Backyard Projects

 backyard projects  3 Responses »
Feb 162009
 

Backyard projects can be large or small and can be done by yourself or you may need to hire help to get the project done right. By looking at your yard and planning your project on paper you will be able to decide if your project is manageable or if help is required.

Here are a few suggestions for whichever direction you decide to take for your backyard projects.

When to hire help for you backyard project.

  • When electrical lines or other service lines are involved.
  • If you need a large amount of dirt moved or the ground redesigned or graded
  • For drainage problems
  • When the project is large and involves several different projects
  • Anytime you feel uncomfortable. Remember the backyard is for enjoyment – not irritation.

Backyard projects need to be planned and done properly so that they will be enjoyed for years. Depending on what the project is, it may add value to your property. So take time in planning your backyard design and set it up the proper way.

Questions and concerns when hiring a company.

  • Check references. And ask for more than three.
  • Check to see if there have been any complaints against the company.
  • Hire locally if possible. They are easier to communicate with if there are problems and more willing to correct any problems.
  • Check with several companies for the best price and job references.
  • Plan your project before hand so you can communicate with the company and workers.
  • Have everything in writing.

Do It Yourself (DIY) Backyard Projects

Many projects can be done by yourself, family or with the help of friends. And backyard projects can be a fun learning project for everyone involved. Backyard projects can be as easy as setting up a raised bed garden or be as challenging as installing a patio floor or deck.

Smaller projects like designing a butterfly garden or painting birdhouses and setting them out can include the smallest family member. This project will only take a few hours. Other projects may take a few weeks and need more planning.

Planning a DIY backyard Project

  • How much time and money will be involved
  • Will you be able to use supplies you have or will you be purchasing items?
  • Have a plan! With out a plan or design you will have problems and your project will take more time. Plans can be found online or in gardening magazines.
  • If possible make it a family project. You will have lasting memories of the day
    Creative Commons License photo credit: michale

The main purpose of a backyard project is to add more enjoyment to your backyard and make it more of a backyard oasis for your friends and family to enjoy. With proper planning and design your project will add pleasure to your yard for many years.

Stop back in at the  Backyard Oasis to check on DIY projects that will be posted. These projects  will add beauty to your yard and home.

Posted by Denise at 12:56 pm  Tagged with:

Add a Water Fountain

 backyard oasis  4 Responses »
Feb 122009
 

Your backyard oasis will take on more of a relaxing atmosphere if you add a small water fountain or pond. There are many large water fountains that you can add but a small fountain made with items from your home or a local garage sale or auction will liven up a small garden area. It is one of those backyard design projects that will only take a few hours.

The following You Tube has a very easy and inexpensive backyard water fountain that will only take a few hours to add and could easily turn into a family project. The video is easy to understand and with a few trips for supplies you could have a water fountain in your backyard in a few days.

This water fountain is easy to assemble. The cost if you have most of the items would be less than $20. What a great price for garden art that will add hours of relaxation and pleasure for friends and family that visit your backyard.

Other inexpensive water fountain ideas could be an old barrel, copper pots or even teapots! I saw a 4-layered teapot fountain that was assembled using old teapots from an auction. Teacups were added to the side for accent and the entire set up cost less than a few dollars plus the price of the water pump and hose. You will only be limited by your imagination.

There is something about the sound of water splashing that relaxes most people. The addition of a water fountain is often fast and moderately priced. And the extra fun it adds to your backyard retreat is worth the time.

Posted by Denise at 8:52 pm  Tagged with: , , , , ,

Small Space Garden

 Small Space Garden  4 Responses »
Feb 072009
 

A small space garden can be created almost anywhere and when creating a backyard oasis design, use of space can be important. The backyard can have many demands for its space so a small garden is a plus.  This is especially important for those who rent or live in a city. So if you are extremely limited in you growing area this just means you have to get creative and plan your garden using alternative growing methods.

Square Foot Gardening is a gardening method that I have used and highly recommend. By using your soil in a more efficient way you cut down on weeding, watering and insect problems. The method uses one-foot growing sections and you learn how much room a plant needs to grow and how to use this area in the most efficient way. Using this method you can fit a small space garden in many areas.

Gardening using containers is versatile and a container garden can be located on a roof, balcony, and patio or along the driveway. Many successful container gardens are grown on a porch, balcony or in an indoor room, which adds to your growing space.

Raised bed gardening can make use of a piece of property that may sit by the garage, by a hillside or just in an area that gets sun but has bad soil. By creating a raised bed you can improve the soil, even out any uneven land and raise the bed so that it’s easier to work in. My neighbor created the nicest hillside garden and took a piece on soil that was impossible to use and turned it into a beautiful garden oasis that provides, flower, fresh vegetables and a wonderful background for patio furniture. This area now doubles as a small secret garden retreat.

Hanging baskets are also a wonderful way to add to your gardening space. Many people grow flowers but there are many vegetables that grow well and look amazing in a hanging basket, I grow an upside down hanging tomato basket every year. By growing cherry tomatoes from the bottom of the basket, they are easy to pick. And that leaves the top of the hanging basket for a bean plants, lettuce and a few herbs. Just make sure to water this hanging basket well.

One other way I use additional space for growing to use my windowsills. Windowsill boxes and small planters offer extra space and work wonderful in the winter months to extend you gardening season. I always have a pepper plant, tomato plants, several bean plants, herbs and greens growing in the house.

Sun rooms, porches, balconies and even a spare indoor room will work for a small space garden area. As long as plants have rich soil, adequate light and water they will grow anywhere.

Posted by Denise at 10:00 pm  Tagged with:

Backyard Children’s Area

 backyard Childrens Area  No Responses »
Feb 052009
 

Backyard Children’s Area

Creating different areas in your backyard turns an ordinary backyard into a backyard oasis, which will suit the needs of all family members. And it’s important to remember the children in the family. Creating an area that is your child’s own private paradise where they can play for hours alone or with friends will add to their happiness and yours. And if properly planned it will not take much space.

There are several considerations that you need to plan for in the backyard children’s area: age of children, safety and space.

Space

How much space do you have available for a children’s play area? And can one space double for two purposes? A picnic area might also work for a sandbox, children’s pool or small swing set. For older children a picnic area will be a perfect place for entertaining by adding a fire pit or trellis for privacy from the rest of the yard.

If you have a larger area you may consider a permanent fire pit or outdoor room or a tree house. Larger area also can be used for family games such as baseball and yard games. No matter what plans you create one concern is the child’s safety.

Safety

Play equipment and pools require supervision. Certain play sets have round edges that could hurt a child and wood products can lead to slivers. Plastic is often considered safer, particularly for small toddlers. Cost is often a consideration so your plans may include equipment that serves several purposes or that you build yourself.

Unfortunate accidents can even happen in the smallest of pools so if you have a pond, water fountain or pool, keep an eye on the children. Children enjoy playing in water but make sure they are safe and supervised.

Children’s ages

Young toddler can often have a small space with a few plastic play equipment toys just off a patio or porch. They will be within close view at all times. A sand box will also add hours of entertainment for a young child.

For children that are a little older, more advanced play equipment, a tree house or camping gear will add outdoor activities for child to enjoy. You might even consider a small pool or water games that use a water hose.

Older children are often happier with an area to rest and entertain. A pool, deck, patio and an area for privacy will keep them happy for hours. When I was growing up many of my favorite times were spent by the fire pit. We would sit around the open flames late into the night listening to music with a group of friends.

And if you have space, an area for basketball, baseball, racquetball or other games that the family or friends could all participate in are ideal for the older child.

Whatever plans you make to create a backyard children’s area, the best plans are to start small and create with the child’s age in mind and of course the cost of projects. One day when your child is grown they will look back and remember many happy times.


Posted by Denise at 7:49 pm  Tagged with:

Design your Backyard Patio Oasis

 backyard design  No Responses »
Feb 032009
 

A Backyard Patio will extend your living area, even if your yard is small. By combining your indoor living space with outdoor space you create a flow that gives the feel of more room. And for the best results design your backyard patio around what your backyard offers and make the most of every detail or possible problem. A hillside or stream area can even be added into your patio plans with stunning results.

In order to get the best design for your patio you should plan out a design on paper. Your design can be simple as using graft paper or you can use some of the graft design programs available online.  If your project is big you may consider hiring a landscaper.

Another consideration in your backyard patio design is making sure it compliments your house. Traditional or formal looking houses will look nice with an older look and a classic brick patio and aged looking furniture. A cottage garden home would be inviting with a small rounded patio ringed with a decorative picket fence. While a contemporary styled house might have a patio with smooth, simple clean lines.

Shape of your patio is also important. Rounded patios, surrounded by gardens will soften the hard edges of a house and create a private feeling, almost a secret garden effect. A wide, narrow patio works well for a large garden or lawn area and gives a more stylized look. If you yard is small blend the patio off from your porch or deck and make use of your small space by growing up or in containers.

When designing, think of your patio is an outdoor room and decorate that space so it becomes as useful as another room. This will make your patio comfortable and even more of an extension to your home a backyard oasis that you are trying to create.

Color is one of the final and most important ways to accent patio space. And by adding and changing the colors you will give this outdoor haven a new and fresh look anytime you choose. You can quickly change your color pattern with a folding screen, garden furniture or containers or flowers or hanging plants. Seasons also are a wonderful time to redo a color scheme.

Add to the fun of your backyard oasis and start to  create and design your backyard patio today. You will extend your indoor and outdoor living space and add an area for friends and family to enjoy year round. Even in my cold Zone 5 climate the colors and lines of my patio relaxes me. So grab a few magazines or go online and round up ideas for creating that perfect patio hideaway

Posted by Denise at 2:41 pm  Tagged with: , , , ,
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