Backyard Dreaming: 13 Ideas to Spark Your Imagination
Winter, at least for those in chilly climates, is a time when the garden lies dormant … which also means it’s the perfect time to sit in the cozy house and plan. Would you like to add edibles, a water feature, a flower garden, a new deck or an entire series of outdoor rooms? Take some time dreaming up a new garden plan this winter, steaming mug of tea in hand, and you’ll be ready to go when spring arrives. Mull over these ideas, then dream up your own and share them in the Comments.
1. Think of your yard as a series of outdoor rooms. This Austin, Texas, backyard seamlessly combines a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen and dining patio, and a playhouse for the kids. Think about the activity zones in your own backyard — is there something you would love to add this year? Does everyone in your household have a spot where they can play or relax in the yard? Brainstorm a few ways to add more fun.
2. Consider steps and pathways between outdoor rooms. Part of what makes outdoor rooms work well is the way you travel from one part of the space to another. Consider adding stairs, terraces, gravel paths or stepping stones between outdoor rooms. Or change the material underfoot — pavers in one area; pea gravel, concrete and grass in others.
3. Get more function out of a small space with well-defined zones. The smaller your space, the more important it is to clearly mark the boundaries of the outdoor rooms. In this backyard a patio close to the house is covered in large concrete pavers, raised vegetable beds run along the fence line, a barbecue area sits at the end of the yard, and a grassy area keeps the center open and flexible.
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1. Think of your yard as a series of outdoor rooms. This Austin, Texas, backyard seamlessly combines a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen and dining patio, and a playhouse for the kids. Think about the activity zones in your own backyard — is there something you would love to add this year? Does everyone in your household have a spot where they can play or relax in the yard? Brainstorm a few ways to add more fun.
2. Consider steps and pathways between outdoor rooms. Part of what makes outdoor rooms work well is the way you travel from one part of the space to another. Consider adding stairs, terraces, gravel paths or stepping stones between outdoor rooms. Or change the material underfoot — pavers in one area; pea gravel, concrete and grass in others.
3. Get more function out of a small space with well-defined zones. The smaller your space, the more important it is to clearly mark the boundaries of the outdoor rooms. In this backyard a patio close to the house is covered in large concrete pavers, raised vegetable beds run along the fence line, a barbecue area sits at the end of the yard, and a grassy area keeps the center open and flexible.
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