Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: backyard design

  • Ask a Pro Q&A – Copy Thy Neighbor: Learn how to take inspiration from the Joneses for an ideal yard

    Neighbors can inspire exteriors and landscaping. They may also help decipher growing conditions that will make your yard thrive. Outdoor pro Carson Arthur shares how to seamlessly change outdoor plants with help from the Joneses.

    Question: We are about to change some of the plants in the front of our home. Fifteen were planted about 28 years ago, but are now dying. We have nine plants left that are grouped in threes.  We are planning an 8′ x 15′ stone patio in front of a bay window for morning coffee with neighbors. We currently have a mini-Japanese maple in the front corner and various bushes scattered around the yard.  We plan to take drawings to our local nursery for advice on filler pieces. Do you have any suggestions?

    Bringing drawings of your garden to a local garden center is an excellent plan. In addition, present pictures of plants you like that are growing in your neighbor’s yard. This will give workers an idea of growing conditions. Ideally, if the plants you like thrive in their yard, they should do the same in yours. Happy growing!

    -Carson Arthur

  • Create Your Own Retreat with These Backyard Water Features

    Backyard water features serve any lifestyle and budget. From fountains to gardens, flowing water instills a sense of harmony and balance to any outdoor space. Explore your options to craft the backyard of your dreams!

    Small garden fountain

    If you don’t have room for a large water feature or don’t want to build one due to lack of resources, you can go small and still have something lovely. Create a pot fountain or a tabletop water garden that offers a bit of a splash.

    You can even make a portable water feature that can be moved around depending on where people gather in your yard. Small garden fountains are ideal for balconies and compact decks. They provide a bit of nature in areas that don’t see a lot of foliage or other earthy elements.

     

     

    Spherical water fountain

    Flowing water in the garden takes on an ethereal look when it curves magically around an already mystical object. Consider a spherical water garden for your backyard whether you have a traditional or modern space. This water feature can be made with inexpensive materials and doesn’t take much time to put it together.

    With a terracotta bowl and sphere, along with a small submersible pump and a few other supplies, you can have a water feature that will provide hours of enjoyment and wow guests. We love the idea of placing rocks or pebbles in the bowl for added dimension.

    Backyard pond

    A backyard pond is a water feature that’s obviously most suitable for a home or condominium with a substantial yard. It is not that hard to make yourself if you have the time and motivation.

    Many a unique pond (even with a waterfall!) has been created in only a weekend with tools purchased from the local home improvement store. Backyard ponds look amazing bordered by regional flora and fauna, some of which may even be able to grow up from under the water.

     

  • Ask a Pro Q&A: Harness the Power of Outdoor Seating

    Create an extension of your home in fresh air areas with advice from Dream Team member and outdoor pro, Carson Arthur. While landscaping and hardscaping may offer a balance between man’s world and nature, a great outdoor space will increase the value of your home. Get inspired now!

    Question: What’s the best backyard design to sell your home?

    – Manuel M.

    Buyers today want useable space in their backyards. Patios, decks, and even gazebos all have great returns for one specific reason: they give buyers more square footage that has purpose! (And who doesn’t want more living space?) I always ask homeowners, “What don’t you have in your house? Is your kitchen big enough? Do you have a dining room? What about a fireplace?” If you can offset the shortcomings from the inside of your home with something that you KNOW you are going to use outdoors, then you have an instant selling feature and also a way to meet the needs of any buyer who has specific things they are hunting for. Skip the plants and gardens in the backyard and focus on seating areas with great furniture!

    – Carson Arthur