On Page 1 we looked at garden fountains, bird watching and butterfly watching as some of the simpler ways to enjoy leisure time in your yard. On the present page we continue that theme, before ending with some tips for creating a low-maintenance backyard design -- that is, a backyard design that will free you up to enjoy your leisure time.
Backyard Fun Idea #6: A Backyard Design for the Four Seasons
If we live on our properties year-round, why shouldn't there be something pleasurable to behold in the yard at any time of year, even in the dead of winter in cold regions? Something to gladden our hearts and put a twinkle in our eyes? In fact, this article is geared especially to those who live in regions where there are distinct changes from season to season. A heightened awareness of the seasonal changes paves the way for another simple leisure-time activity well worth pursuing: appreciating the beauty of the four seasons.
Read article: A Backyard Design for the Four Seasons
Backyard Fun Idea #7: Learn How to Enjoy a "Silent Spring"
Rachel Carson warned of a silent spring, a spring devoid of the sounds of birds. But besides Rachel Carson's, there's another kind of silent spring or "quiet spring," if you will -- and it's just what every recovering yard-workaholic should strive to achieve! It means slowing down long enough to meditate on the wonders of spring all around you in the yard. This seminal season offers treats that come only once a year, after all!
Read article: Learn How to Enjoy a "Silent Spring"
Backyard Fun Idea #8: Edible Weeds
Why do we fight lawn weeds to the death? Oh, I suppose it's okay if you're trying to get your lawn on the cover of a magazine. But for the rest of us, I think tolerating a few weeds in the lawn is a good sign: it shows we haven't become slaves to our yards. Edible weeds are especially tolerable. In fact, identifying, harvesting and cooking edible weeds can be a wholesome leisure-time activity for the whole family.
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Backyard Fun Idea #9: Backyard Design for Dogs
Playing with your dogs in the yard can be another rewarding leisure-time activity. But landscaping with dogs does present challenges that may require some compromises. It's a balancing act between enjoying outdoor leisure time with your dogs and not letting your yard go to the dogs!
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Backyard Fun Idea #10: Low-Maintenance Backyard Design
If all this talk of leisure time in the yard has you committed to the idea of cutting back on yard work, then your next step is to make your backyard design as low-maintenance as possible. Since watering plants and mowing the lawn are often our most onerous yard chores, the biggest step you can take towards a low-maintenance backyard design is reducing your watering needs and minimizing the amount of grass you must mow.
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