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 But, in order to have that quality time, you may
need to take a look at your backyard space and figure out what you
need to do to make it a more comfortable and inviting space.
Checking out YouTube videos of summer gardens is a lot of fun. The
choices are endless and there is bound to be something that catches
your interest. As you view the videos, don’t look to imitate
everything you see, pick out something that you like and put that
one idea to work for you.
If you already love your backyard space, then don’t waste time and
money with make-overs that it doesn’t need. But, with winter gone,
it is time to get rid of the dirt and grime and freshen up the area
by sweeping and cleaning. Then add fresh summertime accents and
you’re good to go.
In this video learn how to freshen your space with products
available at several local retailers. Add summery accents and you
have a new oasis in your own backyard.
DIY — How
to prep your backyard for summer
Living in town, backyard space can lack privacy, but you can create
privacy through fencing and also through plants. In this video, the
backyard retreat is in town with tall buildings surrounding it. Yet
with the use of fencing, various height plants and an umbrella, the
area feels cozy and private.
How to
design a chic backyard entertaining retreat
If you are starting from scratch, designing a new space in your
backyard, there is one very important tip – plan ahead. Don’t rush
into buying furniture and accessories until you’ve had time to think
about what you want the space to be. How will you use it, and who
will use it? Are you designing for entertaining, for family, or for
a quiet get away just for yourself?
This five minute video packs a lot of suggestions into a short
amount of time.
How to
design the perfect outdoor space
Fire pits are growing in popularity everywhere. Even in the summer a
fire pit can add to the atmosphere and give a backyard space an
entertainment friendly feeling.
Outdoor
fire pit design
- 28 cool fire
pit ideas
While the pits and setting in the previous video are really great to
look at, for some they may be a little too much and a little too
expensive.
Fire pits are easy to come by, you can make your own, or purchase
metal “pits” that actually stand above ground. This video provides
you with some neat and inexpensive suggestions on how to add a pit
to your backyard entertainment space.
- 28 cheap
fire pit ideas
And, here is a DIY how to make your own pit using items found at
several local retailers.
- DIY fire
pit
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Lighting
Whether indoors or outside, lighting has more than its practical
purpose; lighting sets the mood. For evening entertaining, light is
going to be necessary. Lighting in the back yard can be fun and a
bit romantic done correctly. Steer clear of the bright glaring
porchlight and go with something softer and less obtrusive.
There are tons of choices for outdoor lighting from string or rope
lights to tea lights and hanging lanterns.
Outdoor
string lights and hanging lanterns
House &
Home: Backyard garden lights
Here is a fun idea perfect for a garden, create your own hanging
lights using Mason jars!
How to make
Mason jar lanterns | At home with P. Allen Smith
These lights are great hanging from tree limbs! Remember, if you’re
using real tea lights to hang the jars well below the foliage of the
tree to avoid accidental fires. Another great alternative is to use
battery operated tea lights. Such items can be found locally at
retailers such as Wal-Mart.
Finally, if you want to have a fun time in the backyard with family
and friends, you have to make sure you don’t have unwanted guests.
Keeping bugs under control while you’re enjoying your outdoor space
can be a challenge.
Of course you can address this with backyard sprays and citronella
products, but you can also address the issue with plants. Check out
these videos that offer suggestions on what to grow to make the bugs
go!
Ten types
of mosquito repellent plants
Six herbs &
plants that repel insects
You can also make your own lawn spray and use it ahead of time to
keep away the mosquitos. Check out this how-to video.
Make your
own lawn mosquito spray
Here is another alternative for mosquito control.
How to get
rid of & kill mosquitoes in the yard
Now that you have all these great ideas on how to make your backyard
a great place for family and friends, all that is left is choose the
ideas you like, incorporate them into you space, then fire up the
grill and enjoy sharing your new entertaining space with those you
love!
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