Over the duration of my career as an Arborist, I have visited many unique yards. I have seen many creative themes, ideas, landscape concepts and many have shaped my own. As an example, for years I loved the homey feeling when I visited a yard that had chickens. To me, observing chickens can be very therapeutic as well as entertaining. Watching hens peck around after bugs only enhances a calm back yard environment even further. That said, chickens confined to a pen seemed unfair, and free range cluckers, messy and downright destructive. However, after seeing different approaches to chicken ownership and styles of coops by others, we embarked on our own little brood. It took a while to fine tune our poultry program, but through trial and error I can say it has enriched our back-yard experience. The omelets are also a nice bonus.
Another idea that always appealed to me was a zip-line. Being an Arborist, I admired people who incorporated the use of the trees in their yards as recreation. Last year at my daughter’s request, I installed a zipline that has become a fun feature year-round. Especially in the summer as the zip line rider becomes a moving water balloon target.
The four of us also enjoy archery as a sport. I made a backstop and marked out yardage in an area of our side yard. No matter how bad the mood or elevated the stress from school or work, having place to sink a few bulls eye shots is really calming. Nearby a big circle of boulders has hosted more than a few campfires after dark. The neighbors to the north of us boards horses in their pasture. We capitalize on that backdrop as well as a view of Rathrdrum Mountain to the Northwest and Chilco Peak to the East. Further we planted trees in strategic locations to block neighbor’s windows and commercial lights along highway 95. All combined, our humble back yard has a ranch theme and host country charm despite being in town.
I hope this series encourages the creative side to a few of you readers. So, without further hesitation, pick up a bird bath, a lawn chair and a stringer of patio lights and begin the quest to create your own back yard oasis.
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