Backyard Living

 by Patty Lee

 It used to be a patch of green grass was enough, but today's homeowners want a finished patio area. And not just any design will do; more and more people are asking for unusual shapes with built in hot tubs or with children's play areas incorporated into the design. 

Patios have become another room, a place where we entertain, cook and relax. Arbors are enjoying a renewed interest. I remember my Grandfather's arbour simply covered with climbing roses in mid- summer. A walk in his garden was a joy beyond comparison. It was a wooden structure back then, painted white, to show off the beautiful red roses. 

Today, arbors come in all sorts of materials, some that never need painting! What's great about today's backyards is the variety in texture that is created by using different materials for different purposes, e.g. pressure-treated wood for the main part of the patio just off the house and interlocking bricks for the part that leads to the pool. 

Don't you just love those handmade stepping stones for creating paths through a flower garden? Although I've never tried it myself, I understand it is quite easy to do, using one of those clear plastic trays that are used under flower pots. You fill one of these with quick setting cement and working quickly, you either draw designs or set colored rocks, etc. into the concrete before it sets. 

When the stone is dry, you pop it out and there you have your very own custom made stepping stone. Take the time to install some lights in your garden so that you can enjoy the lovely summer evenings. And don't forget that nothing sets a mood more than music; so, designate a place for those built-in speakers for your music system, too. Wishing everyone a relaxing, fun-filled summer.

Patty Lee Manager of HerIdeas, a place for all crafters and hobbyists. Visit us at http://www.herideas.com Subscribe to our newsletter. Mailto: herideas- subscribe@egroups.com