Backyard Magic in Just 10 Steps

Contributed by guest writer Jay Chua

The long, dreary winter has passed and it's time to think about those wonderful spring and summer days ahead. Spirits climb as you imagine the fun available on vacations and travel. But when you step out the back door and use your imagination, you realize you can create a wonderfully private and magical place right here, in your own backyard.

With some planning and family participation, you can create a permanent vacation spot of your own. Here are the 10 tips that will help you.

1. Assess Your Needs

What you need to do will be determined by who will be using this retreat. How many are in your family and what are their ages, hobbies, and interests. Also, decide your entertainment habits and needs. Don't forget to make provisions for your pets.

Small children like a sandbox, swing set, or wading pool. Teens need more room for activities like badminton or croquet, but will also appreciate many of the same comforts as adults. One near necessity is a niche with a small table and comfortable chairs. This can be used for a meal, board games, homework, family conferences, or just for sipping your morning coffee. A hot tub will be enjoyable for everyone as will an above ground pool if there is sufficient space. If you like toy trains, a miniature garden train (these are weatherproof) might be a possibility. Landscaping the track layout is something the whole family can help do.

2. Reduce The Work

Keep in mind that you want to spend your time in relaxation, not upkeep. There will always be some maintenance, but with proper advance planning, you can keep it to a minimum. For instance, if you install rolled weed blocker before you lay paving stones or disperse wood chips, you will nearly eliminate the need for weeding. Also, use mulch to reduce weeds in other areas. Layout your garden to eliminate as much mowing as possible. Cut down on future pruning by using plants which will not grow to an undesirable height.

3. Eat Out

Preparing meals on an outside grill is less stressful and more fun than being cooped up in a hot kitchen. Whether a simple charcoal bowl grill, or an elaborate deluxe gas model, your food will taste great. Also, a portable fire pit is great for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. When not being used for cooking, it can be placed back in the conversation nook.

4. Grow Flowers And Food

It has been said that "flowers feed the soul, but food feeds the body". If you are only interested in aesthetics, stick to flowers and greenery. Some showy zinnias, cosmos, and marigolds add bits of color to your landscape.

But if growing a few veggies turns you on, think about setting aside a small area for your "farm". Some easy, fast growing plants are tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, cantaloupes, and radishes. Children will love this.

5. Make A List

Take inventory of the permanent features already in place. A porch, deck, or patio can be revived with a new coat of paint. Those overgrown shrubs can be pruned back, that large tree could support a wooden swing set, and that sandy spot down the back would make a good horseshoe pit. The covered porch would look great with some color coordinated indoor porch furniture. Consider a screen of fast-growing, densely planted hedges that will shield views and absorb sound (use evergreens for year-round privacy). If you have an ugly chain link fence, dress it up with flowering vines or ivy. Discard any useless items lying about. Make a list of all these things you can use as a beginning point for your project, what you have to buy, and the work you will have to do.

6. Set The Mood

Create ambiance with music. Whether you want to relax, or party down, music will set the mood. Waterproof speakers can be hidden around the yard (disguised as rocks) or in trees to transform your retreat into a magical spot.

7. Let's Talk

Communication is the key to family unity. Allow space to create a niche where everyone can be comfortable, which encourages conversation and a sense of well being. This can be that space we talked about in Item 1, with the table and chairs. Or the glider we mention in Item 10 surrounded by several chairs with that portable fire pit as the centerpiece. The idea here is to create that place where you all can gather in comfort, relax and talk.

8. Group Activities

Whether it is horseshoes, croquet, darts, or something else, group activities and competition is very important. A hot tub would be great, winter or summer.

9. Pools And Fountains

You can create a focal point with a fountain, birdbath, or a reflection pool. With running (recycled) water, the soothing sound promotes relaxation and buffers noise from the outside.

10. Furniture That Lasts

The addition of strategically placed furniture like gliders, hammocks, or wooden swings invites relaxation and a peaceful atmosphere. Though it can seem expensive at first, youíll find a one time investment in quality furniture will pay off in the long run. Choose well to minimize maintenance and maximize utility. Cushion colors offer endless design possibilities, as do wood finishes and paint.

As your magic backyard project grows, you will have so many ways to use your retreat, you will find you won't want to travel at all - your favorite place is right outside your back door.

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About The Author

Jay Chua, Publishes PorchSwingSets.com, and is an outdoorsman , nature enthusiast, and designer of backyard retreats. He lives with his wife Deisy in Vancouver, Canada. When he is not traveling, Jay likes to spend time on his wood swingset enjoying a quiet moment with his wife. To help make your own happy memories, visit porch swing and hammocks online to discover an array of patio swings suited for your own backyard retreat.