8 creative architectural features to add to your backyard

If you are looking to raise the bar on your backyard this year, try adding an architectural feature like a water feature, light feature or hardscape.

Here are a few ideas I picked up from the recent Chicago Flower & Garden Show.

1. This is an enormous water feature but you won't have to go that big if you didn't have the space or the budget. Just take a portion of this idea as your inspiration and go form there. The takeaway here is that you have a large fountain that pours water into a large bowl that overflows into another, etc. You can use use one portion of the idea and create a nice waterscape in your yard.

2. Here is an innovative take on a fire pit. It is almost a hardscape sculpture garden combined with a fire pit, so let's call it a firescape. Small, creative and not too difficult or pricey to replicate.

3. If you have a tiered yard or a raised flower bed or planting bed, you can create this water feature without too much difficulty.

4. We all have seen people climb rock walls, but how about using a real rock wall as an outdoor "room divider"? Perhaps you want to block off unsightly garbage cans from the rest of the yard or perhaps you want to have a backdrop to your grilling area or bar. If so, consider creating a rock wall using chicken wire and large river rock. 

5. Raised flower beds and decks. The two just go together beautifully. This example isn't on a deck, but it could be. Flower beds are easily added to deck designs and when you integrate a bench, you create a cozy, tranquil setting.

6. You usually use wood chips, like above, pea gravel or pavers for garden or backyard walkways, but when I saw this treatment of faux split logs, I loved it. They are faux logs so they will last a long time but they look like a rustic wooden walkway.

7. Here's another war feature that is big on plants and rocks. The water feature is actually quite minimal in this example. Can you imagine this in your backyard?

8. Whether you have a large yard or a small one, remember to use light to your advantage. Colored lights, color-changing lights, spotlights or strung party lights can all create a wonderful ambience in your yard for evening entertaining.

Here you can see how a very large water feature uses light to create a different atmosphere.

Please share your ideas for creative backyard architectural features.

13 inspirational fairy gardens you can plant

Fairy gardens are fun to plant each spring. They are not only a good activity to do with your kids, but they are beautiful and add an air of enchantment to your outdoor decor.

I attended the Chicago Flower & Garden Show earlier this year and I discovered some beautiful fairy gardens that really push the limits of the imagination.

Most are created directly within a flower bed or landscaped area. If you don't have that kind of space, it doesn't matter; many of these ideas can be replicated in planters. In fact, a few of the ideas are shown in window boxes. Personally, I plant my fairy garden in a large planter. I feel that I can contain the size of the plants better that way. For tips on planting a fairy garden, click here.

Check them out. Which is your favorite?