Backyard

Fun Facts About Backyards

• Your backyard lawn is a status symbol leftover from Europe. Lawns originated as 17th century status symbols for British aristocracy to display wealth, showcasing the fact that they didn't need to farm their land.
• Backyards became popular after World War II. Suburban expansion in the U.S. transformed the backyard into a middle-class standard for relaxation and recreation.
• BBQ grills are a centerpiece of many suburban backyards. Data shows approximately 80% of U.S. households own one. For some families, the grill gets more use than the kitchen during summer months.
• The smell of fresh-cut grass is a distress signal, not just a pleasant aroma. Grass releases chemicals when cut to warn nearby plants of potential danger.
• Trampolines are a modern addition to the backyard. Originally developed in the mid-1930s for gymnastics training, their popularity only grew in the late-20th century, particularly following their introduction as an Olympic sport in 2000.
• Backyard sheds are versatile and multi-functional. They're part storage unit for lawnmowers, gardening tools, and Christmas decorations, part artist studio and hobby workshop, and part timetravel pod for the kids.
• Fire pits transform backyards into a year-round living space. One circle of fire can magically extend the outdoor season by months, even through the entire winter.
• Kids once ruled backyards. Before computer screens, backyards were for building forts, playing tag, and conducting questionable science experiments. Today they are sadly unexplored territories.