Think of your backyard as your very own, exclusive, staycation resort. You don’t have to put in a pool or spend a fortune on landscaping to achieve this either. Here are some little touches that can make your backyard your favorite “room”—imagine that!
Plant a little privacy. Unfortunately, we can’t always choose what surrounds us…the neighbors’ RV, a cell-phone tower, the fast-food joint on the corner. But there’s a fencing option that doesn’t cost a fortune. Get some rolls of 6-foot bamboo fencing from a home or garden center and some sturdy stakes. Set it up, then plant a row of fast-growing hedge plants such as ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae, nandina (heavenly bamboo), or privet in front. By the time the bamboo fence has decayed and needs to be pulled down, your new hedge will be tall enough to take over.
Find furniture you can afford. If you want an upgrade from plastic (but not debt from teak), go to flea markets, junk shops, and “antique” stores that have an outdoor display. You’ll find lots of sturdy old metal outdoor furniture. Yep, what falls in the right price range is likely to be rusty or scaly, but buy the stuff anyway. And don’t worry about anything matching—for now. The ultimate plan: Buy some outdoor spray-paint in a color you love, choose a windless day, set your furniture on the lawn on plenty of newspaper, and go for it.
Go for beauty (and buzz). If you could only choose one plant, make it a fuchsia. Here’s the deal: Fuchsias attract hummingbirds. By putting one on your deck or patio, you can bring those little buzzers up within arm’s reach. You can find gorgeous fuchsias—usually sold in hanging baskets—all season at home and garden centers and nurseries.
Light up the night. String tiny white lights around your deck railing, along the fence, and in trees or shrubs; hang paper lanterns from tree branches; line your path with luminarias; place tiki torches around your deck or along your walk; set votive candles on your outdoor tables; float tea lights in bowls of water strategically placed around your deck, porch, or patio. And don’t forget a fire pit, chiminea, or even a patio table with a propane-fueled fire in the center—you can sometimes get deep discounts on discontinued models.
Just add water. Okay, so installing that pond just isn’t happening within your budget. Try a birdbath or tabletop fountain to get the relaxing effect. Or to go a step further, search online for some simple plans for a half-barrel water garden.
Use some common (and uncommon) scents. Try surrounding your outdoor “room” with containers of scented flowers and herbs: miniature roses; pineapple sage; herbs like rosemary, basil, and mint; nasturtiums; or scented geraniums. Find yourself outside at night the most? There are many container-friendly plants like nicotiana and night-blooming cereus that release their scent after dark when you’ll be there to enjoy it.
Get off the ground. Seating doesn’t always have to be so serious. Set up tree swings for the kids (and you, when they’re not looking), a hammock in the shade, even a “courting swing” or glider on your porch. By the way, if your husband happens to catch you reading this, we’re not endorsing that zip line he’s always dreamed of.
Dress Up a Plain Suit
