Expand your living space to make the most of your yard

Outdoor living spaces are booming, with a growing variety of shapes and sizes to fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a lively gathering space for grilling, mingling or watching TV, or leaning more toward a tranquil and soothing retreat — there are limitless options available to turn your backyard into a valuable asset for entertaining, relaxing, or enjoying quality time with family in your own private oasis.

Take some time to think about how you’d like to use your backyard.

•  Consider areas with plenty of sunlight for plants and greenery
•  Position your outdoor space where it has a functional connection to the inside of your house
•  Think about hardscape features you’ll want to include, such as a grill island, a fireplace or water element.
•  Planters, pots, lighting and flooring can help to define areas
•  If you have room, a folding glass wall can provide an easy and inviting flow within your new indoor-outdoor haven.

Visit IRWD.com/landscape for helpful resources and ideas.

This content originally appeared in The Dirt, IRWD's quarterly gardening newsletter. See the full issue at IRWD.com/thedirt.