If you have a backyard, what happens to it when the weather starts to get colder, and we aren’t choosing to go outside quite as much (if at all)? If the answer is that it is left to its own devices and abandoned until spring, that's probably what most people would say, and it makes sense. After all, it’s cold and nothing is growing, so why spend time out there?
Perhaps you could think of it another way. You could think about making some changes to your yard so that you can enjoy it all year round, no matter what the weather or temperature (within reason, of course). If that sounds like it might be fun, read on; here are some ideas about how to get started.
1. Make It Warm
One of the biggest issues with a backyard in the winter is that it’s cold (assuming you live in a cold place, that is). So even if the garden looks beautiful and you like the idea of spending time out there, you don’t want to do that if you’re going to freeze and be uncomfortable.
The solution is very simple; just search for outdoor patio heaters near me and you’ll find an abundance of choice. There are so many sizes, styles, and prices that you are sure to come across the perfect patio heater. When you do, you can install it in your yard and spend as much time out there as you want, even if it’s very cold.
2. Add Lighting
Another problem with being outside during the winter months is that it gets darker so much earlier. This means you time in the yard is limited – you don’t want to be sitting in the dark.
The answer to this issue is to install lighting. You can hang fairy lights across the back of your house or around trees and bushes, for example, or you could install solar lights that don’t require any wiring, but that will turn on when it gets dark after charging all day. You could also use wired lighting in you prefer. No matter what, the lights in your outside space mean you can use it for a lot longer, and perhaps even have a romantic meal out there if you want to.
3. Plant Evergreens
Once you have the temperature and the lighting just as you want it, another thing to consider is how the garden itself looks. Often in the winter the trees are bare and colorful flowers are scarce, so you might think there isn’t much to look at when you’re outside.
If you take the time to plant some evergreens during the spring and summer, this will pay off handsomely once the winter comes. These plants don’t lose their leaves – they are literally ‘ever green’ – which means there will always be something great to look at throughout the year.
4. Attract Wildlife
Other things that you might want to look at during the winter are animals and other wildlife. In fact, if you can attract these creatures to your garden, you’ll be helping them and yourself at the same time.
A lot of animals find it hard to find food when the weather gets colder, so by placing feeders in your yard you can make sure they are fed and you can watch their antics too. You should remember to open up spaces in your hedges and fences so that animals can pass from one area to another.
