Landscaping ideas for the backyard.
 (Read 100+ times)
By Glory Lennon
|
|
|
You just finished landscaping the front yard and it looks great. The neighbors are rather impressed by it. They didn’t think you had it in you. You deserve some congratulations for all that hard work but aren’t you forgetting the back yard? If you’re thinking you can do the same in the back as you did in the front you better think twice. The front yard is basically for show but the back is for you to relax, to chill, to soothe away the tension of the day and to be yourself. A whole new set of rules goes with landscaping the backyard.
Whole new set of rules? That was a poor choice of words. There are no rules, just suggestions to help you make your own little haven away from the rest of the world. For instance, you might want to plant a row of tall trees or shrubs to enclose your space and give you privacy. Bamboo would work well if you like that tropical look. Just do yourself a favor and get the slow-to-spread clumping type so you won’t be fighting it back forever.
If you have a particularly large space, you may want to divide it into smaller garden “rooms” or sections used for different activities. The patio area would be an entertainment “room” while the kids may like their own space to set up a club house or jungle gym. Using a row of Sunflowers or for something more permanent, perennials like Hardy Hibiscus or ornamental grass to cut one area slightly from sight will give everyone their own territory without impeding on others.
A tiny bit of the backyard may be the place you set aside for wildlife. Planting a shrub border with bushes which flower and then produce fruit will bring in butterflies, songbirds, bumble bees, rabbits and squirrels. Put in a pond and you’ll have frogs, dragonflies and toads moving in before you fill it up with water. This out of the way place may also serve to hide the compost pile if you were inclined to have one.
Plant a perennial border or cutting garden and you’ll be able to bring the outdoors in, one cut flower at a time. Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies also like flowers by the way. Vines grown on a fence or trellis can serve as a screen to further divide space or just to bring height to the garden. The backyard is a great place to plant a vegetable or herb garden. Pick a sunny spot and plant what you like to eat. Doesn’t have to be too fancy nor big.
But then that’s the true pleasure of the backyard. All should be relaxed, soothing and comfortable. It is your sanctuary after all. Landscape to enjoy it. That’s the only rule which needs to be obeyed.
|
Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
 For more garden musings, a peek at an unfinished novel or an amusing short story come visit me at http://www.helium.com/user/32782
Didn't really find what you were looking for?
|
|
|
| |
|
|
![[Valid RSS feed]](images/rss.gif "Subscribe to our XML Feed for RSS")
