By Debbi Mayster | Contributor
“Backyarding,” the practice of enjoying indoor activities in outdoor settings, gained traction during the pandemic and is now a lasting trend set to grow in 2022, as reported by the TurfMutt Foundation. This organization focuses on environmental education and encourages a commitment to caring for green spaces.
“Backyarding has become a lifestyle choice,” states Kris Kiser, the president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation and its parent body, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Throughout the past eighteen months, homeowners have invested considerable time and resources into enhancing their outdoor spaces, transforming them into extensions of their homes for work, cooking, exercising, and even vacationing. We anticipate that this trend towards ‘backyarding’ will only grow in the upcoming year.”
The TurfMutt Foundation highlights several anticipated backyarding trends for 2022:
The lines separating indoor and outdoor spaces will continue to fade. Expect more open doors and windows as individuals dine on decks or enjoy evening drinks outside. Home decor will increasingly blend indoor and outdoor aesthetics, using colors and materials that create visual harmony between inside and outside spaces, encouraging a seamless flow.
Outdoor spaces will serve as work environments. Gone are the days of relying on virtual backgrounds for video calls. The well-tended natural scenery of yards—complete with trees, flowers, and shrubs—will provide the finest backdrop for professional calls. Amenities such as privacy screens, electrical outlets, and wifi extenders may become standard in many backyards.
Balconies, patios, and porches will be optimized. Focus will shift to enhancing these areas, incorporating comfortable seating, vibrant flowers, potted plants, and decorative elements to create inviting spaces for relaxation and social gatherings.
Outdoor learning experiences will increase for both children and adults. Backyards and parks are set to become dynamic environments for education. Children may take online classes or complete homework under trees, or in outdoor classrooms, while families engage in gardening projects, learning about nature and environmental science firsthand through practical experiences.
Dining al fresco will become commonplace. Outdoor cooking setups like grills and pizza ovens, along with cozy seating and ambient lighting, will transform homes into dining destinations for families and friends. There will be a surge in interest surrounding outdoor kitchens, pergolas, and landscaped dining areas.
Informal business meetings may take place outdoors. Casual conversations among adults, sparked by gatherings around fire pits or while kids play in the yard, could lead to networking opportunities. Games like cornhole and croquet may facilitate professional connections as easily as leisure activities.
Backyards will be favored spots for relaxation and stress relief. Elements promoting tranquility—hammocks, garden nooks, calming water features, and spa-like decor—will enhance backyard spaces. Homeowners will focus on creating a serene environment with plants and colors that offer emotional connections and peace.
Outdoor entertainment options will advance. Innovations such as outdoor projectors and sound systems will turn yards into open-air theaters. Expect an increase in fire pits, outdoor games, and recreational setups that enrich the outdoor experience.
Homeowners will prioritize wildlife-friendly gardening. Recognizing their backyards as habitats for diverse wildlife, property owners will select plants and features that support and attract pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, enriching their surroundings.
Pet pampering will continue to rise. Enhancements such as pet-friendly fencing, digging areas, dog houses, and even agility courses will become common to cater to four-legged family members.
Individuals will explore their unique backyarding styles. Homeowners will take stock of their gardens, tools, and equipment, working to design and maintain outdoor spaces that reflect their lifestyles and preferences.
Editor’s Note: For additional tips and updates from the TurfMutt Foundation, consider subscribing to Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter focused on backyarding.
Media Contacts:
Ami Neiberger-Miller, Four Leaf PR on behalf of the TurfMutt Foundation, 703-887-4877, ami@fourleafpr.com, 240-988-6243, debbi@fourleafpr.com
Insights from the TurfMutt Foundation’sINTERNATIONAL LIVING LANDSCAPES FACT BOOK include:
• Increased usage of green spaces and parks has been linked to reduced emotional distress among U.S. college students during the pandemic.
• Engaging with nature for just 10-20 minutes can yield mental health benefits for young adults.
• Individuals residing in areas abundant with birds, trees, and shrubs report lower levels of depression and stress.
• Spending leisure time in community parks can strengthen family bonds and enhance overall happiness.
• Children experience physical and mental wellness improvements after time spent outdoors.
About TurfMutt:
The TurfMutt Foundation, initiated by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), has engaged more than 70 million children, educators, and families since its inception in 2009. Through educational resources developed in collaboration with Scholastic, TurfMutt empowers students and teachers to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” The program is an official partner of the USGBC® Education and contributes to various educational initiatives across multiple federal and non-profit organizations. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series was honored with the Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. For more details, visit www.TurfMutt.com.
