Backyard Idea Book
Create
Inviting Yet Functional Backyard Spaces
By Lee
Anne White
Practical Ideas for Planning and Creating Backyard Living Spaces
Backyard Idea Book showcases hundreds of
creative, practical ideas for planning and decorating inviting yet
functional backyard spaces. From porches, patios, and decks to pools
and retreats to kids spaces and storage, this book is filled with
fresh ideas to help you create a beautiful backyard that reflects
and enhances your lifestyle.
"Fabulous. It works like a reference manual
for homeowners and professionals alike."
-- Lynette Jennings, creator and host of Lynette Jennings Design
About the Author:
Lee Anne White is a landscape designer, garden
photographer, and writer. She is the former chief editor of Fine
Gardening magazine, the editor of numerous books on garden design
(including Pool Idea Book and The Front Yard Idea Book), and the
recipient of three Quill & Trowel Awards from the Garden Writers
Association of America.
Introduction:
It may not be obvious as you drive down the street, but there's a
minor revolution taking place in Americas backyards. Behind those
picket fences, we are retreating to the backyard after long work
weeks and relaxing on our decks, porches, and patios. Were fleeing
the comfort of air-conditioned interiors to cook, dine, and
entertain alfresco. Were escaping to backyard playgrounds, courts,
and pools for hours of family fun and games. Now that we've
rediscovered the joys of staying at home, were finding new ways to
spend that time outdoors.
This shift toward outdoor living is changing the way we design
backyards. Large expanses of green grass are surrendering to smaller
patches of more easily managed lawn. Long, regimented rows of
vegetables are being replaced by small yet efficient kitchen gardens
planted just outside the back door. Folding chairs on concrete
surfaces are being deserted for cushioned sofas on flagstone patios
and redwood decks, often flanked by cozy fireplaces, outdoor
kitchens, and soothing water features. The lines between indoors and
out are forever blurred.
Our concept of backyard activities is expanding, too. Swings may
never lose their attraction, but they are just one element in a
backyard playground that also includes slides, forts, bridges, and
climbing structures. Badminton nets and croquet hoops are still
common, but so are bike paths, bocce courts, and putting greens. And
swimming pools -- once little more than rectangular holes in the
ground now run the gamut from pint-sized plunge pools and long,
narrow lap pools to naturalistic pools with boulders, beaches, and
waterfalls.
In Backyard Idea Book, you'll get a look at the latest
trends in outdoor design to help you sort through the many new
products and innovative ideas designed for outdoor living. And
you'll find inspiration for enhancing your own backyard with
inviting spaces in which you'll want to spend many sunny afternoons
and starry evenings while relaxing among family and friends.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
1. The Inviting Backyard
Expand Your Living Space
Create Your Own Domain
Start by Dividing Spaces
Collaborate with Nature
2. Dining and
Relaxing
Under the Shelter of a
Porch or Portico
A Dream Deck
A Patio and Terrace Link
to the Landscape
A Peaceful Courtyard
Cooking Out
Keeping Warm
Adding a Garden
Structure
Creating a Casual
Seating Area
Lighting the Outdoors
3. Backyard Fun and
Games
Kids Play Spaces
Recreational Spaces
Pools and Spas
Specialty Gardens
4. Backyard Buildings
Studios and Retreats
Greenhouses and Potting
Sheds
Storage Buildings
Credits
Resources

Paperback, 170 pages |