The pandemic thrust us into a new reality, and the backyard has a starring role. Yards and other managed landscapes became a safe haven.
The backyard became a way of life as lawns, gardens, patios, and decks evolved into outdoor offices, classrooms, family gathering places, and the new ‘hot spots’ in our neighborhoods.
According to a recent poll commissioned by the TurfMutt Foundation and conducted online by The Harris Poll, the outdoor office trend is here to stay, with many Americans using their yards as makeshift offices for their jobs. Stats show:
- Nearly 2 in 5 Americans who have a yard (58%) say they have spent time doing work for their job in their yard during the pandemic.
So how is the backyard set up to meet all of these needs?
- Create activity zones. Consider what needs to happen in the backyard and map activity areas. A shady table can double as a home office, study zone, art table, or dining spot. A hammock or outdoor sofa can suffice for napping, reading or studying. A patch of sturdy grass is perfect for sports, family games and play. A fire pit offers cozy chairs for star gazing and socializing, while a grill near a seating area promises delicious meals. A wall, fence, or pergola may hold an outdoor movie screen for nighttime viewing. An herb or vegetable garden helps kids learn about science and nutrition while reaping the satisfaction of growing food for the table.
- Factor functionality with purpose. Is there a quiet spot for conference calls? Or a shady spot that minimizes glare for online video meetings? Note where electrical outlets are and if an outdoor-rated extension cord will be needed to accommodate all of the electronics that may be used outside. Check wifi coverage and cell service in the yard and determine if comfortable seating is enough.
- Spruce up existing landscaping. Assess the backyard and do some basic “clean up.” Fix bare patches in the grass. Use a leaf blower to clean out flower beds. Prune bushes and trees. Cut the grass to a healthy height. Add a fresh layer of mulch around your trees and in flower beds. Freshen up by weeding, planting flower beds, and filling pots with colorful flowers and verdant plants.
- Use plants and shrubs to hide unsightly items and control noise. Trees, shrubs, and bushes offer cover from neighbors, deliver shade, camouflage unsightly pool equipment and air handlers, and tamp down the noise. Planters with flowers between seating and eating areas on a patio add visual interest and privacy. Shrubs and tall plants are a terrific privacy creator (and noise-canceller for those conference calls).
- Put the right plant in the right place. Choosing the right plants for the climate zone and your lifestyle will create an attractive backyard space. It will also be easier to maintain and support pollinators and wildlife. Consider watering and sunlight or shade needs for any plants added. A hardy grass variety is more likely to hold up to pets and kids. Save delicate flowering plants for patio containers, and be sure to check out the ASPCA list of toxic plants to keep pets safe.
- Invite the outdoors in. Blending interior and outdoor living spaces help the backyard feel like an extension of the home. Open blinds and curtains to the yard. Use complementary indoor and outdoor décor in similar colors, materials, and styles to create a cohesive space. This enables everyone to transition seamlessly from indoor life to outdoor living.
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