The benefits of being outdoors are many. According to science, time spent in the great outdoors comes with many known advantages — such as an improved immune system, increased energy, and a mood boost — and several other, lesser-known perks — such as increased creativity and restored focus. Given all the outdoors can do for you, it makes sense to want to spend as much time outside as possible. The best, most affordable, and most practical way to do so is to head outside into your own backyard.
The problem with most peoples’ backyards is that they lack focus and all the trappings of a comfortable living space. It’s hard to want to spend time in a barren yard in which you cannot get comfortable and that holds no real appeal to you. The good news is that you can easily change that and create a space you will love with a few quick and affordable fixes.
Divide Your Yard Into “Zones”
Many people don’t know what to do with their yards simply because most yards are “too much.” While a lot of empty space is essentially a blank canvas, for many people, a blank canvas presents an overwhelming number of possibilities. The best way to manage those possibilities is to break the yard up into different “zones,” or uses.
For instance, you may want a flower garden, a vegetable garden, an outdoor kitchen, a lounge area, and a firepit. When faced with the yard as a whole, though, you may struggle to see how all your wants can come together in one cohesive design. Once you begin to segment the yard, however, it will become easier to see how you can make space for each element and, more importantly, how each will complement the other.
Create Shade
Once you establish zones, decide which one matters most to you and begin building it out. If creating a comfortable living space tops your list, start by creating a shaded patio area. You can create a nice-looking cabana on a budget with some 2x4s, cement, and fabric. Use pea gravel, brick, or even just a large rug to establish the floor. String lights, hedges, potted plants, and affordable outdoor furniture offer the perfect finishing touches.
Invest In Quality But Affordable Furniture
Speaking of affordable furniture … You may be hard-pressed to spend time outdoors if you don’t have anywhere to sit, relax, and socialize. While you should work with your budget in mind, you don’t want to sacrifice comfort to merely save a few bucks. Look for durable yet comfortable seating, such as outdoor restaurant chairs; sturdy side and dining tables; and practical and multifunctional storage units. By investing in multipurpose furniture designed to last for years, you can feel justified in spending a little more money on quality pieces.
Use Native Plants in Your Landscaping
Native plants require minimal upkeep and come back year after year. This guarantees that you will enjoy a beautiful landscape year after year and without having to invest additional money after the first season.
Creating a beautiful backyard you will want to spend time in may seem like a daunting task, but with the above advice, it’s actually relatively easy and inexpensive. Get started by zoning out your yard and building a seating space today.
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