Creating a Better Backyard for You (& Your Grandkids)!

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Added: Wed. Jan 30, 2013 1:56pm
Posted in: Gardening

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Even if the weather isn't good enough right now to get out and enjoy your yard much, it's the perfect time to start planning for how you may want to improve it when the weather warms up. You can create a beautiful space where you can get fresh air, participate in activities you enjoy, and spend time with others. When you have grandkids, your outdoor space is probably one of their favorites to spend time in when they visit, so also consider how to make improvements they will be able to enjoy as well.

Deck: As soon as you step out your back door, you want to have a place where you can enjoy getting a breath of fresh air and seeing the landscape around you. Depending on how much space you have, your deck may just be big enough for a grill and a few chairs, or it could be a sprawling multi-level deck leading down into the yard. You have the chance to customize this as much as you like. Just make sure to build sturdy rails around it to keep little ones from falling off.

Patio Furniture: Adding outdoor seating makes the outdoors a much more enjoyable place to gather. You can relax and read in the mornings, or if you have a table and chairs, you can even serve meals outside. After shopping for patio furniture that will seat you and your kids, remember the grandkids, too. There are plenty of plastic and wood picnic tables just their size to give them a place to eat or to play when they're outside.

Garden: Adding a garden is the perfect way to bring our outdoor space to life. Depending on the type of yard, you may want to plant flowers and vegetables in the ground or use large pots in the patio area. Many grandparents enjoy gardening as a hobby, and you'll find when the grandkids are visiting that they're often eager to help with everything from watering plants to pulling weeds and picking flowers or vegetables.

Play Set: Your grandkids will love visiting if you have a special activity area set up just for them. Look at different types of swing sets and choose one that will fit in your space and provide engaging activities for your grandchildren. You want to not only consider what they like now, but also what they're likely to use in the future. Swings and slides are the most common choices, and some sets even have features like rock climbing walls or interchangeable parts so you can update the set as the kids get bigger.

Fire Pit: When you have older grandkids, a fire pit is one of the most appealing outdoor spaces you can create. This will give them a place to gather with you to talk, and of course, roast marshmallows to make s'mores. It's perfect for extending chilly nights in the spring and fall, too. You can either purchase a standalone metal fire pit or, if you're up for a bigger project, build one into your yard with stones or bricks.

If you want more ideas for how to make your yard a place your grandkids will enjoy, just ask them. They're sure to have favorite activities they wish they could participate in when they spend time at your home. Just remember that in the end, it is your backyard, so it's important to choose projects that are practical for your abilities and budget and will add value to your life as well!