Backyard Landscaping

Role of the Backyard
Any homeowner knows that the difference between your backyard and your front yard is huge. Your front yard is what you show to the world. It is the smiling face for your whole neighborhood to see. It is well manicured, the lawn well looked after, and usually not a place where you spend a lot of time.

Your backyard on the other hand is your sanctuary. Your place of peace and respite where you and your family can be alone and indulge in whatever activities you want. Your backyard is also the private face that you show your closest friends and family.

Benefits of Backyard Landscaping
That’s why your backyard landscape is so crucial. You want to design an environment that is beautiful and functional. This quest has it’s own unique set of challenges and rewards. In your front yard, a walkway, a driveway and maybe a porch are the canvas. Your backyard on the other hand has unlimited possibilities.

The biggest advantage backyard landscaping provides is the space available. While gazebos and pools are great for creating an oasis of tranquility, they usually don’t make for good front yard fare. In your backyard however, you can let your imagination run wild and create recreational structures as big as your dreams.

Wildlife Refuge
Probably the best thing about backyard landscaping is the opportunity to attract wildlife. Planting trees is the first step. The shade, nuts and branches can provide home for a variety of adorable creatures.

It’ also a good idea to put out food that will attract the types of animals that you would like to look at and who won’t damage your property. Do some research and find out which animals make the best backyard tenants. Leave birdfeeders and munchie stations for these animals and they will invariably show up.

The added bonus is these creatures, if well fed will chase off or eat other unwanted creatures that could damage your yard. For instance, bats­­-although mythologized as evil creatures-are actually an amazing animal to watch as dusk approaches. They also eat close to their body weight in mosquitoes and seriously, who doesn’t want fewer mosquitos.

Backyard Landscaping Ideas
But, if you really want to create a unique atmosphere, this tip will blow you away and put your garden leagues above anyone else’s.

Construct a small marshy pond in your backyard. Fill it full of static water and buy some fireflies. The swirling glowing magic of a colony of fireflies will give your backyard a whimsical nighttime quality that will enchant you to the point that you will never want to leave.

Have question about landscaping or wildlife? Visit our Landscaping forum and ask questions or share tips!