4 Ways to Enjoy Your Backyard This Winter

Having a backyard or garden is a luxury and something that many of us aspire to, especially those living in cities or built-up areas. If you are fortunate enough to have a backyard, the likelihood is you use it the most during the summer months when temperatures are their highest and there are longer hours of daylight. However, a backyard isnโ€™t just for those hot summer nights! As a part of your home, it makes sense to use the space all year round โ€“ here are four ways you can enjoy your backyard this winter.

Campfire Vibes

Relive your days in the Scouts by having a campfire in your backyard. Thereโ€™s nothing cozier than gathering around a campfire for warmth and singing traditional songs โ€“ choose whether to go for a rendition of โ€˜Campfireโ€™s Burningโ€™ (great if you have a large group) or folk classics such as John Denverโ€™s โ€˜Take Me Home Country Roads.โ€™ If one of your group can play guitar or ukulele it can take your singalong to the next level! Donโ€™t forget the marshmallows for toasting on the flames โ€“ no campfire is complete without the gooey goodness of sโ€™mores.

Firework Party

Christmas and the New Year have gone and the 4th of July feels a long way away, but there are many other reasons to celebrate with a firework party. Perhaps you have an anniversary or a birthday, or maybe you are celebrating the Chinese lunar year of the rabbit. There might be occasions to party, such as a work promotion or passing an exam. Or you could just embrace the magic of fireworks with a group of your nearest and dearest, sipping hot cocoa and watching the sky come alive with color. A firework party is a fun way to spend an evening in your backyard and will be loved by people of all ages. Just remember to be considerate of animals and let your neighbors know your plans so they can keep their cats and dogs indoors.

Outdoor Drinks

Whether you are having a night with the girls or a celebratory gathering, thereโ€™s no reason the winter season should mean you canโ€™t enjoy drinks in the yard. A sheltered deck is ideal as it protects you from inclement weather but there are other options โ€“ consider installing a pagoda or pergola. If itโ€™s the cold you are concerned about, with a variety of fire pits on the market at all price points, there is no reason to feel the chill. Take time researching the best option for your needs and understanding different types of propane fire pits and what they have to offer. Enjoy your backyard all year round, regardless of the temperature.

Plant for the Year Ahead

Although the winter is a time of rest for the garden, any gardener will tell you that, while nature sleeps, it is the perfect time to plan. Winter can be an ideal time for tidying backyards as trees and bushes have died back. It is also the perfect time to plant new fruit trees. If you want to grow your own flowers or fruit and vegetables from seed, check when you should be sowing seeds and if they need to be undercover. Many popular plants such as tomatoes can be started in the winter months in a propagator or heated greenhouse and flowers such as poppies can be set now too.

Although you may associate your backyard with the summer months, with an open and inventive mind, you can make the most of your outdoor space all year round. Get outside and, most of all, have fun!

Jeff Campbell