Your Backyard Oasis

Written by Tom Xavier

At the end of a long work week, nothing sounds more peaceful than relaxing outside with burgers sizzlin’ on the grill and the kids playing in the yard.

Since many families spend a good deal of time lounging in their yards, it makes sense to decorate this outside area as if it is another room in the house. Of course, the more people you have outside, the more seating areas you’ll need. But it doesn’t have to be all rattan patio chairs.

First, locate a few areas in your backyard that would make for a great seating area. They should be fairly flat and free of large shrubbery. Then, get creative.

While you’ll probably want to include some wrought-iron chairs or tables, there are numerous fun outdoor features that can create a magical backyard seating area.

A fire pit can add warmth and charm to a backyard and serve as a focal point for get-togethers. They are fairly inexpensive backyard decorations that can be quite practical. However, fire pits also function as a fantastic romantic addition to any seating area—say in the corner of the yard where a lounger or a swing is set up.

Speaking of loungers, it’s always wise to ensure you’ve got the backyard dimensions to accommodate these chairs.

Even if you don’t, the right small backyard landscaping ideas can help you squeeze a lot of use out of a little land.

Try picking up a few old upright chairs from any antique or used furniture store. You can weatherproof them and set them beside a bird bath in the corner. But don’t be afraid to get quirky.

Ornaments and Wood Chimes

Weathervanes, clocks, and wood chimes can add a whimsical feel to a backyard. These weather-resistant decorations can enhance their surroundings with soothing colors and sounds. Arrange a few unique ornaments in strategic places and instantly revolutionize the backyard into a work of art.

Luminaries

Create luminaries for your garden with recycled cans. You can use any size can from large coffee cans to small soup cans. Clean the cans inside and out; this includes removing all of the labels. Paint the outside of the cans with acrylics, and then puncture holes all over the can. A rotary tool with a metal bit works best. Place votive candles or tea lights inside the cans to create ambient lighting. Glue flat-backed glass marbles over the holes to diffuse the light with color. You can also attach a strip of 22-gauge craft wire across the top to make a hanger for the recycled luminary.

Soda Bottle Bird Feeders

Hang these feeders near your seating area and watch the birds fly to and fro. Remove the labels from the bottles and clean thoroughly. Decorate the outside of the plastic bottles with acrylic paint or embellish them with mosaic tiles, glass marbles, or buttons. Make sure to use waterproof adhesive to attach items. Make four perches for the birds at the base of the soda bottle by inserting two thin dowels crossway through the bottle, three inches or so from the cap. Leave two inches of the dowel ends exposed outside the soda bottle. Cut access holes above each perch; leave the cutout on the bottle as a protective flap at the top of the openings. The flap will help direct water around the food opening.

Plant Stands

Tiered potted plant stands and hangers make it easy to decorate any seating area. For more vertical options, try installing a trellis against a sunny wall or a pergola over your seating area. A bench with a trellis on each side or arch over the seat does double duty to provide a rest stop and space for more plants. These benches work especially well for aromatic plants, bringing the plant close to nose level, where it’s easier to enjoy.

Now’s the time to set up some creative and colorful seating areas in your backyard. That way, you can enjoy the outdoors all summer long.

Photos ©istockphoto.com/constantgardener/missing35mm/viki2win

Article appeared in our 28-2 Issue - June 2011