Cities have recently become so clogged up with people, buildings or cars that they hardly leave any room for the good old fashioned backyard. However, taking a look at these New York brownstone backyards will remind you of the necessity of having a green relaxing place around your home. Green spaces should prevail in urban centers and they should not be ‘something that you jam in there somewhere’, but a prerequisite of sustainable and satisfying urban living.
Plenty of research has been carried out on the topic of the importance of green spaces within cities. The environmental benefits of green spaces extend to personal health and well-being. In other words, not only do a few trees and bushes around the house filter pollutants and reduce the erosion of soil into our waterways – but they make our evenings more breezy, carefree and relaxing.
Backyards provide just that and these ones show that it is, in fact, possible to introduce such spaces in crammed cities. Moreover, they can always be transformed into actual gardens. This way, you get a source of fresh and organic food, while gardening is considered to be a very good physical and mental exercise.
Regardless, backyards both represent and offer entertainment, fulfillment, creativity and relaxation.
Cities consist of more than just buildings and people – and such features can make a city truly be ‘liveable’.
We should not believe that just because we live in a city, we cannot have a backyard, but most importantly, we should act accordingly. If this is possible in New York, then it’s also possible in your hometown.
Sources: Agrihome, hphpcentral, ProjectEverGreen
Photo: A Designer’s Mind, Brownstoner
