Valley dwellers love their back yards.  While patio time may shrink during our hottest months, we have pools, misting systems, and shade to add to the allure.  Here are some trends employed to enjoy and entertain in the back yard:

• Making it as comfortable as your family room with natural materials using outdoor rugs, blankets, pillows.
• Comfortable seating – retro looking furniture on the patio is a big trend currently.
• Cool, soothing colors, or bright ones, patterns.
• If your patio is small or you would like another shady spot, adding a pergola or gazebo is popular.  Less expensive: a sun-sail or umbrella.
• Adding lighting to spotlight a few hardscaping details or plantings lends drama to the evening.
• Less grass and more low- maintenance and desert-friendly trees and plants.
• Urban or container gardens for condos or tiny yard space.
• Edible gardens. Growing your own tomatoes, lettuce, spices.
• Outdoor kitchens for some, or at least a good grill to limit oven use inside during the hottest months.
• Wireless surround sound.

SONY DSC