JFF How to Make My Backyard an Oasis for Me?

We have a cement patio whichbis stamped with a design.. And we bought at Costco online.. A gazebo type thing.. Took awhile to set up.. With netting on the side for buggy times.

In our old neighborhood, one of my next door neighbors had a "black thumb" too. She planted fake flowers in beautiful flower pots and set them all over her backyard. They were beautiful!! Just a thought.

I tried to find it on Youtube, but I couldn't! Your post reminded me of the Pier One commercial of the woman in the back yard. The yard looks so inviting and peaceful. Then the wise little stone frog saying, "He may have his man cave, but you have Wonderland....

Good luck finding what you need to complete your wonderland!!!!

A few people mentioned bird feeders and you say you have a chandelier thingy. I recently saw on pinterest a great little idea where they put bird seed in the cups of the chandelier - it was inventive.

I also agree that succulants are a great alternative to 'real' plants. I have a hard time keeping anything alive, but succulants could work. It would be cute to plant a few in little pots and hang them on your fence or something.

check out pinterest, there are so many great outdoor ideas.

I always like the look of indoor elements being brought outside - chaneliers, old frames. Also items used not for their original intended purposes like a an old window used as decoration, or a door used as decoration or to hang items. Stuff like that;)

If you have some trees that are close enough together, you might want to do a hammock. I LOVE relaxing in them, but, sadly, we have not a single tree in our back yard.

Chaise lounge chairs?
Lots of natural shade (either from trees or shrubs)

How about a hummingbird feeder? I just looove to wactch those cute amazing little birds. Or some kind of water feature to listen to the sounds of running water...

Put together "rooms" in your backyard. Use the space by the backdoor and the Dining Room. Arrange the grill, table and chair (umbrella if it goes with the table), a "counter" area to put all the things for eating/hosting. Use another area in the shade facing where your child places as the Family Room with the couch find tree trunks to use as a coffee table. Add hanging lights or candles. Outdoor pillows and hang outdoor material to treated lumber to make it private. Make a Game Room with all the outdoor toys and games (kid and adult). Sprinkle in outdoor lightings, flags, music, other personal affects and you have a personal expression of your inside environment.
Best Wishes!

I have been wanting a pond but I can't find anyone to keep it clean for me. :p

Hi Mama~
If you have a hard time keeping plants alive how about some differnent types of hostas?? They are pretty resiliant, and there are multiple colors of daylilies that are also pretty fuss-free except after a while you will want to cut some out so they dont get crowded.. also i think bleeding hearts are super cute and do awesome in the shade with pink and white heart flowers... or how about some easy sunflowers??? maybe too late this year but think next year, in the fall plant some bulbs for tulips etc for the spring...
I am moving our family back to our house we have rented for the past few years and am itching to get back to my back yard!!
Also what might be nice are those pear shaped fire thingies, dont know the name of them, but they seem peaceful on a patio kid proofed of course!
OH and bird feeders... hummingbird feeders...
Sorry to take over, good luck!!! Just my thoughts :)
A.

Plant succulents. They don't need much care but look so cool! They also go with rocks!