Today I wonder if we are experiencing a death of “yard culture” to the detriment of society. There is no escaping the fact that modern developments place oversized homes on postage stamp lots with little or no yards.
If you go back as ten or fifteen years. The yard was as integral part of any home design. Look at Sunset magazines and books from the 1960′s and 1970′s and one finds the height of yard design. Even city dwellers craved a small patch of land or even just a balcony to place a few tomato pots.
In contrast to today’s thinking, the yard was considered part of the home, another room, often the largest of the whole house. It much-functioned as a recreation area, dinning room, relaxation space, and work area.
Today, the yard is more of an afterthought. A thing to view from the interior of the home while we sit and play, inside, on our electronic devices.
People often complain about the isolation of our modern society. I view this as part and parcel of the death of yard culture. Being outside, even at your home, connects you to nature in a way no digitally enhanced image can. It exposes you to risks (oh, how many summer evenings did we battle the evil mosquito.) It exposes you to your neighbors, even the shyest of which sneaks a peak at your outdoor dinner party, the more bold engaging you in an over the fence chat.
Even as dirty as yard work gets, as pesky the mosquitoes, or as annoying it might be to think of a kind way to cut a conversation short, these are all good things. A freshly mowed lawn or well trimmed hedge provides a certain self-satisfaction available few other places, not to mention the exercise. Learning to control, or live with, the various wildlife teaches the important lesson that not all is within our control. Neighbor contact teaches not only how to build relationships, but a respect for differences.
Oh, and don’t forget. Doing things outside forces you to turn off the electronics and do the unthinkable- have a conversation with your spouse, mates, and children.
So, I challenge you all, reclaim your yard (or deck, or balcony, or whatever.) Make it another room of your house. Grow some plants. Raise some chickens. Eat outside. Play catch with your kids. Have some fun that does not involve the internet.