subject: A Backyard Retreat For Outdoor Living [print this page] I recently was traveling and had the opportunity to visit two different homes of family and friends. Each has taken the opportunity recently to transform their backyards into places of beauty. Neither have very large back yards but with a landscape contractor they were able to make the most out of each square foot of property.
The first house I went to install a small pool surrounded by a red flag stone rock patio, a small waterfall fell into the hot tub end of the swimming pool. This was in an area where birds of paradise grew along with other tropical plants. Potted plants lined the pool and added to the feeling of a private Hawaiian resort. Lounge chairs were waiting for a good book and person to keep them company, the potted ferns, flowers, herbs and grasses helped offer privacy. A small vegetable garden grew off to the side which added a different element of homeliness and comfort. I have rarely enjoyed breakfast in a more peaceful serene location.
The second house was done on a little grander scale. They had had landscape contractors build two gazebos out the back door surrounding their pool. One had a large table and chairs for dining and the second had a fire pit for relaxing in the evening. Again the potted plants, vegetation and water features were remarkable and perfectly mapped out to add beauty, privacy and interest. Water features are my personal favorite; there is something very serene about the sound of water trickling over rocks.
A pool would be a welcome feature to any home but the upkeep and maintenance is high in addition to the original purchase price. A home would have to have dedicated swimmers and someone with plenty of time for upkeep. But a pool is certainly a beautiful addition to any yard and adds much to the overall landscape effect with water features, vegetation, rocks and decks. The perfect yard for entertaining.
Neither of the houses I visited was large, neither yard was large, but the space they did have was maximized for beautify, usability and most important as a retreat to enjoy, entertain or simply to relax in.
