Typically there are flower beds across the back and the sides of the yards.  They will take some effort to maintain, so plan accordingly.  There should be a combination of trees, medium and small shrubs, and perennials.  The flower bed should be raised and the dirt should have two inches of topdressings.  Topdressing should be wood chips, mulch or compost.  Topdressings help keep weeds down, help to retain moisture, and add organic matter to the dirt. 

The most common mistake is not planting enough plants in the flower beds.  Healthy plants are the best way to keep out weeds.  A new weed seedling cannot compete with an established perennial, shrub, or tree.

Patio Flooring
Natural is most often preferred.  Select natural flagstone or wood decking is ideal.  Cement will ideally be colored and/or stamped for a more natural look. 

You can also put patio rugs out.  Bamboo throw rugs are a nice option to put under a coffee table.  In addition, there are other outdoor rugs that are quite durable.  For example, you might like the look of grass and choose Astroturf. 

Water Features
Pond owners prefer the pond come right up to the patio.  They want it close to home base so they can enjoy it.  The pond will bring in an added sense of tranquility and give you something to do.  Some people can sit and watch their Koi fish for hours. 

Final Tip