This has been an unprecedented year and because of lockdowns, many people have rediscovered the simple pleasures of backyard living. If your outdoor living spaces leave something to be desired, here are some ideas for raised beds and more: 3 ways to incorporate masonry into a backyard in Somers and Scarsdale, NY, areas. These ideas will help you create a backyard retreat that can be a true refuge.
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Added Privacy
Privacy is important, especially if your neighbors are close and everyone is spending time outdoors. Privacy fencing is effective, but often boring. An endless brown or white privacy fence can create a boxed-in feeling. One solution is to separate privacy fence panels with masonry pillars for a more elegant look that is also an attractive way to add unobtrusive landscape lighting along the perimeter of your backyard.
If your patio is positioned close to the neighbors, a water wall is a stunning way to add privacy and create a focal point at the same time. Soothe your senses with the sights and sounds of water cascading down over a vertical sheet of glass supported by masonry pillars.
Raised masonry planters filled with boxwoods or cedars are an attractive way to add definition to a space and create privacy.
Raised Masonry Planters
Gardening is a soothing activity, and many people are rediscovering the joys of growing their own food or adding colorful, fragrant flowers to their landscape. In-ground gardens require bending and kneeling which can be difficult for some people. And, ground-level gardens make it easier for weeds to invade the garden. Raised masonry plant beds offer a stylish and practical solution: their generous ledge offers a comfortable place to sit while gardening, and gives your backyard a structured look.
Raised masonry planters could replace a section of labor-intensive lawn and make your backyard more practical. A cluster of smaller masonry planters are enough to easily produce enough veggies for your family’s summer and fall enjoyment. Or, you could sprinkle a few raised beds throughout the landscape: a fragrant flower garden at the front door, a wild-meadow pollinator garden in a tucked-away corner of the backyard, or a kids-only garden.
As a bonus, a raised masonry planter could even begin its life as a sandbox for the very little ones, and later transform into a veggie garden for older kids (backyard features that grow with a family help create timeless spaces).
“Me Time” Solutions
Create “me time” spaces by creating physical separation with masonry planters or seat walls.
The planters could be filled with boxwoods or cedars for a living wall effect, or with billowing ornamental grasses for a softer separation.
Seat walls also help define spaces and help remove clutter. People always need a place to sit when they visit. Seat walls - especially when you bring out the cushions - create comfortable seating for socializing and remove the need for a lot of additional patio furniture that creates clutter.
Water is one an essential element in a tranquil backyard retreat. There are so many options for adding water to your backyard: a rustic boulder-lined waterfall; a sleek modern reflecting pool; an antiqued, weathered Roman-style fountain. Masonry helps you create a water feature that gives you the ambience you want. Water features can be made using natural stone, manufactured stone (concrete blocks with thin veneers), poured concrete, or a combination of materials.
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