(Newswire.net — April 26, 2020) — The coronavirus crisis and the consequent stay at home orders have created a number of challenges for all of us. From the direct effects of the illness to the economic downturn and loss of jobs, millions of us are feeling the pain. On top of all that, there’s the natural longing for all the excitement life used to entail, from nights out with friends to watching the big game with the family. If there is one upside to all this, it’s the newfound ability to take care of what’s important at home. This might mean renewing bonds with family or connecting with your inner self. It also includes a sudden ability to give your backyard the tender love and care it might lack in normal times. With all this free time on our hands, you can turn your outdoor space into the playground you have always dreamed it could be and keep it looking better than ever. Here are four great ideas to improve your backyard during the quarantine.
Build a Fire Pit
A fire pit for a wooden deck is a great addition to any backyard because it is perfect for almost any type of event. Want to sit outside on your own and commune with nature? Prefer to have a family night roasting marshmallows and singing campfire songs? Looking forward to some big gatherings when all this social distancing is a thing of the past? Whatever it is you want to do, it will be made better by a fire pit in a safe, comfortable location.
Fire pits are also easy to make, especially if you’re okay with a rustic look. Just dig a shallow hole, fill it with sand, set some stones along the perimeter, and you’ve got yourself a fire pit. Just remember that safety comes first, and your pit must be in a clear area without any overhanging branches or fire hazards nearby. It should also be a safe distance from your house.
Set Up a Barbecue Area
Odds are you’ve already got a grill and some chairs, but you are probably still lacking a true barbecue area. Cookouts are a hallmark of any American summer, and whether you can invite friends over or not, there is no reason not to make your barbecue area the pride and joy of your backyard. Clear out a nice space where family and friends can grill, eat, and chat all at the same time. If your patio is too crowded for such an area, carve the space out of another part of the yard.
Set Up Outdoor Lights
If you’ve got some lights and extension cords in the house, now could be a good time to put them to use in the backyard. Stringed lights for the holidays do not need to be stashed away until winter comes. They’re also excellent for giving some light to the darkened areas of your backyard. You’ll be amazed how much a little light will change your attitude toward the yard. An area that once seemed dark and desolate after sunset will suddenly become an extension of your living space, practically begging for some outdoor time under the stars.
Create a Garden
Whether it’s vegetables or flowers that pique your interest, a garden can add a lot to a backyard, even for people without a green thumb. Gardens give a yard a bit of color and provide opportunities for outdoor fun. Don’t feel like you need to have the best flower bed or pumpkin patch in the neighborhood for the effort to be worth it. Gardening doesn’t need to be competitive, and even a little plot could be fun.
Making a garden is easy, and you can get the process started without leaving home. Just find a suitable sunny spot in your backyard and clear it completely out. Then get planting when you can!