Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

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Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

How to create the perfect backyard oasis

(BPT) - There are no two ways about it, this summer has been a hot one for the entire country. Everyone is experiencing record high temperatures. But that doesn't mean you need to retreat inside and spend the summer cooped up to beat the heat. You can still enjoy the outdoors by making a few changes to your backyard space so you can enjoy it no matter the temperature.

Here are some tips for creating your perfect backyard oasis, from the experts at Belgard.

Cool off with shading. Is your back patio in the direct sun and your table umbrella not quite cutting it? It's time for a pergola. These beautiful, decorative features come in many styles, from simple wooden frames to more elaborate metal elements. Pergolas don't typically have roofs so how do they block the sun? The secret is installing linen or muslin curtains. They block the sun and add a breezy, Mediterranean flair.

Privacy pergola provides shade for outdoor living room on patio in backyard.

Create functional outdoor living spaces. Think of your backyard as an outdoor room. Now, imagine how and when you will use it. Designate specific areas for dining, lounging and entertaining. Think about where the sun hits your backyard at certain times of the day. Shady in one part of the yard around dinner time? That's where to put your grill and patio table. Sunny spot in the afternoons? Arrange your furniture there under your pergola. Get creative and be thoughtful of your space to increase its functionality. Take inspiration from Belgard Rooms to explore pre-designed outdoor spaces or get an expert's opinion.

Outdoor livingroom diningroom with pergola and fire feature

Install an outdoor kitchen. Do you have a grillmaster in your life who loves making meals outdoors? Go beyond the grill and create a complete outdoor kitchen. Belgard's Elements line of outdoor essentials has everything you need for a truly functional, convenient outdoor cooking space - no more running inside for items you forgot to haul from your indoor kitchen. The line features grills, side burners, ovens, storage, a compact fridge (yes, you can!), bars and sinks, and every grilling accessory you need to whip up your culinary masterpieces al fresco.

Lush backyard with outdoor kitchen and shaded seating area.

Enhance with water features. Nothing says "oasis" like flowing, bubbling water. It adds an element of peace and tranquility to your outdoor experience. Incorporate a water feature like a fountain, pond or waterfall to soothe, cool and calm. Imagine sitting in a comfy outdoor armchair next to a bubbling fountain with a good book on a lazy summer afternoon. You can just feel the stress of the day melt away.

Beautiful water feature with river rock in backyard

Incorporate greenery and landscaping. Trees, shrubs, flowers and plants add a lush sense of beauty to your backyard oasis, but they also provide natural cooling. A beautiful way to do this is by using a retaining wall like Belgard's Melville Wall, which is designed to incorporate shrubs and plants. Or try Artforms, a modular panel system that can quickly and efficiently construct raised beds to include native plants and shrubs.

Lush shrubs and other plantings in a Belgard raise garden.

Think about biophilic design. What's that? Biophilic design is the notion that humans have an inherent need to connect with nature, so permanent design elements like walls and patios should weave in elements of nature. It's good for your mental and physical health.

By creating a perfect outdoor living space, you can enjoy your backyard all year round.

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