A backyard is more than a privacy screen between you and your neighbours, it’s an opportunity to extend your home, creating a stunning place to entertain and enjoy the great outdoors, and it can even increase the value of your property. 

Of course, it all depends on what you do to your backyard. Fortunately, there are some great landscaping ideas that you should try.

Create A Room

The first step is to create an outside space where you can entertain guests and simply enjoy being outdoors. 

You’ll need to designate an area attached to your home. Then, you’ll need to lay a floor, such as decking. It should be on the same level as your home, making it easier to feel like it is part of the inside. 

Add panelling to two sides, creating a wind block, privacy, and facilitating the idea it is a room. You should also add awnings to this area. They provide shade from the sun and protection from the rain. But, they can be wound in to allow light into the house.

Decorate the panels with lights and flowers to create a stunning entertaining ‘room’.

Build A Play Park

If you have children and a reasonably-sized backyard then you need to dedicate a space to a play park. A simple raised platform; swing and slide will do although you can be as elaborate as you wish. 

It gives the children somewhere safe to play whenever they can and it will add value to your property. 

Raised Bed Veg Garden

Installing raised beds in your garden make sit much easier to look after them. They can also look much smarter than simple flower beds. The great thing about raised beds is that you can use them for whatever you want, that’s flowers or vegetables.

There is something rewarding about eating homegrown vegetables.

A Swimming Pool

One thing that every backyard needs is a swimming pool. There is no better way to enjoy a hot summer’s day than by jumping into the pool to refresh?

Of course, the best pools are inground ones. That means asking for planning permission first. Include a heater and this is more than just an attractive feature, it’s a valuable addition to your property.

Zen Garden

It’s a great idea to pick a small area of your garden and focus on zen. This is traditionally a simple area of your garden with clean lines and minimalistic landscaping. It looks stunning and is a great spot for quiet contemplation or meditation.

Just decide whether you are more likely to use it in the morning or the evening, this will help you choose the right spot in your yard.

Lighting

You need to install dim lights that outline your driveway and paths around your yard. This helps you see where you are going and creates definition in your yard. Best of all, you don’t have to stick to white lights, using a few coloured ones that can really transform the look and feel of your backyard.

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Jeff Sandquist