One Simple Rule (and Five Secrets) to a Great Backyard
The excitement we see in a client’s eyes when they see their new backyard is inspiring to us. It’s why we get out of bed every day. It doesn’t matter their age. Young or old, they can’t hide the joy they feel. We may not even be done with their project and they’re already bursting at the seams.
Today was no exception. I met with a couple who moved to Pennsylvania from Long Island. They had decided they’d had enough of the stampedes. The family living in the apartment above them with five children was just too much. It was time to find a house with plenty of space between them and their neighbors.
This couple was fortunate to find a perfect home in a tranquil East Stroudsburg neighborhood. Moving from an apartment to a two-story house, they were also thrilled to have a spacious backyard now.
That backyard came with the typical things; trees, grass, rocks, and a shed. The bonus item was a custom waterfall that had been built many years ago. Sounds like a dream come true to me! Being lovers of water and frequenters of the Atlantic Ocean, the sound of splashing water made this a great space for them.
Looking at their backyard, they began to think about all of the great things they could do to improve upon what they now have. Most homeowners consider what looks nice and what seems functional, not only from an aesthetic standpoint, but from a practical side, too. But what about personality?
Unfortunately, this waterfall had been there for many years and was in desperate need of repair. After a productive consultation with The Backyard Expert himself, it was determined that for a bit more than what it would cost for repairs, they could have a completely rebuilt water feature based on a design the homeowners had in mind.
To call them excited would be a gross understatement, but they were on the cusp of taking something in their backyard and really making it “theirs”. This object that had no personality could be rebuilt and infused with their lifestyle. And the go-ahead was given.
The week started by draining the old waterfall, relocating fish, frogs, and tadpoles, and dismantling the structure. Capturing the tadpoles would turn out to be a formidable challenge.
The site was then excavated to reshape the pond, allowing for the new design. Protective underlayment and a new liner were placed. Careful measurements for height and level were taken throughout the process while rocks were then carefully replaced, building a stunning new structure.
By Friday afternoon, the homeowners, as well as the the frogs, tadpoles, and fish were now enjoying the new waterfalls and ponds. But there was more to this than just a stunning water feature.
This would appear as a perfectly normal waterfall during the day. But, nighttime would reveal something eerie and foreboding. Strategically-placed underwater lighting would highlight tentacles and figures of Cthulhu, a fantasy character introduced in 1928 by science, fantasy, and horror fiction writer, H.P. Lovecraft. The couple’s fandom for the character will have become a surprise aspect and home in their backyard water feature. This is where they added their flair to their backyard.
Let’s do the math… Backyard + Passion = Pure enjoyment
I hypothesize that a project like this not going to come around again soon for us. But it’s what makes the clients happy that matters, whatever they add to their space. And they will continue to make their backyard their own.
So although there are a few rules to keep in mind when designing a backyard, probably the most important is to include the things that bring joy to your mind, body, and spirit. Incorporate your passion from deep within.
Along the way, they were able to ensure that their vision was brought to life by following the simple 5 secrets to success that every person dreaming of a new backyard could benefit from:
Dream by looking around at the things that inspire you, and create a vision board to collect that imagery.
Hire an expert who you feel is shares your vision. Consult with your family, friends, and community who have gone through the process and can recommend a contractor they’ve worked with.
Go with your gut feeling. You know it when it feels right. Don’t worry about the ROI or the initial dream. Can you live with the decision you’re making?
Commit to the project 100%. The prize is within reach. Don’t give up in the final stretch and end up regretting your decision like so many others have.
Include YOU in the mix. You’ve done everything else to get here. Now it’s time to add your style and flair that makes the space an expression of you.
What will you including in your backyard make your backyard yours?
Are you’re ready to bring new life and enjoyment to you outdoor living space? Whether a water feature, flagstone patio, or a quiet area for meditation, Sierra Landscape Management would like to help you turn your backyard into a place that brings you peace and happiness… A place where you and your family & friends share stories, no matter how scary they might be.