Mom! Dad! We'll Be in the Backyard!
When I was growing up, it was a weekly occurrence to be in someone’s backyard with siblings or friends. If it wasn't my backyard, it would be someone else's backyard in the neighborhood. I can remember what made everyone's backyard special. Krista and Tara had an expansive backyard with a swing set. Her parents had white wrought iron furniture on a brick patio in rough condition.
Tom and Dave had a killer tree house. It was pretty sketchy getting up to the third floor. Yea. Three-story tree house. Their property was back in the woods and we'd often build forts from fallen trees by some big rocks.
Then there was Dave and Dan who had the zip line and tire swing that felt like you could achieve orbit when their dad would launch you over the hill. That's the house where I broke my collar bone, launching my bike off a mulch pile at the bottom of their driveway. Good times.
Being homeowners today, wouldn't it mean the world to you to have a backyard that the kids would want to be in everyday? What would make your backyard THE go-to place that no one would ever want to leave?
Everyone had their own ideas of what an ideal backyard would be. But we thought it would be fun to hear what a great backyard means across the ages. What is there or what would you want to be there that makes the backyard so memorable?
Single-digits
Siblings Reese (9), Peyton (7), and Madelyn (5), all share a common favorite activity: jumping on their trampoline. When the ground is covered in snow, you'll have no problem finding them making snowmen or trying to find the best line for speed and distance down one of the several hills intentionally left open for just an occasion.
However, their backyard does provide for some individual favorites as well. During the summer, Reese can be found getting ready for the Major League Baseball scouts. Peyton is usually practicing for the FIFA World Cup championship. Madelyn finds all kinds of things to do from climbing the Japanese Maples to seeing how high she can swing on the playground, but prefers having one or both of her brothers around to make things more fun.
They also share a common dream for their backyard: water. Whether it's a pond for Madelyn to ice skate on in the winter and catch frogs in the summer, or a pool with a "ginormous" water slide and diving board for the boys to splash in, water is their dream. I can't say I blame them.
Teenagers. How bad can they really be?
When we move up a few years, 15-year-old Nicholas isn't much for making snowmen or jumping on a trampoline. Those days are gone. He's looking forward to having friends over in the summer. With a fire pit and a small water feature in his backyard, he anticipates a good number of small gatherings with his friends. Hot dogs, s'mores, and good music are on the bill.
Mom and Dad understand it is important to give them their space, but also keep a close eye on the shenanigans. On the rare occasion, they even enjoying sharing in the company which gives way for interesting stories to be told. We've heard many are grateful that their walk to school or the bus is no longer uphill both ways nor always in the snow.
Young Adults
When moving up a little further, 22-year-old Parker is laid back and into getting as much as he can with the nature around him. He works for a farm so living off the land is in his blood and carries that through to his own backyard. On any given day, you'll find him hanging out on his porch with a guitar, soaking up the warm summer sun while the wildlife goes about its business around him.
His relatively long plot of land has a little pond at one end that is often inhabited by a family of ducks. His vegetable garden grows throughout the spring and summer months, often providing sustenance well into the fall. He's very happy with his backyard.
Getting Old? Nah.
When we look at the 40- to 50-year-old crowd, it gets personal. I want Nicholas to bring his friends over. I've put a good amount of effort into my backyard. As our family changes, so does our backyard. You won't find the trampoline anymore and you probably won't find a snowman this winter. But when family and friends gather, I'll look forward to seeing everyone.
I try my best to make him and his friends feel at home, make sure their bellies are full, and that they have a relaxing and comfortable backdrop for their gathering. Occasionally, we all get to enjoy the unexpected sight and sound of surprise animal. A random bullfrog, a singing songbird, or the crickets if we are out late enough. Surely, each experience is unique which is some of the value we get from living in a more natural and rural setting.
The Last Hurrah
Joe and Liz had their house built in 1972 and have no intention of leaving. Now in their late 70s, this is home and will be until their time is up. Their backyard has evolved over the years. They've welcomed family and friends, new and old.
The brick patio has changed sizes. The large deck was added on, and the water features were added over time, but the nature surrounding them has pretty much stayed the same. They love the solitude provided by the trees that surround their home and have for 50 years.
Utilizing dead trees to heat the house, watching the birds splash in the water features, and catching sight of a deer or bear passing through, all make their backyard special for them.
There's no single perfect backyard. From they first days we'd yell to our parents that we were heading out to play to the days when you long for your kids to stop by for a visit, the backyard will be that place that builds memories. It's the place we share stories. Make sure whatever you do to your backyard, you include family and friends. Without them, it's just a piece of property.
When you’re ready, Sierra Landscape Management is ready to listen to what you have in mind for making your backyard a place that your kids won’t want to leave. You can find inspiration in the Portfolio as well as a Buyer’s Guide for pricing help.