Ah, the heady months of summer are finally upon us and it seems like everyone is making the most of the blistering heat while it sticks around, whether basking in the rays in their yard, sipping beers on the beach, or peeking out at the glorious views from the safety of the shade. And, whilst there’s tons of fun to be had out in the sun, it’s not exactly cheap trying to make the most of the weather when you’re out and about. Ideally, you’d be able to take advantage of it from the comfort of your own home, right?
You don’t have to have the world’s biggest or prettiest yard to make the most of the summer sun, you just need to utilize the entire space to its greatest potential – and we’re going to tell you how!
A Splash of Fun
Everyone loves a dip in a pool or hot tub when they get the chance, so why not introduce one into your backyard to indulge in your own personal water-based relaxation?
If you’re lacking in yard space (and, let’s be fair, unless you’re raking in the big bucks, this is pretty likely), a hot tub could be the perfect alternative. Yes, the top models are worth a pretty penny, but it’s possible to get yourself a portable, almost blow-up version that’s just as good (if a little less sturdy).
A portable water monitor would be used to test water quality in an industrial setting, monitoring chlorine and pH levels. However, it’s also important to regularly check the water quality in your pool or hot tub at home. Whilst chlorine is needed to keep the water sterile and destroy any nasty bacteria, too much can cause rashes and burns.
So Much Room for Activities!
If your yard is a bit of a blank canvas, with just a stretch of grass, decking, or paving slabs, then you’ve essentially got yourself a great little sports activity area! You can roller skate, complete a fitness class workout, play swing ball, get a basketball net up and do some slam dunks, create a mini-obstacle course, teach yourself some skateboarding tricks… The list is endless.
Seeing the Art in Nature
Making art out of nature is both relaxing and fruitful. Not only are you using what mother nature has already provided you with to create, but you also aren’t producing any waste or using harmful materials.
Here are some great ideas to get you started: making dream catchers out of twigs, feathers, petals, and wool (feathers and petals sourced from the ground and not living things), a summer-based collage; using water and items from your yard – such as mud/clay, petals, leaves etc – create natural paints to use in drawings on your concrete areas, and create rubbings of all the different textures you can find.
Grow Your Own
Gardening and growing vegetables have become a bit of a hip thing to do these days and, as long as you stay away from peat, is also a big thumbs-up in terms of eco-credentials. Creating your own little veggie patch – whether you stick to just growing tomatoes, chilies, and herbs, or you go in for some of the bigger vegetables – cuts down on food miles, transport fuel, and unnecessary packaging. So not only do you get a colorful and vivacious garden, but you also get to help out the planet, too.
Even if you don’t class yourself as much of a sun worshipper, the summertime is definitely the best time to get out in your yard – no matter how tiny – and find your inner zen. Read a book, take a nap, throw a BBQ…just get outside and enjoy yourself!
