All too often having a good sized yard means a lot of work, and not a lot of time to enjoy it. During the heat of the summer months, the wide open spaces of a large yard can mean that we wind up as a slave to maintenance and upkeep, then spending the rest of our time indoors to relax, instead of being outside, enjoying the summer day, simply because there isn't a good place to spend leisure time out of the blazing heat of the noonday sun.
This is where being creative with outdoor pagodas, tents, umbrellas and parasols becomes a safe haven away from the heat, becoming a virtual oasis in our own yard.
While a patio can help a little, the area can at times be like sitting on a concrete sidewalk. The heat will get absorbed into the concrete and actually makes it feel hotter.
Having a shaded area on the patio is an improvement, but the full enjoyment of the back yard environment is minimal at best. Although it is better, it wasn't exactly what we thought when we purchased the house with a bigger yard.
A cooler grassy area in the backyard is often preferred. Simply adding a basic umbrella may be effective for one person but is not enough when friends and family come for a gathering.
Simply put, a basic umbrella will not be suitable. There are fortunately lots of options available so that settling for a simple umbrella is not necessary.
A relaxing space of any size can be created simply by taking advantage of pagodas and tents in various sizes. This will allow the homeowner to provide a relaxing area for as many people as they choose. Create groupings or islands with the umbrellas and parasols that can lend to privacy among the larger grouping.
If the desired area is beside a pool or Jacuzzi, the design can truly become an oasis, with shade, lounging and water for whatever suits someone's fancy. The backyard can actually become an extension of the house with areas for backyard cookouts, dinner parties, birthday - whatever kind of entertaining you enjoy.
Creating this oasis in the backyard does not have to be an overwhelming task. With the materials and styles available today, a hot, barren area in a back yard can be converted into a wonderful, peaceful area of shade and serenity.
Taking the time to develop the concepts you have in mind with professionals will enable you to have that safe haven in your yard too, and there's no time like the present to use your yard to its fullest advantage.