There is nothing better on a nice warm day than spending time in the backyard whether you are relaxing with a good book or firing up the BBQ and having friends and family over. Spending time in the garden is an important part of Australian identity and there are a few characteristics which every good Australian backyard will need. Although times are changing, the archetypal Australian garden design will have the following.
Swimming Pool
Having a swimming pool in the backyard is a big part of the Australian dream and something that many people strive for. It is considered somewhat of a status symbol but it can also be incredibly practical and valuable to have a pool during those particularly hot summer days. Whether you are relaxing in the pool after a long day, you have friends and family over for a pool party or you are getting daily exercise in, having a pool is sure to be worth the expense.
Shaded Area
It is important to have a shaded area in the garden as sometimes you will want to escape the sun while still being outdoors. A shaded area can help you to stay cool on hot days in the backyard and will be particularly important for kids, seniors and anyone that has sensitive skin. Many homes will have shaded areas from trees but it is also helpful to have a pavilion which can provide protection.
Social Space
You also need to have an area for socializing in the backyard which is a big part of Australian culture. This could be the shaded space where you have a table and chairs which will allow you to enjoy food outside. You may also want to have exterior lighting so that you can continue to be outside once the sun goes down.
Games
Leading on from this, outdoor recreation has always been an important part of Australia’s history so having games in the backyard is essential – this is partially true if you have kids or friends/family who often bring kids over. The options are endless for outdoor recreation and it will depend on the size of your garden.
Sustainable Design
In a time where environmental-damage is constantly in the news, having a sustainable garden design is important in today’s day and age. This might include water conservation elements and the use of solar panels to power the home.
Plant Life
Of course, no Australian backyard is complete without a wide range of different plant life. This can make the garden a visually appealing space as well as home to a range of wildlife.
Decking
Decking is usually used in Australian gardens to create social areas and to break up the backyard – this can also continue the natural feel too. It can also be relatively simple to lay your own decking and you can find items like a tape measure from specialists like RS Components.
Outdoor Kitchens
In recent times, Australian gardens have been about blurring the lines between inside and outside. It is for this reason why you now often see outdoor cooking facilities in Australian gardens (in addition to a barbecue). Some homeowners go every further than this and have outdoor televisions and other items you typically find inside in their garden.
The garden has always played an important role in Australia’s history. This is an important space where people come together to relax, have fun, socialise and eat in the sun and enjoy spending time outside. It can also be somewhere that people enjoy spending time by themselves whether they are sunbathing, reading or in the pool. The above are a few key design ideas that a typical Australian backyard will have and allow you and your friends/family to enjoy spending time outside in the sun.