Details that ensure your
backyard fun!

I don't know about you, but what I'm interested in most when it comes to my yard is backyard fun! That's certainly what my family and friends are interested in too - fun in MY backyard that is :)

The efforts that I make with landscaping, the "toys" that I have installed, the lawn and garden decor and outdoor patio furniture sets that I purchase are all centered around this one goal.

Here are some of the things that were of most importance to me when considering my own backyard fun:

Feeding Wild Birds
Don't you just love watching the wild birds gather outside your window?

Photo courtesy of tomsaint11

Even if you're not an avid bird watcher (which I'm not) it is so amazing to be able to attract a variety of birds to your feeder, and watch them interact with each other. Feeding wild birds gets more exciting the more you do it, particularly throughout the change of seasons as different birds are flying north or south through your area. My bird feeders are definitely a huge part of my own backyard fun, and over the years I've learned a few techniques that have helped me get the most from my bird feeder.

Repel Mosquitos
Oh boy....I have a LOT to say about this subject! Mosquitos are a huge, massive, outlandish problem in my yard, and I have become quite familiar with many different methods of getting rid of these little buggers. There are probably those of you right now who are reading these words and thinking to yourselves, "oh, mosquitos don't bother me that much.." Congratulations. Unfortunately, not only do I have mosquito issues, but unfortunately...I'm to a mosquito like a juicy steak to a ravenous dog. Needless to say, I have to take serious measures to repel mosquitos in my yard. My favorite form of prevention is through the use of a Skeeter Vac (opens new window).

Outdoor Patio Furniture Sets
If you're going to spend the money, get something that you really want! In order to do this, you need to asses what's important for you....do you need comfort, do you want low-maintenance, is aesthetics important, do you have frequent guests? All of these issues are important considerations when purchasing outdoor patio furniture sets. The right type of furniture will have a big impact on your level of backyard fun.

Lawn and Garden Decor
You may or may not choose to add pieces of decor to your yard. I like adding pieces that are artistic and serve a purpose, but I'm not shy to add anything that I find to be particularly, "cute." Have you heard of the "Beasties" (opens new window)? I'd love to be able to add one of those to my yard someday! They're a little pricey, and extremely heavy, so between the cost and the obstacle of delivery and placement, I haven't gotten one, but someday....

Garden Bird Baths
When I think of garden bird baths, I think of my Grandma, and that always makes me happy! She was so faithful about spraying out her bird bath every day, and filling it up with fresh water so that the birds could swim in it. And they certainly did use it!

Photo courtesy of light to shine

My Grandma had her bath set up in the middle of her backyard, in a nice sunny location, and the birds just loved it! To lure birds to a feeder, I found that it often works best to have the feeder located near a bush or tree so that the birds feel protected. The opposite seems to be true for garden bird baths. They like to do their bathing right in the sun! Wouldn't we all like to do our bathing in the sun if we could?

Whatever you decide to do with your backyard, remember the most important aspect....how to enjoy it! I have often gotten so wrapped up in the landscaping aspect of my yard, that I literally needed to stop and enjoy the scenery. Take time to enjoy your scenery!

If you're looking for a unique way to add some backyard fun, here's a website that will help you construct a putting green (opens new window) right in your own backyard!

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