What if every time you walked out your back door, it felt like a vacation? For many of us, the pandemic shifted our thinking about the value of investing in our backyards. Not surprisingly, spending more time at home has helped us prioritize re-energizing our spaces. If your yard is in 24/7 staycation mode, you can find a meditative moment whenever you want. 

Natural Spaces that Speak to You

Start with a nature or garden-themed section of the yard that has creative nooks to enjoy. Do you have a giant to-be-read pile? Try a hidden hammock seat where you can kick back and start checking titles off your list. If you’d rather birdwatch or listen to the bees at work, stone slab seating or benches with decorative backing are delicious resting places to sprinkle throughout the garden.

Pathways can help lead visitors to these sweet destinations. Create a basic trail with mulch over time or for stronger distinction, crushed stone, slate, flagstone, and cobble textures work well. Then you can soften the edges with thoughtful plantings, from classic hostas to a backdrop of blooms, like irises. 

The trickling sound of water is another effect used around the world for relaxation and meditation. This could mean adding a stylized fountain or bird bath. Nowadays, there are even little, solar-powered spouts you can set in the top of your bird bath to keep the water gently moving.

For greater visual impact, consider installing a small, lined pond with a filter and adding fish. (Keep in mind, they’ll need an indoor living situation during the off-season.) Stock tank pools have also been all the rage in recent years, especially for those who love rustic, farmhouse style. 

Tanks can be purchased from your local agricultural store and then placed in the yard where it’s convenient for access and caretaking. Think about overhanging trees that will drop leaves and other debris into the water. And know that you’ll want a strong base for your tank, which will be hefty once filled with water. 

A simple approach is to dig down a bit and then pack in crushed stone. Once the tank is centered on top, you can add smooth, polished stones around the edges to make it easy on the toes. Stock tanks are sometimes turned into sunken pools, as wells, but that definitely entails more digging, so be prepared if you go that route. After your tank is situated, explore options for a trellis or pergola to frame your newly created staycation central. 

Summer is for Making Memories

When your backyard beckons, your best days can be every day. Oversized lawn games are a fun way to kick the season off with friends and nothing beats an old-fashioned game of croquet.

As the sun goes down, light up the fire pit and pour your favorite evening beverage. Thoughtful seating arrangements can make a big difference in your enjoyment, but a practical element to ponder is maintenance. If your pavilion, screenhouse, or furnishings are on the grass, how will you mow and keep the weeds at bay?

Inlaid flagstone, bricks, or pavers can be a do-it-yourself approach to define a seating area. You can also reach out to a local company for concrete estimates, but call sooner rather than later because this is their busiest season. Have an idea in mind of whether you’re looking for coloring options, a smooth pad, or a textured look, which can be created using stamps. 

Once you have your attractive base in place, it’s time to choose furniture. For a lavish look, consider a statement piece, like the live-edge, harvest table big enough for 10. Sectional patio seating can also create ample room. Locate it close to your grill, pizza oven, or outdoor kitchen, and you’ll be able to double as chef and host at the same time. 

Expert Ways to Entertain

Something that makes entertaining a summer breeze is setting up for success before the shindig begins. Instead of stressing about an elaborate menu, keep it simple with super fun (and on-trend) charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and rich, summer flavors.

Chilled dips with fresh vegetables and crackers are a nice touch in the heat of summer (it’s not that far away!). Pair your snacks with a large pitcher of lemonade, spritzer, or sangria and pack the grill with easy options.

If you love a classic BBQ, burgers and dogs are the way to go. But if you’re looking to shake things up, foil packets are an easy way to get grilled flavor with dishes, like a well-seasoned fish filet and chopped veggies. 

Think locally available produce, such as zucchini and summer squash with fresh herbs to take full advantage of harvest. A chopped spinach salad topped with nuts, dried cranberries, and some fresh chevre from the farmers’ market can’t be beat. Voila, you’ve got yourself a party! 

With outdoor touches that speak to your style, you can make your summer yard the place where everyone wants to hang. So when you look back in October, you’ve had a chance to laugh and smile every single day.