Sometimes, we don’t have to go far to find the perfect place to unwind. Your backyard can become your own little oasis that fills you with peace every time you come home if you take some time and tend to it. Regardless of whether you have a spacious yard or a tiny garden, with a few simple tips, you can boost its appeal and turn it into a homey retreat. Here is some inspiration for your project.
Make it lush
The first thing you should do with your backyard is taking a good look at the current landscaping. Does it look a little bare and void of life? Then it’s time to put on your gardening gloves and bring some lush foliage into your space. Plant plants of various heights for some dimension. Use shrubs as a natural fence and add shorter plants in front. Hang planters on your patio with trailing plants for a wow-effect. Greenery will not only make your backyard look more inviting but will also provide some privacy from your neighbors’ prying eyes, making this space an ideal place to lounge.
Invite wildlife
We, humans, are part of nature, and that is why getting closer to it makes us feel at peace. Planting a few shrubs and decorating your patio with potted plants is already a great step, but if you want to take it a step further, there is still a lot you can do. Instead of trimming your entire lawn and keeping everything overly neat and tidy, consider inviting wildlife into your yard. Of course, you shouldn’t let your yard become overgrown, but you can let a patch of grass grow taller, plant wildflowers, build an insect hotel, or install a bird feeder to support your local wildlife. You will be able to listen to birdsong and your kids will be able to get familiar with little critters first-hand.
Add a sitting area
An important step in turning your backyard into a real heaven will be adding a sitting area. This area will likely become the center of your outdoor space, so it’s worth investing in making it perfect. A sitting area with ample space can become your number one spot for entertaining guests, and you will also be more likely to spend more time outdoors if you can do so comfortably. So, decide where you’re going to create this space and look for durable outdoor furniture. Make sure you go for natural materials. Not only will it fit in better with your outdoor décor but it will also help you create an eco-friendly outdoor living space.
Create a lounging corner
If you’re going for a true oasis vibe, then you should consider also creating a lounging area in a more private corner of the backyard. A place where you can lie down to have a nap or read your favorite book while enjoying the fresh air and the summer warmth can easily become your new favorite spot in your entire home. You can achieve this by installing a hammock. A classic hammock looks great, but you can also find comfortable swing hammocks for reasonable prices nowadays. Make sure there’s enough shade to lounge peacefully and you’re done!
Consider a water feature
People often associate water with relaxation. Indeed, there is a biological connection between us and the “elixir of life” and spending time by water has been shown to benefit our mental well-being. Therefore, adding a water feature to your backyard can be a great way to protect yourself against depression and anxiety. In addition, a water feature also draws wildlife, so it can be another great tool in making your backyard a natural heaven. Install a small fountain for the pleasant sound of water or create a pond for the ultimate focal point.
Add some shade
Without shade, it can get unbearably hot outside in the summer, especially in sunny countries such as Australia. Therefore, to make the most of your outdoor space, you should think about sun protection from the get-go. Naturally, plants provide the best kind of shade, but unless you already have tall trees in your yard, you will probably need some additional help. Depending on your needs, you can go for minimalistic shade sails, look for modern-looking pergolas in Sydney, or even construct an adorable gazebo.
Deal with lighting
While it might not be the most exciting project, dealing with lighting in your backyard can completely transform the look of the space. In addition, it will also maximize the use you get out of your space as you will have ample illumination to spend time outdoors even after the sun goes down. Consider eco-friendly solar lights scattered throughout your landscaping for just a small amount of light. Meanwhile, equip your sitting area with the warm glow of lanterns that will lend it an inviting and even romantic vibe.
If you have any kind of outdoor space, it is a waste not to make full use of it. Even with just some of the aforementioned tips, you can make your backyard the oasis of your dreams.
Author bio:
My name is Grace Wilson. I’m a 27-year-old biotechnologist and kind of a bookish girl. Surfing the Internet is my favourite, that’s why I’ve turned into blogging. Following a healthy mindset and lifestyle is what I consider my life principle. If interested, follow my Twitter.
