The right decor elements help outdoor spaces feel like a natural extension of your home. Rugs add a cozy, welcoming vibe, and lighting helps set the mood for relaxing evenings spent around the firepit.
Creating goals for your garden is one of the best ways to keep it healthy and thriving. Use these SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-based) gardening goals to create your backyard oasis!
Plants
Plants are key to creating a tranquil garden space. Choose flowers, shrubs and trees that are appropriate for your climate and that offer the colors, textures and scents you love. Then add accents like stepping stone paths and solar lights to make the space usable at night. Finally, include seating options to give you a place to relax or entertain. A hammock, swing or daybed surrounded by fragrant plants can transform your backyard into the dreamy outdoor oasis you’ve always wanted.
Depending on your landscape design, you may also want to consider adding a water feature to your oasis. Not only does a pond or waterfall add visual appeal, but the soothing sound of moving water can help you to unwind. Water features are a fairly easy DIY project and can often be tackled in a weekend. You’ll want to decide whether you prefer a small, stationary pond or one that moves (like a waterfall).
Once you have your plants in place, be sure to add some textural elements to the space. Small evergreen shrubs, flowering perennials and clumping grasses can add color and texture. Planting a mix of tall and short plants can also add visual interest and contrast. You can even incorporate herbs and shrubs that can be used for cooking or medicinal purposes, as well as plants that repel insects.
If you’re interested in attracting wildlife to your garden, consider adding a bird bath or feeding station to your outdoor oasis. Not only are they fun to watch, but many birds help with pest control in the yard. Moreover, if you would like to have greenhouses, you can learn what is best for colder climates over here.
Finally, no garden is complete without a little whimsy. Decorative elements like wind chimes can create the perfect tranquil background noise. They come in a variety of styles and sounds, so you’re sure to find one that suits your style.
As you work on your garden goals, it’s important to be realistic about the amount of time you can devote to maintenance. A lush garden is beautiful, but it can require significant upkeep. For this reason, it’s best to create a plan for your garden so you know what to expect before getting started. This will help you avoid the Frankenstein garden syndrome that can occur when people try to haphazardly plop things into their yards with no design or plan.
Furniture
The best way to transform your backyard into a relaxing oasis is to include comfortable and stylish furniture. From outdoor dining sets to lounge chairs, choosing the right furniture is essential to creating a relaxing backyard retreat. Homeowners should consider comfort requirements, durability, maintenance costs, and aesthetics when choosing patio furniture.
Adding a carefree swing or hammock can also help to create a tranquil outdoor space. Adding plants and herbs around the patio is another way to enhance the look of the backyard oasis. Plants not only add visual interest but also can help to create privacy and block noise made by neighbors or other local traffic. When selecting plants, homeowners should choose species that are adapted to their local climate and soil conditions. Native plants are typically easier to maintain than exotic ones, and they also support local wildlife.
Other backyard oasis features that can enhance the ambiance of a garden include a fire pit or classic outdoor fireplace and a pool table or bar. Having designated entertainment areas in the yard can encourage family and friends to spend more time outdoors together, making memories that last a lifetime.
To enhance the ambiance of an oasis garden, lighting is key. String lights hung from trees and lanterns can illuminate the night sky and create a serene ambiance for relaxation. A fireplace can also help to keep the temperature comfortable during cool evenings. Adding a few decorative elements, such as rugs and pillows, helps to tie the look of an outdoor oasis together and makes it feel like an extension of the home.
Transforming your backyard into a relaxing oasis is an exciting project that can provide years of enjoyment and serenity. By carefully planning the layout of your backyard, choosing the right plants and furniture, and incorporating attractive accents, you can create a serene space that you will love spending time in. In addition, purchasing a comprehensive home warranty tailored to cover outdoor appliances is an excellent investment, providing financial protection from unexpected repair costs and ensuring that your backyard oasis is well-maintained year-round.
Lighting
Adding the right lighting is one of the key elements that makes your backyard feel like an oasis. It allows you to enjoy your garden at any time of day, and it also helps create a beautiful ambiance after the sun goes down.
String lights hung from trees and a variety of lanterns are an easy way to add a festive touch to your yard. You can also create a romantic glow with low-voltage bulbs that mimic natural light and offer a safe alternative to traditional electrical fixtures. Creating an illumination plan will help you transform your outdoor space into a spellbinding retreat that invites you and your guests to stay longer.
You’ll want to ensure you have plenty of seating and dining areas so that you can comfortably host guests for al fresco meals. A barbecue grill is a must-have for a backyard kitchen, and you can choose from a wide range of cooking equipment that will suit your lifestyle.
A fire feature is another addition that can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for family and friends. A firepit table is an excellent choice because it combines the classic outdoor fire with a functional serving surface, perfect for enjoying drinks and snacks around the fire.
Incorporating a variety of plants into your landscaping will bring your garden to life. Plants and herbs not only add beauty, but they also make the area feel inviting and increase your privacy without requiring fencing. In addition, plants like basil, bee balm, lemon grass, rosemary, and lavender can repel mosquitoes and other pesky insects.
If your oasis includes a pool or other unique water features, you’ll want to be able to use them at night. A koi pond that is beautifully lit will transport you to your favorite vacation destination, and a swimming pool that is illuminated can make your patio feel like a resort.
If you’re ready to transform your backyard into a breathtaking landscape, give us a call! Our expert designers will work with you to design an outdoor oasis that is both functional and aesthetically appealing.
Water
A well-designed backyard can make your home feel like a sanctuary. Not only does it offer a space to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it can also add value to your property.
When creating your backyard oasis, it is important to consider your personal style and goals for the space. If you are drawn to classic beauty, a garden that features wrought-iron furniture and cobblestone pathways is a good choice. If you prefer a more modern aesthetic, a minimalist theme with simple furniture and decor may be the right fit.
In addition to determining the style of your garden, it is important to consider its functionality and what activities will take place in the space. You can create separate areas for different functions such as lounging, dining, entertaining, and playing to ensure the space is able to accommodate everyone’s needs.
Another gardening goal to consider is how your garden will help wildlife and the environment. You can do this by reducing the use of pesticides and other chemicals, planting flowers that attract bees and butterflies, and providing shelter and food for birds and insects in your yard.
Finally, you can create a water feature to attract wildlife to your garden. This can be as simple as a birdbath, a water fountain, or a shallow dish of water for plants. It is also important to maintain a healthy soil, which can be achieved by fertilizing and mulching.
It’s essential to remember that every gardening goal should be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based). For example, a specific goal could be “to reduce the number of pests in my garden by using traps and deterrents” or “to plant vegetables that are easy to harvest within three months.” Regardless of your goals, it’s important to remember that gardening is an ongoing process. For example, the flowers you planted last year will become next year’s blooms, and the seeds you saved this year will grow into the fruit you eat. So, it’s always a good idea to create new goals each year to continue improving your garden.
