How to encourage people to use an outdoor living space?

[Refugee]

Is the culture of Australia is still very much quided by the lifestyle of North England?

Gardens or out door areas seem to be full of junk.

Where do children run or roll about? Where do people dance?

In a short time even migrants become one with the Australian culture.

There is no longer music and dancing heard in my forty year old suburb.

What is the reason for people sitting inside during the day, in a very mild sunny climate.

How do I get my visitors and friends to sit in the garden?

Even in winter my parents would sit on the north side of the house and enjoy coffee with friends out doors.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Refugee,

It sounds like you have a real appreciation for outdoor living. While modern Australian culture has evolved from its British roots, our outdoor lifestyle is still a big part of daily life, especially in summer, with barbecues, beach outings, and backyard gatherings. That said, many factors influence how people use their outdoor spaces, from changing home designs and busy lifestyles to concerns about privacy or comfort.

If you’d like to encourage visitors to spend more time in your garden, creating a welcoming and comfortable space can make a big difference. Consider adding a pergola for shaded seating, an outdoor dining setting, or even a fire pit for cooler months. Serving food and drinks outside is a great way to naturally bring people outdoors, and a bit of music or soft lighting can create a relaxed atmosphere. If you have kids visiting, setting up some outdoor games or activities can also encourage them to play outside.

You might like to post some pictures of your backyard so our members can make some helpful suggestions. Let me know if you need a hand uploading images. Also, check out our Top 10 most popular backyard projects for inspiration.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @Refugee 

Your question caught my eye as I was talking about how yards are set up with a mate of mine last weekend.

I actually think there is a resonable yard culture happening, it migrates around the streets as new familes come in (hence the laughter and happy yelling of kids playing somewhere over the fenceline) Then the volume level drops as the kids get older and is replaecd with the boom boom boom of music

Depending on how much time and effort that has gone into a yard is the second part of the bow string, I built an outside table to eat dinner/pizza and watch the sun set, how many times have I used it in the past year? Maybe 5 times, plus a bunch of sitting down resting after working in the yard   

Music plays "somewhere down the street" and I am waving my hands vaguely that way lol I think we are a little more aware of our neighbours so we tone down the volume of stuff with our house to fencelines being so close. 

So the way I have got people to sit at the outside table or sit in an area I want them to is to walk that way myself, take a tray with drinks/coffee tea or something cold. Have it shaded. Be sitting there when they turn up.

If I am activley tinkering at something in an area friends will feel more comfortable hanging out at that part of the yard.

Dave