The ‘backyarding’ BOOM

Americans have been busy sprucing up their lawn and spiffing up the patio to stretch their living space outdoors. Stayat-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic made the idea of safely socializing, dining and relaxing under open skies more of a necessity, a trend that has continued into this year. “We are definitely seeing a focus on creating an incredible outdoor space as the pandemic has continued,” says John L. Scott broker Suzanne Page. “As the outdoors feel ‘safer,’ we’ve all been spending more social time outdoors than we have in years past.”

This year, people will want to continue to dine and relax outside as well as work and study. Here are tips to enhance your backyard:

Invest in your yard

Do you need a place to play? If so, consider investing in fitness and recreation equipment like trampolines, basketball hoops and outdoor games like croquet. If your pets will be joining

in on the fun, look for pet-friendly grass care products and pet playthings like a dog swimming pool.

If you’ll be hosting safe gatherings, outfit a patio or terrace with upscale outdoor sofas, sectionals, dining chairs, coffee and side tables plus pillows and rugs. Before investing in all-new furniture, start with items you already have on the patio or even furnishings inside your home that you can roll out.

Awnings or shades can serve as weather-protection in a covered space, or a trellis can also provide overhead protection. Consider outdoor lighting options as well so your time outside can comfortably extend into the evening.

Plant more

Adding trees, bushes, grass and flowering plants is a good yard investment, but they often take time to grow. Plant as early as recommended so you can enjoy the benefits faster. Just remember “right plant, right place,” says Bruce Hegna of Portland-based Nature/Nurture Landscape Design.

Location, maintenance, sunlight and watering needs should all be considered as well as your climate zone.

Adding flowering plants, trees and shrubs also gives birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife food and shelter.

“April through early July is nesting season, which is action-packed with breeding displays, territorial disputes, nest building and the eventual feeding of young,” says Darlene Betat of the Backyard Bird Shop.

Don’t forget to take time to just sit and drink it in, observing the wildlife and nature around you. Research shows simply spending time in nature is good for reducing stress, boosting heart health, boosting Vitamin D levels and enhancing memory.

Stretch your muscles

Take workouts, yoga classes and meditation sessions outdoors. You also can let off some steam by mowing the grass, trimming the hedges or edging the lawn. Working in the yard not only helps our living landscapes look better and stay healthy, but it also gives us a sense of accomplishment and control in trying times.