By Debbi Mayster | Contributor
The concept of “backyarding”—taking traditional indoor activities outside—gained significant traction during the pandemic and is expected to remain popular and grow throughout 2022, according to the TurfMutt Foundation. This organization focuses on environmental education and promotes outdoor living while advocating for the care of green spaces.
“Backyarding has become a lifestyle choice,” remarks Kris Kiser, president and CEO of TurfMutt Foundation and its parent organization, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “During the past eighteen months, homeowners dedicated considerable time, resources, and effort to enhance their backyards, transforming them into extensions of their homes for working, cooking, exercising, and even vacationing outdoors. We anticipate that this trend will continue to flourish in the upcoming year and beyond.”
The TurfMutt Foundation has identified the following trends in backyarding for 2022:
The boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces will increasingly diminish.Expect more doors and windows to be opened, allowing for outdoor dining experiences on decks and terraces. Home decor will evolve to visually connect indoor and outdoor areas, introducing colors and tones that create a seamless flow.
People will take their work outside.There will be no need for virtual backgrounds during video conferences—nature’s scenery, featuring trees, flowers, and bushes, will be the perfect backdrop. Privacy screens and wifi extenders are likely to become standard features in outdoor spaces.
Extensions like balconies, porches, and patios will see greater use.These areas will be enhanced with furniture, plants, curtains, and other decorations, transforming them into inviting spots for relaxation and social interactions.
Outdoor learning for both children and adults will increase.Backyards and parks will serve as vital learning environments, where kids can take online classes or do homework surrounded by nature. Gardens will serve as hands-on learning tools, illustrating concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while family vegetable gardens will teach about food origins and wildlife habitats.
Dining al fresco will become commonplace.With amenities like grills and outdoor lighting, many homes will transform into dining venues for family gatherings and social events. Interest in outdoor kitchens and landscaping will enhance the outdoor dining experience.
Networking will shift to backyards.Informal discussions and business deals will take place around fire pits or while enjoying outdoor games, fostering a casual environment for professional connections.
Backyards will become sanctuaries for relaxation.Features like yoga spaces, hammocks, and tranquil water elements will evolve yards into serene retreats. Many will cultivate gardens with plants that evoke comfort and appeal to the senses.
Outdoor entertainment will advance.Backyards will be transformed into theaters under the stars with movie projectors and sound systems, along with fire pits and games to encourage outdoor fun.
Wildlife-friendly gardening will grow in popularity.As awareness of the importance of supporting pollinators and wildlife increases, homeowners will select plants and trees aimed at nurturing local ecosystems.
Pampering pets will continue to rise.More pet-friendly amenities, like secure fencing, sandboxes, and agility courses, will become fixtures in backyards.
People will explore and define their unique backyarding styles.Homeowners will thoughtfully plan their yards, auditing the tools and resources available to create spaces that cater to their outdoor living desires in the coming year.
Editor’s Note: For more insights, subscribe to Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter featuring backyarding resources and updates from the TurfMutt Foundation here.
Highlighting key insights from the TurfMutt Foundation’sINTERNATIONAL LIVING LANDSCAPES FACT BOOK:
• Access to green spaces has been linked to improved emotional well-being among U.S. college students during the pandemic.
• Young adults report mental health benefits from spending as little as 10-20 minutes in nature.
• Residents in areas with abundant birdlife, plants, and trees experience lower rates of anxiety and depression.
• Family time in public parks strengthens bonds and fosters happiness.
• Children show both physical and mental health improvements after time spent outdoors.
About TurfMutt
The TurfMutt initiative, developed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation, has reached over 70 million children, educators, and families since its inception in 2009. In collaboration with Scholastic, TurfMutt educates young minds on how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” TurfMutt is recognized as an official USGBC® Education Partner and is integrated into their global LEARNING LAB. Additionally, it serves as a resource for organizations such as the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In 2017, TurfMutt’s animated series received the esteemed Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. More details can be found at www.TurfMutt.com.
