One of life's small pleasures is enjoying the great outdoors from your backyard. Here are two dozen ways to make your garden a nicer place to visit.

Furnishing

1. Awnings. If you think of aluminum window shades when you hear the word "awning," think again. Long popular in Europe, deck and patio awnings are gaining favor here, too. They extend living space outdoors and provide protection from the elements. When positioned over an east- or west-facing window, they also do a yeoman's job of keeping a house cooler. Retractable awnings can deflect the sun when needed, then close when the warmth of fall and winter sunlight is sought.

2. Shelters. A shelter can be anything from a small, solid-roof arbor for reading to a large gazebo for entertaining. There are also portable shelters -- tentlike structures that give the protection of a covered gazebo at a fraction of the cost. Some even have side curtains to deflect wind, or mosquito netting to intercept thirsty bloodsuckers.

3. Umbrellas. A large sun umbrella is a must-have in gardens that lack shade trees. Stand-alone umbrellas can be moved where needed -- to shade a lounge chair, for instance -- while table umbrellas generally stay put. Tilt to deflect the sun's rays at any time of day, and fold up when not in use.

4. Hammocks. Swinging gently in a hammock while suspended in midair -- there's true comfort in being cradled! Its netting is a fine choice of material, allowing cool air to reach you on all sides. Tie one between two trees or use a self-supporting hammock that can be moved wherever desired.

Ambience

1. Lighting. Outdoor lighting has a dual personality: It's great for adding sparkle and ambience to the night, but it's also important for safety. After all, you don't want to be tripping over things in the dark. Torches and candles set a casual mood, whether they're lining a path or standing sentinel around a patio. But if you go for artificial lighting, it doesn't have to look artificial. There are many ornamental fixtures available. Pair them with lightbulbs that cast a warm glow, and you have magic.

2. Fragrance. Retailers learned long ago that certain scents make good business sense. The same flowers and herbs that go into the potpourri, causing you to linger at the gift boutique, can be grown in your garden. Why not put them to use near your favorite seating area? Lilacs, roses, peonies, and many other plants will make dilly-dallying a common occurrence.

3. Fire. Since the dawn of time, humans have been attracted to fire. It's not just something to keep us warm or to cook our food, it's also a beacon for social interaction or personal introspection. Candles create a warm and inviting mood, while a lighted fire in the garden is every bit as enticing as one indoors.

To hold that fire, you have the choice of a permanent fireplace, portable outdoor hearth, clay or iron chiminea, and a fire pit. You can choose between wood-burning and gas-fired units, some also come with attachments that allow you to grill.