What Does Backyarding Mean for Your Family?

The TurfMutt Foundation talks a lot about “backyarding.” But what exactly does this mean for you and your family?

Backyarding is the ongoing trend to move many indoor activities – from working to dining and recreating – to the great outdoors. Your own backyard is nearly limitless with possibilities, and creative homeowners are making their backyards an even more important part of their lives.

As you dream of sunny spring days, the TurfMutt Foundation offers these reminders about how to bring more backyarding into your life:

Invest in your yard. Design a dream lawn and garden. Consider its purpose. Don’t design just for aesthetics. Do you have kids and pets who need a place to play? Will you be hosting neighborhood or family gatherings? Do you need a place for rest and relaxation and/or games and recreation?

Get the whole family involved. Create a game or a friendly competition with your family to help identify all the ways you can move your indoor life to the great outdoors – and right out your backdoor. Can you take office calls and video meetings on the patio or porch? Can your kids do their homework outdoors? How often can you eat dinner together outside? Can you gather outdoors for family celebrations, birthdays, graduations and reunions?

Plant something—as early as you can. (Or plant more).Adding trees, bushes, grass and flowering plants is a good yard investment, but they often take time to grow. Plant as early as recommended so you can enjoy the benefits faster. Just remember: “right plant, right place.” Location, maintenance, sunlight and watering needs should all be considered, as well as your climate zone.

Stretch winter-weary muscles. Take workouts, yoga classes and meditation sessions outdoors. Working in the yard not only helps our living landscapes look better and stay healthy, it also gives us a sense of accomplishment.

Plan a staycation. A makeshift “resort” or vacation spot could be just out your back door. Pitch a tent, build a campfire, hang a sheet between trees to make a movie screen, set up games – these are just a few ideas to make the backyard a vacation spot that is fun and budget-friendly.

“Level up” nature care. Add flowering plants, trees and shrubs to give wildlife and pollinators food and shelter. Your yard is part of the larger ecosystem, so check your climate zone for landscaping options that support your birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. Don’t forget to take time to just sit and drink it in, observing the wildlife and nature around you.

Research shows simply spending time in nature – which starts in your backyard – is good for reducing stress, boosting heart health, boosting Vitamin D levels, and enhancing memory. Thanks to the family yard, the health and well-being benefits of being outside are just a few steps away.

To learn more, download the TurfMutt Foundation’s International Backyarding Fact Book. Sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation here. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television show on Saturday mornings.