Create An Outdoor Space That You'll Love

The days of having a standard concrete pad, a rectangular grass area, and a tree are hopefully behind us. While some find the simplicity of this "classic" American backyard preferred, it typically leaves us wanting more. We can be substantially more creative if we only paused to consider what type of space we would truly love. 

NY Times

Start With Privacy

It's important to prioritize privacy in your garden. Is it something that matters to your family and you, or do you like the feel of a "community" outdoor space. Understanding what you want is the best place to begin. This will determine how much of a budget you set aside for trees and privacy fences. Pergolas and similar structures also serve to create a more private space, and also need to budgeted for. 

Before you go crazy at the garden center and buy all the plants, make sure you're establishing the privacy that you're looking for. 

Apartment Therapy

Beautify From The Start

It's challenging to see the potential of a space if it's cluttered. When you're planning out your backyard you'll want to first clear away the debris, pull the weeds, and trash the junk that you no longer need. You could look at backpack leaf blower reviews and purchase a few maintenance tools to help keep your space looking tidy. We use our leaf blower all the time, it helps push the dirt off of the paved areas, and keeps the mulch where it belongs. 

If your space is barren, like ours was when we moved in (almost 100% dirt), make it as pretty as you can, and you'll be able to better visualize what you're working with.

Southern Living

Add What You Love

Once you've established your threshold for privacy, and have cleaned up your yard, you're ready to create a space that you'll love and spend time in. Consider what you love. If you absolutely LOVE hydrangeas, then plant them, and plant many. A beautiful garden doesn't have to have endless variety.  While having texture in the garden is important, you can do this in various ways. 

Texture can be created through various plants, various materials (wood planters, pea gravel pathways, stone walkways). Texture can also be added through changes in elevation. So if it's you're dream to have a hydrangea garden you should create just that.

This Old House

Make it Comfortable

The more comfortable your outdoor space is, the more likely you'll enjoy the space and share it with others. Life is simply about enjoying the people we love, and doing so outdoors as often as possible.

Consider comfy seating, a space for warm lighting (fire pit, chiminea, or twinkle lights), and again, privacy. 

Gardenista

A backyard space can be cozy and welcoming without expensive furniture and fancy structures. Most importantly, if you find yourself loving the space, so will those that you love.

*This is a collaborative post.

Hurd & Honey