Outdoor living is a way to escape the stress of everyday life. There are many elements that can be used to create a fun, relaxing and peaceful setting. Why not vacation in your own backyard? Think of it as a place you would like to be and create a paradise.

I never consider my yard as finished, it is always evolving. Whenever I find a new feature I have to incorporate it. For me outdoor living requires plants, water, sound, wildlife, lighting, fire and comfortable seating. When I am in my yard I want to feel that I am in another place. When I close my eyes I want my senses to confirm that I am somewhere else.

A backyard escape can be whatever each person wants it to be. For some people it may be cooking, seating and a formal gardens. For other people it might be waterfalls, ponds, lighting and cottage gardens. There are endless options which can always be removed or altered.

I live in the suburbs on a typical 1/4 acre lot. There are several considerations for those people in this situation. Creating a privacy screen, noise reduction, attracting birds, wind patterns, sun and shade are just a few examples. Whatever the concern it can be addessed in this site.

Obviously the purpose of creating a backyard living space is to enjoy it yourself but an additional benefit is the added equity in your home. Estimates show that, depending on where you live, an outdoor living area can add anywhere from 5% to 8% of the value of your home. The more work that can be done on your own the more equity thats generated since labor is the largest cost of creating an outdoor living environment.

Imagine coming home from a hard day of work and you need some time to just regroup. Step out of the back door and enter another world, you don't even have to drive. Sit on the arbor swing and close your eyes. Hear the chimes, birds and the soft music. Feel the gentle breeze and the sway of the swing. Smell the sweet scents of lilacs and spice bushes. In no time you are relaxing and feeling rejuvinized.

This is what outdoor living is all about. Whatever you can imagine, you can make happen in your own backyard.