Not sure what to do with the backyard? It doesn’t have to be just a space for the dog to run around in. Here are a few starting points on how to create a backyard retreat to get you started and make the space your own.

Plant Some Foliage

You can plant a tree or even a few of them. Create a wall of greenery to give you some shade, privacy, and add some more nature to the yard. Evergreens are a good choice; they’re wide and they’ll be there all year round. Or you can create a garden as a side hobby, suspending some flowers from hanging pots to help spread out the scents.

Install a Screen Porch

Enjoy the summer breeze while avoiding the bugs that come with it. Shield yourself and read a book or chat undisturbed. You can even invest in a rug of artificial grass if you’re feeling too separated from the outdoors and want to add a touch of nature.

Get a Patio Set

Give yourself, your family, and your friends a dedicated space to sit and chat. Unfurl an umbrella to give yourselves some shade, have a table to set down your drinks, and add a few chairs to relax in. Be careful of glass tables as they have a bad habit of breaking when left to the elements.

Build a Fire Pit

Keep yourselves warm at night and enjoy the crackle of wood as you stargaze. Fire pits come in all shapes and sizes, and you can even make your own. If you have a shallow ditch, surround it with rock, and fill it with sand or gravel. Mind the surroundings, of course. You don’t want anything else catching fire.

Drown Out the Noise

Hang up wind chimes or install a small fountain to create your own desired soundscape in your yard. Drown out the distant noises of cars or barking dogs and make it your own. Or you can implement sound speakers to play your music, nature noises, or even just white noise. Make sure to keep the speakers safe from the rain, though.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on how to create a backyard retreat to make your yard unique.