How a Landscaper Can Maximize Your Backyard Space for Entertaining in Hollis and Amherst, NH

The time you spend in your outdoor living space with friends and family will lead to some of the best memories. That is, of course, as long as your outdoor living space is an enticing place with plenty of space for your guests to hang out in comfort. No matter the size of your backyard, a landscaper will create a space ideal for hosting both intimate and large gatherings. Here’s how a landscaper can maximize your backyard space for entertaining in Hollis and Amherst, NH.

Downsizing the Lawn

There are few features more ubiquitous in the American residential landscape than the lawn. If space is an issue in your backyard, consider that the lawn has little use beyond aesthetics and a nice place for the kids and pets to play. But if you need a better entertaining area, consider downsizing the lawn so other more useful features can be moved into the plan. This doesn’t mean paving over your backyard: you could increase the size or layout of your patio, and add a natural touch by surrounding your entertaining spaces with a variety of native shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses, and flowers.

Create a Center for Gathering

A fire pit or a pergola are natural gathering spots that can be adapted to any size backyard. They are the focal point of your outdoor living space but that doesn’t mean they have to be centrally located. They can make use of a corner, where the setting will be a little quieter.

When you have larger parties, your guests will need a comfortable place to sit. Landscaping designers can make great use of fences, raised masonry plant beds and retaining walls to create “built-in” seating for larger gatherings.

Creating Outdoor Rooms

Putting all of your activities into one large open area is one option but the layout is everything. Creating “rooms” within your outdoor living space helps define spaces and activity levels. On a large patio, these spaces can be separated by various physical barriers such as raised bed planters filled with billowing ornamental grasses.

You can also use different pavers, you can step certain areas up or down from the main patio, or you could even create small interconnected patios that house different activities. Either way, surround these spaces with more dynamic vegetation than a sea of grass, and they will feel cozy and welcoming.

Fire

Few amenities in an outdoor living space will help to improve entertaining capabilities than a fire feature such as a fire pit, fire table, or outdoor fireplace. Fire pits are typically round and evoke a campfire vibe. Fire tables can do double duty as dining spaces - making them perfect for small backyards - and outdoor fireplaces can anchor the space and can create a focal point in an otherwise neglected corner. Masonry fireplaces can also pull double duty: you can include a chamber for wood-fired pizzas.

Carve Out Space

Sloped backyards can be excavated and supported by a retaining wall to carve out more living space. Flat properties have it easier in terms of maximizing space; but if you’re still short on space for entertaining, consider devoting part of your side yard(s) for a quiet seating area or a game area.

Double Duty

Incorporating as many elements that do double duty as possible can create an entertainer’s paradise on a small footprint: include fire tables, masonry raised bed planters, and even retaining walls (which can house built-in seating or the back of an outdoor fireplace or kitchen).