How to Create a Garden Oasis
Now more than ever, because indoor gatherings are limited, creating a backyard oasis where families can come together outdoors and enjoy each others company surrounded by the beauties of nature has gone to the top of our project list. With these ideas, it won’t be necessary to leave your home to enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway. As long as you have enough space in your backyard, a bit of time on your hands, and some money to spare, you can create an enchanting oasis within the confines of your property.
Cozy & Comfortable
Your backyard oasis should be a space where you can relax in comfort. It’s great to have a beautiful outdoor living space, but it must be cozy and comfortable above all else. Choose good quality outdoor sofas, loungers, and sectionals that will stand up to outdoor conditions. Add a storage bin or ottoman to store the cushions when it rains. If you are on a budget, update with colourful cushions for your existing metal and plastic furniture. Also, adding rugs, blankets, and pillows to your outdoor living space will elevate its overall look and feel. Adding umbrellas, sails or a vine covered pergola brings shade from the heat of the midday sun.
The Greener, The Better
What’s a backyard oasis without flowers, shrubs, and trees? Plants can easily make any outdoor living area more beautiful and relaxing. Numerous studies have shown the amazing health benefits of being surrounded by plants and flowers. Plus, there’s always the benefit of having cleaner and fresher air around your home. Here’s one handy tip when incorporating touches of green in your backyard: DON’T HOLD BACK! Most people add a few potted plants and a garden bed, but you can always do more! There’s no such thing as “too lush” when it comes to creating your outdoor oasis. Play with plants of different sizes, textures, and colours, and see how they transform the space! Have fun with it. Don’t overthink it. If you like the look of a plant go for it! Ideally you want to arrange your plants with the smallest in the front and largest in the back.
Some great picks for a sunny garden are: roses, yarrow, peonies, Canterbury bells, grasses, dahlias, Russian sage, rudbeckia, and daylilies plus an enormous choice of annuals, such as petunias and geraniums. And if you garden is shady try out: hostas, ferns, astrantia, lilies, heuchera, cranesbill, plus annuals such as coleus and fuchsia. Don’t forget to add a couple of shrubs for structure…Japanese maples are delightful, and a pretty tree for shade. Who doesn’t love magnolias? And while you are shopping for your oasis plants, toss a couple of flowering vines in the cart, to dress up your walls and fences.
Water Features Here and There
Is there anything more therapeutic or relaxing than the sound of flowing water? Out of all the elements, water is the best at creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere. Besides, you can’t call it an outdoor oasis if it doesn’t have any water! As far as backyard water features go, nothing can beat having a swimming pool – especially lagoon-style pools. And if you have the money, by all means, go for it. For many of us, however, a pool is just too expensive to build and maintain. Thankfully, we have other options. A plunge pool, a mini pond, a waterfall, or a column fountain are some great alternatives for those creating an outdoor oasis on a budget. Even filling a large ceramic pot with water and floating water lilies will bring the light and movement of a mini pond to your oasis.
Cool in The Summer; Warm in Winter
It would be such a waste if you can’t use your outdoor living space on specific months of the year because of the climate or the weather. Adding cooling and warming fixtures will let you enjoy your outdoor space all-year-round. A fan or a fog misting system will definitely make hot days cooler, while patio heaters and fire pits can help keep you warm during cold evenings.
Let There Be Light
The right lighting fixtures can make your backyard oasis look even more enchanting come nightfall. Floodlights and spotlights are some of your common outdoor lighting choices. However, more creative homeowners go for string lights because they’re not only inexpensive, they also create a magical and dreamy effect. Lanterns are also great for setting the mood. If you want to achieve a more dramatic effect, you can set up lighting fixtures on trees and shrubs or illuminate paths and stairways with strips of hidden led lights. There are so many outdoor lighting ideas to explore — your imagination is the only limit!
Keep Things Private
Even if you have the most beautifully-designed outdoor living space, it won’t feel as inviting or relaxing if your neighbour or passersby can easily look if you lack privacy. A privacy fence is the answer. Whether it’s made of wood, bamboo, or iron surrounded by tall trees and hedges, fencing your property will give you the privacy you need to truly enjoy your outdoor oasis.