Backyard Landscape Pro

When we started thinking about our backyard landscape and how we wanted it to look, we had a few things in mind. We wanted it to be pretty, functional, and kid friendly. We had and existing cement patio but wanted a bigger space to entertain so we framed around it, built the area up with dirt and gravel and then put paving stones on top. It is a functional and inexpensive way to get more space.

The kids…we bought a huge play structure for our kids and we wanted a place for that to stand that would be out of the way but safe. We put the structure together, put down weed block and playground bark so it would be soft on their feet and have no maintenance. As our children grow they come up with their own games and things to do that involve the structure in different ways.

We have always wanted a garden where we could grow fresh fruit and vegetables so we built a raised bed and surrounded it with railroad ties for a clean garden area. We ran a drip line through it so it gets watered when the grass gets watered. We have grown pumpkins, strawberries, squash, tomatoes and peppers for the past few years. Our kids love to help and watch everything grow. They have been very involved with planting, harvesting and of course eating what has grown. It has also been very educational for them to learn how to plant and take care of the garden.

The rest of the backyard landscape is grass with a border of rock and plants around most of the fence area. We have planted a variety of different types of plants and bushes along with flowers. We stick to mostly perennials so we don’t have to replant every year. We like our backyard and it’s a nice place to spend time with the family.

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It’s Hot!  It’s Summer Time!  It’s a great time to jump into the cool pool in your backyard and relax on your raft a while. Let go of the stress and the day to day routine.  There is nothing better than having your own little get a way conveniently located in your own backyard.

Your get a way can be anything you want with all of the new swimming pool landscaping ideas and products available.  There is something available for all plans, ideas and budgets.  What are you waiting for?  Get started on your backyard get a way.  The sooner you start, the sooner you enjoy and you’ll be so glad you did it.  

To get started, you need a design and a plan.  Draw it out and make sure everything blends well.  Do you need a play area for children?  Do you like to use your backyard for entertaining?  Do you have outdoor pets?  Will this just be your private get a way?  Will you be incorporating a theme?  Think about your options and what you really want out of your space and get started on your dream backyard.  If your dream is really big, make your swimming pool landscaping plans into different stages.  This way, you don’t stress yourself out and you won’t stress your pocket book either.

There are many pool decking materials available.  You can choose from beautiful wood materials or a huge selection of stone and brick.  If you have concrete around your existing pool, try painting the concrete to give the area a visual lift.  Home owners are getting very creative these days.  

You should think about adding some big, lush green plants around the pool deck to soften the look and add a little privacy.  Every design needs some color and beauty added to the backyard landscape too.  You may also want to make sure you have provided a shady spot somewhere in the design.  It could be a covered patio, a nice tree, or a patio umbrella. 

For your swimming pool, water features are a nice addition.  They offer the relaxing sound of falling water and they come in many different designs to choose from.  There are lighted ones for the evening and they come in multiple colors.  The water dances and changes colors.  It’s really pretty in the evening when you are outdoors relaxing, grilling or swimming.

Speaking of lights, don’t forget your landscape lighting.  Choose some different types of lighting for your flower beds, walkways, and trees.  There are a lot of solar choices with a wide variety of designs.  You can easily find something to suite you and solar is easy to install too.  You can also add some tiki torches around the backyard.  They bring a tropical and romantic feel to the area.  It is very relaxing too.    

Last, you should pick up a few design elements to place in your design.  Choose some things for your garden areas or some decor to go with your theme if you have one.  Just add some little touches to bring it all together.  For some bigger touches, I’ve noticed several waterfalls, ponds and fountains and more and more people are creating outdoor kitchens, fire places, and living spaces.  Swimming pool landscaping is also starting to include more cabanas and pool houses.  Some are small, just for changing clothes and others are big enough for entertaining family and friends.  It’s all up to you and the design you’ve chosen.  Really try to make it what you want and have fun designing your dream backyard get a way.