The Oakland Press, June 5, 2005
Backyard Dreamin'

Create a space that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Admit it. You've looked out the window in the dead of winter and dreamed about what your yard would look like once summer arrived. Think back to that time. What did your mind see happening out there?

Was it a vision of a peaceful place, full of flowers, with a hammock, pond, waterfall or hot tub for the ultimate in relaxation? Or, maybe you want an area suitable for outdoor entertaining with an outdoor kitchen, a large table, stylish patio furniture and an awning to make your guests comfortable. Perhaps you wanted to create a spot for your children to play in with an entertaining play system, tree house and sandbox.

All this involves making your backyard an extension of your home and it isn't difficult. All it takes is a little planing - so dream a little!

A peacuful place

A gazebo can be a delightful place to retreat from the world and gaze out over your garden or immerse yourself in a good book. Knowing how you want to use the gazebo will make it easier to decide where to place it in your yard.

If you want a secluded retreat, look for a pleasant, but isolated spot. If you want it to be the focal point of your garden or a place to entertain friends and family, plan your gazebo accordingly.

There are a few ways you can make your dream of a gazebo become a reality. Some handy homeowners decide to build one themselves. Others purchase a pre-fabricated kit and follow the instructions. Still, others hire a designer/builder for the project.

A pond, with its soothing sound of running water and lush plants gently swaying, can lull you into a sense of serenity.

With day-to-day life so frenzied, Daryl Toby, owner of AguaFina Gardens & Imports in Sylvan Lake, said many people are interested in creating an atmosphere where they can relax. Water gardens and other water features can play an important dual role with their visual appeal and pleasant sounds. "Water has a soothing quality that is unique and inviting," he said.

When planning a backyard pond, consider the size and natural contours of your property and how you want to use the pond, said Toby. For example, if you enjoy the sound of running water, place the pond closer to your house so you can hear it either indoors or out.

Then ask yourself about some specifics - if you want fish or not and what type of water plants you prefer. Envision what you want your dream pond to look like. There are many styles of ponds from a formal one surounded by a traditional English garden to prairie-style featuring ornamental grasses and a babbling brook, he said.

Water sculptures are another way to add interest to your backyard. It's similar to decorating your home, said Toby...

Jane Peterson