MASTER BACKYARDING: TAKING OUTDOOR LIVING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

You’ve heard of a master gardener? How about master backyarding? Backyarding, the art of living, working and enjoying our yards, parks and community green spaces, became a way of life in the last few years. Now that life is turning to somewhat “normal,” the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care for and use of managed landscapes, has found people are finding ways to continue the backyarding trend by taking it to a new level. Enter master backyarding.

Kris Kiser

President and CEO Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

1605 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314 turfmutt.com

(703)549-7600

Master backyarders have taken this idea to a new level. Their backyarding skills are elevated and inspirational. The TurfMutt Foundation says that the three key characteristics of master backyarders are:

Planting and planning with purpose. Master backyarders know that putting the right plant in the right place is good for the environment and eases maintenance. They recognize the value of their outdoor space to the overall eco corridors and plant with pollinators and other wildlife in mind. Most of all, they know that if they work in the yard it will work for them, their family and the environment.

Taking all aspects of life outside. For master backyarders, the yard is not just beautiful, it is an integral part of their everyday lives. They use their yards for everything; it’s hard to tell where the indoor living shifts to the outdoors for master backyarders.

Inspiring others about backyarding. If you have a master backyarder in your life, you have no doubt heard them tout the many benefits of backyarding. Not to mention the joy they get out of cultivating their backyard space and using it. Master backyarders are backyarding advocates and they share their knowledge with others, including their kids — the next generation of backyarders.

So how do you know if you are a master backyarder? Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you use your yard for recreation?

2. Do you take work outside?

3. Have you created an outdoor fun zone in your backyard for your kids and pets?

4. Do you use your yard to de-stress?

5. Have you staged a “staycation” for your family in your own backyard?

6. Do you recognize your backyard as an urban habitat that is an important part of the connected ecosystem?

7. Do you plant with pollinators and other backyard wildlife in mind?

8. Have you added a mix of trees, shrubs, grass and flowering plants to your yard?

9. Have you used your backyard or community park as a living science lab to teach kids hands-on STEM lessons?

10. Are you an outdoor evangelist who shares with friends and family about the benefits of getting outside, starting in your own backyard?

If you answered yes to most of the above, congratulations! You are mastering outdoor life. Master backyarders are inspirational, and we should all strive to level up our outdoor living to this status. Now is the perfect time to take the next step to living life more outdoors.