One thing that we love to do in the summertime is to grill. There is nothing quiet like cooking on the grill, and it’s always nice to have someone else do the cooking too! What is is about men and grills?

Even though our grill is nice and we love it, we still dream about outdoor kitchens, and especially about a deck to eat all that awesome grilled food on! You might remember that we don’t have a deck, and that it’s going to be near impossible to install one anytime soon. So of course I drool often over deck images. And outdoor kitchens? Wouldn’t you love to have one like this in your backyard? I sure would!

Better Homes and Gardens recently sent me some great links to share with you. I have looked at them longingly since they arrived, dreaming of what we could do in our own yard when time and budget permits. BHG.com is featuring photos and planning ideas for deck designs, remodeling and building for every budget level. If you love to spend your summer nights outside like we do, then you will love seeing all the inspiration to be had.

For those of you lucky enough to have a deck, maybe you just want to to spruce it up a little. BHG.com has tons of photos of before and after deck makeovers, from the simple and easy, like adding flowers, to adding a canopy for more deck privacy, and even some tips for selecting the right deck furniture. And of course, there are ideas for outdoor kitchens as well.

The first roses of 2010 (photo taken June 6). Notice that there is still snow on the mountains in the background? Yep, June in the Rockies is quite the mix of weather.

If you have been to Vegas and seen the gardens at the Bellagio, then you know what I am talking about. We were there in time to see the “summer” display, full of favorite flowers. The main part of the display was a giant flower pot, tipped over, with flowers spilling out. Next to it, a huge spade. In front, fountains played, it was so magical. There were even frogs, snails, and ladybugs made of flowers.

I would be in heaven if I could build a magical garden like theirs. Seriously, it was so beautiful and it makes me wish that I could see it every time they change it (they do different displays through the year). The one thing that I have tried to grow, with out any flowers, is hydrangea. My plant does well, but never flowers. The botanical gardens at Bellagio were FULL of hydrangea flowers (among others).

What grows in your dream garden?

It’s pretty though! We grew broccoli for our first time ever this spring. In fact, we had a nice bit of it ready to eat. However, because we weren’t sure when it was supposed to be picked, we thought we would let it grow some more. Well, imagine my surprise when I went out to check on it and, planning to pick it, but instead found flowers!!

I found some bamboo screens that I would love to get. They would hide some not so pretty views while also adding privacy to that corner of the yard. In a dream world where money was no object, we would put in a privacy fence around the entire yard. For now, I think these would at least make this little outdoor room a lot more cozy.

I have seen several outdoor wicker sets that I like. One that I like is the South Bali Wicker Seating Set on Amazon, but it also has a big price tag. In the spirit of saving money, we may have to see what we can do with what we already own. Could be a lot more fun and interesting to try to use what we already have to create a similar look and feel.

So, that is where the patio project is for now. Maybe this weekend will bring nice weather and I can get started. Do you have any weekend projects planned?