Weird but Wonderful Backyard Features

When it comes to our landscapes, many of us stick with the tried and true. But why not take a more adventurous approach? These outdoor areas are a little out there, but they are no less functional for it. In fact, most of them are completely fabulous in their own way. See what tickles your fancy.

Scarecrows are fun in any vegetable patch, but if you have the room, a sculpture as attention grabbing as this one could be the secret ingredient your garden has been missing.


What could be more relaxing on a Sunday morning than reading the paper with the soothing sound of running water beside you? And I do mean beside you!


Labyrinths have been around since ancient times, but the fast pace of modern-day life makes them just as valid today — walking a labyrinth is known to reduce stress. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one way in and out, so you don’t have to think about where you’re walking. Research shows that walking a labyrinth slows your breathing and heart rate, and lowers your blood pressure — even doing it just once. With health benefits like these, a labyrinth is a valuable backyard addition!



Forget a swim-up bar; this swim-up barbecue has it going on! Cooking up a storm in front of an audience will have you feeling like a MasterChef in action.


The angles on this concrete chair make it comfortable despite the hard surfaces, and the “fireballs” take this gas fireplace to new heights.

Fireballs: Rasmussen Iron Works


These Queen of Love armchairs are all this deck needs to make it weird but wonderful. They’re made from UV-resistant recyclable plastic, and they’re big enough for two people to sit in. One thing’s for sure: Chairs like these are the last thing guests will expect when they step out into your backyard.


This is a fine example of how a little imagination can create a backyard of sheer delight. What could you do differently with the paving in your backyard to make it more interesting?


These music-loving homeowners have taken the concept a step further with a violin-shaped pool, complete with bow. Lap swimming would be a whole lot more fun in a pool like this, especially at night.


This captivating garden plays with proportion and texture brilliantly. The soft no-mow grass is creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra), and the trees were transplanted from an old olive grove. The oversize urn looks like it could have been discarded there by a giant.


A flower bed takes on a whole new meaning in this garden, adding quirky appeal to what would otherwise have been a pleasant but uneventful garden.

Tell us: Have a quirky garden feature to share? Post your ideas and pictures in the Comments.

More:
13 Extra-Cool Things to Do With a Backyard
11 Ways to Have More Fun at Home

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