1. HANG A WREATH ON YOUR SHED DOOR
Front doors aren't the only entrances that deserve an advent wreath. If you want your back yard to look more Christmassy, hang a wreath on a shed or summerhouse door, particularly if you can see it when you look out of your windows.
2. ILLUMINATE YOUR PATH WITH SOLAR LIGHTS
Modern garden lighting can be as pretty as they are practical, so have some fun with garden ground lights. 'Placing solar lights along your garden path will give your eyes a whimsical pathway to focus on when you are outside, or looking out from your back window,' says Lucy Gough, stylist, art director, author and online interior styling course creator.
3. ADD POTTED OR PLANTED EVERGREENS
If your backyard has only deciduous trees (which drop their leaves in the fall), it will likely look bare in the winter. Snow-topped evergreens are synonymous with Santa's frozen north pole HQ. So adding potted evergreens such as firs, spruce or conifers will not only add color to your yard in winter, it will bring a more festive feel when the holidays roll around.
4. FESTOON STRING LIGHTS
Festoons of string or icicle lights will bring some seasonal sparkle to your backyard, once the sun goes down. Hanging them on outbuildings or trees, as well as your home's exterior, means you can see and enjoy them from inside too. 'Decorative touches that make your front yard more Christmassy, work beautifully in the backyard as well,' says Kat. 'Neatly clipped evergreen shrubs practically beg to be wrapped in lights.'
5. HANG GARLANDS ALONG FENCES
'A bundle of evergreen boughs along garden fencing can add lushness and fragrance to your backyard,' says Kat. 'Don’t forget to add lights, if you live somewhere they can withstand the weather. 'Lights, wreaths and garland look beautiful and inviting on secondary buildings such as barns, greenhouses and sheds too.'
6. PLANT WINTER BERRY BUSHES
This idea is unlikely to yield instant results. But if you plan on staying in your home, planting a holly bush or hedge, will provide you with festive red berries and glossy evergreen foliage to look forward to each winter. Holly's prickly leaves make it an excellent plant for a privacy hedge, as it'll keep unwanted visitors away too.
7. DECORATE AN OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS TREE
Planted or potted evergreens in the garden offer a natural festive touch and look gorgeous unadorned or wrapped in string lights. However, if you want to go further, extend the indoor theme outside with tree decorations. 'It can be worth making backyard patio and deck spaces feel similar to indoor living spaces,' says Kat. 'So if space and budget allows, add a Christmas tree with lights and decorations to your backyard living area.'
8. ATTRACT ROBINS
The sight of a Robin red breast against a snowy backdrop evokes festive vibes. If you live somewhere that expects snowfall around the holidays, (and even if you don't), leave out food that Robins like to eat to attract them to your yard. According to the RSPB, Robins are ground feeders, preferring to hop around on the ground (looking for worms) or on bird feeders.
9. PLANT COLORFUL ANNUALS
Colorful flowers that are able to survive the winter are a wonderful addition to your backyard. Choose colors, such as ruby red and golden yellow, as they will offer a winter display with a festive feel. 'Pansies and kale are cool season annuals that offer a way to add some color to your flower beds or containers and will also work well with a holiday theme,' says garden designer, Amber Freda.