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The terms ‘garden’ and ‘backyard’ are very common to each one of us. In most instances, we find ourselves using these terms interchangeably as if referring to the same thing. To understand the differences between the two, let’s start by understanding the definition of each term.
The terms garden and backyard are pretty much the same thing but are descriptions used by different countries. They are a space to the rear of a property that is used to grow food or ornamental plants or lawn. they are an extension of the living space.
Another definition is a nearby area or an area within the neighborhood. An example in a sentence is, “There are numerous talents available in our own backyard.”
Other definitions of a garden are:
- A public recreation area or park usually ornamented with plants and trees, or what is known as a botanical garden.
- An open-air eating or drinking place.
- A rich well-cultivated region.
Is a garden the same as a backyard? Well, the truth is differences exist between a garden and a backyard. Stick around as we explore the obvious distinctions between a garden and a backyard.
The List of Differences Between a Garden and a Backyard
Having had clear definitions of what a garden and a backyard are, we can easily derive a list of differences between the two. This includes the following:
Location-wise
A garden and a backyard have elaborate distinctions based on their location. A garden is more general and refers to an entire plot of land where one can plant vegetables, flowers, or fruits. A backyard, on the other hand, is particular to that area behind a house.
Additionally, the location of a garden is not only restricted to the home. One can find gardens in many other places. We have gardens that are located in public places like a park or a recreational facility. However, a backyard is restricted to residential places.
Delving deeper into the locational differences between a garden and a backyard, we see a crucial difference coming up in that a garden can be located indoors. The Merriam-Webster dictionary has an extra definition of a garden that defines it as a container like a window box with various small plants planted in it.
In a nutshell, therefore, you can have a garden inside your house, but you cannot have a backyard inside your house.
You can create an indoor garden in your house and use it to display well-designed plants for aesthetic purposes. You can also have a garden in the house that will help your house plants during harsh weather conditions like winter or keep plants that do not require direct sunlight.
Moreover, you can indeed create a garden in your backyard. This, therefore, means that a garden can be located in the backyard. And when we look at it this way, it, therefore, means that a backyard is a place that can house a garden!
The Use
We can also establish the differences between a garden and a backyard based on how each of these places can.
A garden is that outdoor space that is used to cultivate and showcase different plants. You can have trees in it, plant flowers, herbs, vegetables or have well-manicured grass. You can take things a notch higher with your garden and include artificial features like statues, a waterfall, a fountain, or have a sitting area.
A backyard has many different things that you can use it for. This space behind your house can be all covered by grass and be utilized as a relaxation area. You can also use it as an area for rearing your animals like livestock and poultry. A backyard can be used as an area for hanging your clothes or a small farm for planting the vegetables you need occasionally in your kitchen.
Looking at the uses between a garden and a backyard, a garden seems to lean mostly on being a place where you can grow many different plants. It also implies an area that portrays the beauty of a place. A backyard, however, leans more on the functionality side. That area behind the house helps you accomplish more things that need an outdoor space, like keeping poultry.
Alternative meanings of the words
Huge differences exist between a backyard and a garden when we carefully analyze the different meanings that each word has. For instance, when we look at the word ‘garden’ as a verb, it means the act of working on or cultivating a plot.
The word ‘backyard’ also has a different meaning when looking at it in a nearby area or neighborhood. Interestingly, when we look at the two words from this perspective, their differences become even more outstanding!
Tips for Creating a Beautiful garden
Having looked at the differences between a garden and a backyard, we find it prudent to share with you some tips that will come in handy when making your garden even more beautiful. They include the following.
Include flowering plants in your garden
Flowers are a great way to introduce a flash of color to your garden. You can plant both annual and perennial flowers to ensure your garden stays beautiful all year round.
I wrote an article about the best flowering plants every color that you can grow in your garden. You can choose from Red, White, Blue, Purple, Orange. You can read it by clicking what color you like.
Categorize your plants based on a theme
To make your garden even more beautiful, group your plants based on the foliage or flower color. For instance, you can put together five or six flowering plants of the same color. You can then surround them with another contrasting color to create an eye-catching display.
Experiment with the creative use of pots
To beautify your garden, use special pots when planting. You can get a pot with attractive colors or paint your plain pots with colorful patterns. You can also mix up large and small pots to create an element of contrast.
Control the weeds in your garden
Weeds compete for nutrients with the plants that you really want to have in your garden. What’s more, they can be very unsightly. Get rid of any weeds in your garden by using attractive mulch-like colorful pebbles. This will contribute largely to the overall beauty of your garden.
Suppose you don’t have an idea about controlling weeds. I wrote an article on how to control weeds in your garden. You can read it here.
Create a feature
To boost the beauty of your garden, have something that stands out as a feature. You can use something like a fountain, a statue, outdoor furniture, a plant, or include garden art. Having a feature in your garden will create a focal point that draws in the eye.
Include edible herbs that have flowers
Having edible herbs in your garden will add to its beauty and save you the money you would have spent purchasing them from the grocery store. Additionally, these plants can be used to create borders in the garden and add fragrance. Plants such as parsley, marigolds, thyme, chives, and lemon are ideal.
Avoid clutter
Overcrowding takes a lot from the beauty of your garden. Balance hard surfaces and the plants you select and shun away from using many materials.
Suppose you’re not satisfied with these tips. I wrote an article showing ideas to transform your garden effectively. You can read it here.
A Garden is a Thing and a Job Forever
Richard Briers
Different Ways That Can Help You Spruce Up Your Backyard
With a few tricks and tips, you can easily give that space a new lease of life behind your house. Here are a few ideas that can help you decorate your backyard to ensure you enjoy a wonderful time outdoors:
Add a hammock
To enjoy a great time in your backyard, add a hammock to it. This will help you spend some quality time in the shade outside the house. You can relax here while reading your favorite book or when taking a refreshing afternoon nap. You have the option to get an extra-large one to make it possible for the entire family to relax together.
An outdoor shower
Create a special oasis in your backyard by adding an outdoor shower to it. This will be especially enjoyable for you during the hot summer afternoons. You can make it even more interesting by creating a waterfall shower head and some tropical plants.
A backyard stream
You can come up with beautiful scenery in your backyard by adding a stream to it. Search online for tutorials that can help you create a DIY stream in your backyard using the water supply in your house and some additional items that you can easily find at the hardware store. The sound of flowing water will create a very relaxing environment to chill in.
A summer kitchen
Spice up your backyard by adding a kitchen to it. This will make cooking an even greater adventure, especially when you are hosting a party. What’s more, you will maintain the cleanliness of the inside of your home by having all the activities done outside during this time. Ensure the backyard kitchen is fully equipped with a refrigerator, cabinets, grill, counter space, and a sitting area for a better experience.
A swing set
Both adults and kids can have fun on a swing set. Get a set with a zip line, rope ladder, a climbing wall, and swings. This will turn your backyard into an adventure-filled zone every day.
Invest in an in-ground swimming pool
Add an in-ground swimming pool and a sitting area to create the backyard of your dreams. For extra style, play around with some lights and flowering plants around the pool and sitting area. This will be a perfect haven for your family and friends at any time of the day.
Conclusion on what is the difference between a garden and a backyard
A garden and a backyard are special features in a home or any place for that matter. We totally agree with this. In this informative piece, we have shared the differences between a garden and a backyard with you. From the conspicuous differences illustrated based on location to the ones that exist based on each, the two are evidently different.
You now have ample knowledge of the differences between a garden and a backyard after reading this. I have also provided you with some tips to help you create an even more beautiful garden and a cozy backyard to top it all up.
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