Hello World! Welcome Friends! Humans are social creatures and most of us love to spend time with our partners, friends, and families. Of course, we enjoy quiet times and our own space but these days sociality seems more important than ever.
In 2020 and going into the new year you will no doubt still find yourself restricted by social distancing. This is troublesome for many people. Depending on your region or area you will have different rules for gatherings, but many allow for a certain number of people to congregate together.
Being Sociable in Modern Times
Right now it may be difficult to meet your friends at your local bar or restaurant. You may not be free to go to Yoga or the gym. This time apart can be hard on many so you need to look for other alternatives to meet up.
Many people are using social media and apps like Messenger to keep in touch but these are a poor substitution to real contact. So, if your local rules allow you to meet a certain amount of people, close relatives or just your house-mates, read on to see how you can make the most of this.
Make your Garden your Children’s Private Playground
Maybe you live in an area that doesn’t have many parks close by or you just don’t want to come into contact with too many people. To get by this, make your own park. Ok, this won’t really help your social life much but your kids will be very happy. You can make this project as huge as you like or just make a small play area but be aware of local rules on building garden structures.
Buy outdoor games from the internet such as croquet or boule. Adults and children can enjoy these together and of course, your children’s’ friend’s parents can also join in. Depending on your children’s age, build a child-friendly fish pond, rockery, and area to explore. Make a vegetable plot together and grow fruit and other produce you can enjoy with each other.
Take the Cooking Outside
Time to think of the adults for a bit. Many people love cooking and eating outdoors. It is in our nature to sit under the sun or stars and enjoy nature. Although your backyard is unlikely to resemble a true outdoor experience it is in many ways better. Not only is it fun to eat outside with friends but the right garden improvements can add value to your property.
Build a brick BBQ for very little outlay and get your friends around. Add in a patio area to make a nice social spot for everyone to congregate. Alternatively, look at a full outside kitchen if you are serious about entertaining outdoors. This needs a lot more investment and time but if you have some DIY skills and a love of cooking then make a plan and you could be very popular with your friends.
Use Decking to Make Social Areas
Decking is one of the best ways to turn a plain garden into something else. You might be looking out of your patio doors at a fairly barren backyard right now. Add some decking near the property, some raised seating areas, and maybe a corner section as a statement then you have transformed your dull garden into a place where your friends are now having an enjoyable evening chatting and drinking. Throw in some lighting and your backyard is transformed.
Make a Statement Feature
As mentioned above, a simple corner area of decking, raised could add a big social feature to your garden. Gazebos, pergolas, and summer houses can all do the same. These are features that usually need professionals to do. Search Google for services in your area if you need decking or gazebos; for instance, deck builders San Antonio will bring up the best options nearby.
A fountain or other water feature can also work as a statement in your garden but when looking at the social aspect you need to think differently.
How Big is your Garden?
The simple fact is most people will have a reasonably modest home exterior but that can be utilized very well. There are tricks for building swimming pools for small gardens and utilizing the space available. The most common social use of a garden will be drinking, eating, and playing. If you are lucky enough to have a good-sized outdoor space then think about your friends and what sports you like. It might be plausible to set up a small volleyball or badminton area. Get mini goals and play soccer between the adults and the kids.
Make a Movie Garden
This option is admittedly a little bit out there. It would ultimately depend on where you reside and who your next-door-neighbors are. If your neighbors are good friends or you live somewhere remote then you can use an outside wall or white sheet hanging from one to project a movie on. This can be an excellent way to hang with friends. Forget Netflix, make some snacks, get in drinks and run your own garden film night.
Summary
Your garden is your own personal, private, outdoor area. You may want to keep it to yourself but then again, you may want your family and friends to join you which may be the best use of a garden. Of course, grow flowers and enjoy the beauty but if you want to enjoy the social aspect then add in decking, a patio, or for the kids; a treehouse even. Just make sure to check local planning laws and be considerate of your neighbors, and invite them for a cold drink or some BBQ, just make sure you grill the food properly or your friends may not return!
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Home Improvement Tips for Homeowners
7 Accessories to Make Your Home More Inviting
Favorites & Highlights – Top Posts of 2020
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
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