During several months of the year, your outdoor areas can significantly increase your livable space. Here are 5 backyard design ideas to help you create your perfect outdoor retreat.
Gardens Galore
Overall, gardens are among the most sought-after outdoor design elements. Many gardening centers will provide you with a general garden or landscape plan that you can easily adapt to fit your space. What is great about following a plan like this, is that you gain the knowledge from the experts about what will grow most successfully in your area, plus the plan will take the guess work out the optimal spacing between the different trees, shrubs and flowers. This will allow your garden to mature and come into it’s own without overcrowding.
Cucumbers, Peppers, Cauliflower…oh my!
The popularity of at home vegetable gardens continue to grow. Regardless of how small or large your outdoor space is, it is very possible to introduce a vegetable garden that you can enjoy all summer and into the fall.
This is also an inexpensive way to include organic vegetables into your diet, which is a win-win.
The biggest tip I can give you in this department is to be realistic about how many different vegetables you would like to plant. And remember that sharing your bounty with neighbours or a local charity is a great way to give back to your community.
The Ring of Fire
Available in several different fuels (wood, propane, natural gas), many people enjoy sitting by a fire on a cool summer or fall night. It is a great addition to your backyard that can be enjoyed by family and friends of all ages. According to the City of Markham website, “the use of chimneas, outdoor furnaces, etc for recreational purposes is permitted if all By-law conditions are met”, as long as you live North of 17th Ave and East of 10th Line (Reesor Road).
When deciding what type of backyard fire best suits your backyard, remember to consider your neighbours. Not everyone enjoys the smell of a true campfire, especially when they have their windows open on a cool night.
Take Dinner Outside
Outdoor dining areas have definitely come a long way in the last 10 years. When the weather is nice, take dinner outside and enjoy the sounds of your community. To ensure maximum comfort, choose comfortable chairs with durable cushions so dinner guests will linger for an after dinner summer cocktail and conversation.
Made in the Shade
Pergolas provide structure and shade with an open airy feeling, and enhance your backyard in a timeless way that will be enjoyed for many years to come. Another nice feature of pergolas is that they can be easily incorporated into an existing backyard space to add an instant update. They can also be incorporated into any of the other 4 backyard design elements listed here.
If you prefer to tackle projects on your own, a pergola can be built and in place over a long weekend, adding instant beauty in just a couple of days.
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