Have a spacious backyard? Consider installing an in ground pool. Add contrast with bushes, trees, flower beds and a slate pool deck. Enjoy a BBQ poolside with a teak outdoor table and chairs. Market umbrellas add shade and a pop of color! Solar pool covers can help cut down the costs to heat the pool by absorbing and storing sunlight.
Add whimsy to your grass backyard by incorporating a checker board pattern with square limestone's using the existing grass as the contracting squares. Arrange a table and chair for relaxing by the fire pit or create a life size chess game with blow up figures found at your local toy store or dollar store. To play a game of Checkers; cut circles from cardboard and spray paint them red and black.
Have a narrow backyard? No problem. Divide the space into separate areas for dining, gardening and a play space for the kids and family pets. For privacy year round, plant Arbor Vitae evergreen trees. These are hearty trees which can grow up to one foot or more per year and remain green year round.
Check this out! Amp up your fire pit in your backyard with an octagon full of porch swings. You may need a contractor to construct this unique seating area but, how cool is this? Add color to the swings by painting them with lime green or fire engine red paint. Accent the swings with some throw outdoor pillows. Smores anyone?
Create an instant beach in your backyard. Most of the items can be purchased from your local Hardware or Toy stores. Begin by putting down a square of plastic to prevent weeds from growing up thru the sand. Then form a square or rectangle with treated railroad ties. Fill the area with sand. Canvas cloth can be anchored to tiki torch stakes giving instant shade to the sand box. Add a swimming pool and voila: your own private beach!
