{"id":2777,"date":"2016-06-15T18:41:53","date_gmt":"2016-06-15T18:41:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.geraniumhomes.com\/blog\/?p=2777"},"modified":"2016-06-27T14:53:49","modified_gmt":"2016-06-27T14:53:49","slug":"top-7-must-haves-for-your-backyard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/top-7-must-haves-for-your-backyard\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 7 Must-Haves for your Backyard"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/backyardaccessories.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2791\" src=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/backyardaccessories-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"backyardaccessories\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/backyardaccessories-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/backyardaccessories-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/backyardaccessories-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/backyardaccessories-192x128.jpg 192w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a>With the summer season finally in sight, it\u2019s time to shift focus to the backyard.\u00a0 That area of your home long forgotten over the harsh winter, but happily rediscovered as the sun starts to shine and the days get longer.\u00a0 Try these ideas to turn your backyard into the perfect summer getaway.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Outdoor Games<\/strong><br \/>\nPut a twist on family game night by taking it outside. Try building your own <a href=\"http:\/\/www.remodelaholic.com\/diy-indoor-outdoor-bowling-lane\/\" target=\"_blank\">backyard bowling lane<\/a>. This fun project can be completed in a day and will be enjoyed all summer long.\u00a0 Bowling not your thing?\u00a0 Take another classic games outside like <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lovebugliving.com\/2014\/05\/diy-giant-jenga-game.html\" target=\"_blank\">Giant Jenga<\/a> or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sunset.com\/garden\/backyard-projects\/backyard-scrabble\" target=\"_blank\">Backyard Scrabble<\/a>!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2785\" style=\"width: 513px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/DIY-Bowling-Lane1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2785\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2785\" src=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/DIY-Bowling-Lane1.png\" alt=\"This DIY Bowling Lane from Handmade with Ashley is a fun addition to the backyard.\" width=\"503\" height=\"666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/DIY-Bowling-Lane1.png 503w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/DIY-Bowling-Lane1-227x300.png 227w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2785\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This DIY Bowling Lane from Handmade with Ashley is a fun addition to the backyard.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>2. Change up Your Chairs<\/strong><br \/>\nAdd a pop to your outdoor decor by changing up your chairs. Give your old metal folding chairs <a href=\"http:\/\/kellysmoonlight.blogspot.ca\/2012\/08\/paint-your-wagon-or-at-least-your.html\" target=\"_blank\">a facelift<\/a>, simply with a couple coats of spray paint. They\u2019re perfect for entertaining outdoors and will leave your guests asking where you got them. If you\u2019re looking for a more classic look for your backyard, a set of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/the-muskoka-chair\/\" target=\"_blank\">Muskoka chairs<\/a> never fails to please.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2786\" style=\"width: 730px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MuskokaChairs.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2786\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2786\" src=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MuskokaChairs-1024x569.jpg\" alt=\"Special thanks goes to RC Brazier for this fantastic picture via Visual Hunt\" width=\"720\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MuskokaChairs-1024x569.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MuskokaChairs-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MuskokaChairs-720x400.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/MuskokaChairs.jpg 1556w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2786\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Special thanks goes to RC Brazier for this fantastic picture via Visual Hunt<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>3. Tiki Torches<\/strong><br \/>\nThere are so many tiki torch styles available at your local hardware store, or you can brighten your backyard using things you already have in your home. Turn your old <a href=\"http:\/\/www.designsponge.com\/2009\/08\/diy-project-eriks-recycled-wine-bottle-torch.html\" target=\"_blank\">wine\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/for-the-love-of-mason-jars\/\" target=\"_blank\">mason jars<\/a> into useful backyard torches. These clever torches bring style and functionality to your outdoor space and can help keep the bugs away!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2779\" style=\"width: 435px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2779\" class=\"wp-image-2779\" src=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Upcycle-torch.jpg\" alt=\"Upcycle torch\" width=\"425\" height=\"561\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Upcycle-torch.jpg 475w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Upcycle-torch-227x300.jpg 227w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2779\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">These torches are a stylish and functional addition to your outdoor spaces. Courtesy of Design Sponge.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>4. The Quintessential Hammock\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\nFeel like hanging out this summer?\u00a0 Then a hammock should be on your \u201cmust-have\u201d list, they\u2019ve come a long way over the years.\u00a0 Whether you prefer the traditional tree-hung hammock or a backyard hanging bed, we found <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.gardenloversclub.com\/structures\/hammock-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\">20 hammock alternatives<\/a> to inspire you to put your feet up!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2787\" style=\"width: 747px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/HammockLights.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2787\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2787\" src=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/HammockLights.jpg\" alt=\"There's nothing like relaxing on a hammock in your beautiful backyard.\" width=\"737\" height=\"808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/HammockLights.jpg 737w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/HammockLights-274x300.jpg 274w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/HammockLights-720x789.jpg 720w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2787\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There&#8217;s nothing like relaxing on a hammock in your beautiful backyard.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>5. Thyme for a Garden<\/strong><br \/>\nSometimes you just don\u2019t have room, or time, to have a full-blown garden.\u00a0 Make the most out of your space with <a href=\"http:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/gardening\/news\/a35635\/15-ways-to-make-the-most-out-of-a-tiny-backyard\/\" target=\"_blank\">vertical, hanging or tiered garden planters<\/a>, you may even think of building a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhg.com\/gardening\/trees-shrubs-vines\/trees\/how-to-build-a-living-fence\/#page=0\" target=\"_blank\">living fence<\/a>. It\u2019s the ideal opportunity to enjoy flowers, herbs or even vegetables in the smallest of spaces.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2782\" style=\"width: 746px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/1433444494-diytieredherbgardentutorial.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2782\" class=\"wp-image-2782 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/1433444494-diytieredherbgardentutorial.jpg\" alt=\"1433444494-diytieredherbgardentutorial\" width=\"736\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/1433444494-diytieredherbgardentutorial.jpg 736w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/1433444494-diytieredherbgardentutorial-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/1433444494-diytieredherbgardentutorial-720x484.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/1433444494-diytieredherbgardentutorial-192x128.jpg 192w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2782\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thanks to Country Living for these great garden ideas.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>6. Making a Splash<\/strong><br \/>\nThe summer can sure get hot, and it\u2019s great to be able to cool down on hot days. You don\u2019t need to go to a waterpark to have fun, try some of these <a href=\"http:\/\/www.savvymom.ca\/index.php\/guides\/diy-backyard-games\/6\" target=\"_blank\">fun ideas<\/a> to keep the kids cool and laughing this summer. Consider installing an <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aconcordcarpenter.com\/how-to-build-an-outdoor-shower.html\" target=\"_blank\">outdoor shower<\/a>. It\u2019s a great way to rinse off after a dip in the pool or a long session in the garden. Best of all, it feels like you\u2019re at a spa in your own backyard. Or maybe just an outdoor water fountain to relax with the sound of water. \u00a0Bob Vila has some great <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bobvila.com\/slideshow\/10-inventive-designs-for-a-diy-garden-fountain-49001#.V2F97SMrI1E\" target=\"_blank\">DIY\u00a0water fountains<\/a> for every size backyard.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2788\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/DIY-Garden-Fountain.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2788\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2788\" src=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/DIY-Garden-Fountain.jpg\" alt=\"DIY Garden Fountains for every size backyard.\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/DIY-Garden-Fountain.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/DIY-Garden-Fountain-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/DIY-Garden-Fountain-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2788\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">DIY Garden Fountains for every size backyard.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>7. Light My Fire\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\nThere\u2019s something about sitting around a fire on a warm summer night.\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s a <a href=\"http:\/\/hngideas.com\/outdoor\/20-stunning-diy-fire-pits-you-can-build-easily\/\" target=\"_blank\">firepit<\/a> you can make yourself or simply a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.canadiantire.ca\/en\/outdoor-living\/outdoor-heating\/fire-tables-fire-bowls.html\" target=\"_blank\">fire bowl<\/a> for smaller areas, this is always a welcome addition to a backyard get together. Just don\u2019t forget the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/fun-tips-for-summertime-entertaining\/\" target=\"_blank\">s\u2019mores<\/a>. (Check your local\u00a0fire code bylaws first.)<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2775\" style=\"width: 730px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/RoastingMarshmallows.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2775\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2775\" src=\"http:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/RoastingMarshmallows-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"S'mores are a summer favourite.\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/RoastingMarshmallows.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/RoastingMarshmallows-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/RoastingMarshmallows-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/RoastingMarshmallows-192x128.jpg 192w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-2775\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">S&#8217;mores are a summer favourite.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>It doesn\u2019t matter if you have a large backyard, a rooftop terrace or your private balcony \u2013 summer\u2019s here.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get out and enjoy!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the summer season finally in sight, it\u2019s time to shift focus to the backyard.  That area of your home long forgotten over the harsh winter, but happily rediscovered as the sun starts to shine and the days get longer.<br \/>\nTry these ideas to turn your backyard into the perfect <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/top-7-must-haves-for-your-backyard\/\">READ MORE ><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2786,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37,90,35,36,8],"tags":[376,419,429,432,122,425,174,577,14,87,421,321,17,424,357,431,417,369,94,89,422],"class_list":["post-2777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diy-outdoor-living","category-entertaining","category-garden","category-outdoor_entertaing","category-outdoor-living","tag-backyard","tag-backyard-living","tag-backyard-must-haves","tag-backyard-tips","tag-diy-2","tag-fire-pit","tag-garden-tips","tag-garden","tag-geranium","tag-geranium-homes","tag-hammock","tag-home","tag-homes","tag-muskoka-chairs","tag-my-geranium-home","tag-outdoor-games","tag-outdoor-living","tag-outdoors","tag-smores","tag-summer","tag-summertime"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2777"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2777\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2813,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2777\/revisions\/2813"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2786"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}