2020 certainly had its challenges, and while being on lockdown, I was always grateful for being able to soak up the sunshine. I really appreciated my front and back yard as a place to spend time either gardening, or soaking up the limited amount of summer sun that we get here in Calgary. I think one thing 2020 has taught us going into 2021 is the importance of the spaces we spend the most time in. Our outdoor spaces are an extension of our indoor space. Creating an outdoor space that is both highly functional and unique to your needs can make a huge difference in overall quality of life, particularly when managing the reality of evolving lockdown orders.
Creating outdoor, livable space may also become more imperative as travel is either difficult or simply discouraged in the Covid era. Turning an average yard into an outdoor oasis that could be usable year round will have long term benefits as we may all be spending more time in our own homes and yards for the foreseeable future. It’s with this in mind that it’s a good idea to have a look around and see if your Plain Jane yard can be transformed into an area that meets your vacation requirements right outside your door.
Backyards are often social gathering places for events like BBQ’s, birthday parties, or to simply sit around a fire for a visit. To add elements like a dedicated BBQ space, or even an outdoor kitchen to enjoy your own delicious homemade food may be an excellent upgrade! Particularly if you’re already an accomplished cook or grill master. Adding an outdoor seated area with a firepit, and you’ve created a gathering space for you and your family. With the use of heaters or wind breaks, this same space can also now be used multi seasonal, rather than just in the summer.
Our yards aren’t just for family time or socializing, though. To get away from it all, constructing a spot for meditation, serenity or reflection is also a possibility. Plants or a privacy screen can be used to enclose an area off from the rest of the yard to ensure privacy. A water feature might be a soothing addition, as well as the use of an herb or flower garden aimed at helping to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
Anyone who is a yearly gardener may have noticed that this past growing season local greenhouses were short on starter plants due to increased demand. The most likely reason was due to travel restrictions. Many people decided it was good year to grow more vegetables and flowers because they were staying home for the summer season. Revamping your yard to include space for vegetable gardening may be an ideal upgrade. Not only are fresh vegetables incredibly flavourful, there is also a certain satisfaction in producing your own food.
With it still being the winter months, take some time to look around your yard, and think about some of your favourite elements when your travelling. Is it the socializing? Perhaps it’s greenery and nature? Maybe it’s simply having somewhere to walk barefoot and toss away those constricting shoes and socks? Or is it the sound of water that makes you feel like you’re getting away from it all? Choose what it is that really brings a vacation alive for you, and then figure out how to make that a reality when you walk out your door.
Here at Curbmaster Concrete and Landscape, we are dedicated to helping you create outdoor spaces that are unique to you and your needs. Please do not hesitate to call us at 403-240-2526 to set up a free consultation to see how we can help you transform a ho-hum yard to your own amazing outdoor oasis.