If you’re looking out of your kitchen window onto a barren, featureless desert of a backyard, then isn’t it time you did something about it? If you have kids, you’re wasting a premium bit of space that could be turned into a really dynamic activity centre for them. Even if you don’t have kids, it could be a space that you use, or that benefits your pets, or at the very least gives you something nice to look at while you’re doing the dishes!
If you’re not sure what to do with your empty backyard, here are some suggestions:
1. Get it Landscaped
If you have the raw elements of a garden out there, such as grass, soil for flower beds, etc, then why not hire a service offering backyard landscaping and design in Melbourne and see what can be done out there? Experienced landscapers can often see amazing potential in spaces that we might think very little about.
There’s no need to go overboard, especially if money is tight. Some simple landscaping to put in a nice garden path, a rockery or pond, maybe some flower beds or a nice new tree, for example, can all bring a previously dreary backyard space back to life.
2. Backyard Pool and/or Jacuzzi
Australia has the most pools per capita of any country in the world. If you have the space and budget for a pool in your backyard, it should really be a no-brainer. Yes, a pool does mean a bit more cost in maintenance to keep it clean, and you might also need to invest in a fence to keep it safe when it’s unsupervised, but the benefits far outweigh these minor downsides.
If you have more space, adding a jacuzzi as an adjoining feature can make for a really standout backyard feature. Alternatively, if space is more limited, then just go for the jacuzzi or hot tub option and make the backyard the place to be!
3. Kids’ Play Area
When you have a backyard that isn’t fit for purpose, your kids might still use it for play, but why not make it much more play-friendly by putting in some real equipment? You could install some swings, a swingball set, a slide and climbing frame, a see-saw, and anything else that grabs the kids’ fancy.
If the kids are a bit old for the play sets, then why not use the space to put in a space for them to play badminton (or tennis if the yard is really big)? It’s great to encourage the kids to get off their screens and get out into the fresh air when you can.
4. Vegetable Garden
In an uncertain world where supply chains are constantly threatened by pandemics and overseas conflicts, why not add a bit of joy, certainty and organic goodness back into your life by starting your own vegetable garden. If your space is very limited, you might only have room for a herb garden, but hey, it’s all good! You can grow produce at home for delicious and healthy family dinners while also teaching your young kids about how things grow in the garden. It’s a big win-win situation.
If space and local rules permit, you might also consider keeping a few chickens back there. They are low-maintenance birds that will happily eat up your food waste while also providing you with daily eggs!
5. Outdoor Entertaining
Finally, why not make the backyard an extension of your party pad? If you are one for entertaining, then why do it all indoors? This is Australia, home of the outdoor barbecue. Putting in some decking, a grille, and an outdoor table and seating area will turn your backyard into the place to be!
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Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-bicycle-garden-people-outdoor-535251/
