If you live in a city, it can be difficult to find the time and space to relax. Luckily, there’s one place where you can escape from it all: your garden.
You don’t need a big backyard or an expensive garden center to make changes that’ll transform your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis. These simple steps will help you breathe easier in no time at all!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Creating an outdoor oasis can be a fun and rewarding project that reflects your personal style and provides a relaxing retreat. |
| 2. Using eco-friendly materials in your outdoor space can contribute to a healthier and sustainable environment. |
| 3. Sustainable landscaping doesn’t have to be time-consuming and can be easily incorporated into your busy lifestyle. |
| 4. Native plants not only require less water, but they also provide numerous other benefits. |
| 5. You can transform your backyard into a cozy outdoor oasis by incorporating comfortable furniture and adding relaxing elements like water features or lighting. |
| 6. Lighting can add both style and functionality to your outdoor space by creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. |
| 7. To make your outdoor space more relaxing, you can try adding comfortable furniture, incorporating plants and flowers, and using calming colors and materials. |
| 8. You can create privacy in your outdoor space by using fencing, plants, or a pergola with draped curtains. |
| 9. Adding more seating to your outdoor space can be easy and fun by using benches, chairs, or outdoor sofas. |
| 10. Some low-maintenance plants that you can consider for your outdoor space are succulents, lavender, herbs, and native plants. These plants require minimal care and can thrive in a variety of weather conditions. |
Start With The Basics
Before you even begin to think about the plants, consider the basics: how much space do you have? How will it be used? How often will it be used? Do you want a formal or informal garden? Once you have these questions answered, it’s time to start designing.
The first step is to make sure that your garden has enough space for everything. You’ll need room for a lawn chair and table if you plan on having outdoor meals or entertaining family and friends. Don’t forget about paths so that visitors can easily get around without stepping on anything important!
Next, define what type of atmosphere or mood (ease/calmness) that would suit best for your lifestyle. Also consider what kind of plants appeal most strongly when thinking about their effects on one’s health through aromatherapy and other benefits such as stress reduction due to visual stimulation (colorful flower beds).
Many homeowners find themselves drawn towards naturalistic looking landscapes because they’re often less complicated than modern styles which might require heavy maintenance over time due their lack of upkeep by nature alone.”
Using eco-friendly materials in your outdoor space can contribute to a healthier and sustainable environment. How to Create a Beautiful Eco-Friendly Outdoor Space can help you learn how to use eco-friendly materials while designing your outdoor space.
Create A Seating Area
A seating area is a great way to relax. It can be formal or informal, large or small, permanent or temporary and used for different purposes.
You may want to create a sitting area with some comfortable chairs around a table, perhaps with an umbrella if you want to enjoy some shade while you’re there.
Alternatively, you could make your garden into an outdoor room by creating soft furnishings such as cushions and rugs that will allow you to relax in the open air even when it’s cold outside.
| Seating Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Adirondack Chair | Classic and comfortable, Adirondack chairs are perfect for a rustic or beachy seating area. |
| Hammock | Great for relaxation, a hammock can be hung between two trees or on a freestanding base. |
| Conversation Set | Typically includes a sofa or loveseat, chairs, and a coffee table, perfect for a larger seating area. |
| Bistro Set | Composed of two chairs and a small table, a bistro set is ideal for a cozy and intimate seating area. |
| Outdoor Bench | A versatile option, benches come in a variety of styles and materials and can accommodate multiple people. |
The table above provides ideas for seating types to include in your outdoor seating area. You can create a comfortable and inviting space with Adirondack chairs, a hammock, a conversation set, a bistro set, or an outdoor bench.
Each seating type is listed with its description and benefits to help you choose which seating arrangement best fits your outdoor space and usage. Whether you are looking to create a cozy spot for two or a large seating area for entertaining, thoughtful furniture choices can make all the difference in creating an outdoor oasis.
Designate A Reading Nook
- Select a quiet area in your garden to serve as the reading nook. This can be any place where you feel comfortable and relaxed: near a tree, next to a fountain or pond, or near an outdoor fireplace.
- Place a chair or bench in the area so you can sit comfortably to read. You might also want to add some pillows for extra comfort if you plan on spending much time there!
- Add some lighting so it will be easier for you to read your book at night or in dimly lit rooms during the evening hours. Consider adding something like string lights which are both pretty and functional!
- Finally, add plants around your reading nook so that it gets more privacy from passersby who don’t want distractions while trying to get lost in their favorite books!
Add Outdoor Lighting
When it comes to lighting your garden, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, use lights that operate on different wavelengths so you can have a variety of options at your fingertips.
Second, consider installing motion-sensing lights where appropriate (e.g., near entrances). That way, you won’t have to turn the lights on manually when you come home from work each day or leave for the weekend—the motion sensors will light up automatically!
Thirdly and finally: don’t forget about safety! You should never underestimate how important this is: even though most people think of gardens as safe places full of pretty plants and flowers that don’t need much supervision…it doesn’t hurt to take precautions anyway!
Sustainable landscaping doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Follow 15 Simple Steps to Sustainable Landscaping for the Busy Homeowner for quick and easy tips on adopting sustainable practices in your garden.
Design A Container Garden
A container garden is a great way to add color and texture to your garden. They’re also easy to maintain, and you can put them anywhere in your yard, even on a balcony or patio (if there’s enough sun).
The best part? You can grow almost anything in a container! For example, if you want something that will bloom all summer long but will be gone by fall, try planting an annual flower like snapdragons or petunias. Or if it’s hardy enough for wintertime, try growing an herb like rosemary.
| Plants | Sun | Water | Soil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Low to Medium | Keep Soil Moist | Well-Draining |
| Snake Plant | Low to Bright | Infrequent Watering | Well-Draining |
| Pothos | Low to Bright | Allow Soil to Dry Out | Well-Draining |
| Geranium | Full Sun | Regular Watering | Well-Draining |
| Petunia | Full Sun | Regular Watering | Well-Draining |
The table above provides suggestions for plants to include in your container garden. Each plant is listed with its preferred sunlight exposure, watering frequency, and soil type.
You can design a container garden by selecting plants that complement each other, choosing a well-draining soil mix, and selecting a container with proper drainage.
Whether you are looking for a pop of color or a tropical vibe, container gardening offers a versatile and flexible way to bring greenery into your home or outdoor space.
Grow An Herb Garden
Herbs are a wonderful addition to any garden, but don’t let that intimidate you! They’re actually quite easy to grow, no matter what space or time constraints you may have.
You can plant them in pots on your patio, in the ground at home, or even use a raised bed if you want something more permanent and attractive. Herbs can be used fresh or dried (or frozen), and they add flavor to just about anything—from soups and salads to sauces and desserts.
Create A Pond
- Ponds are a great addition to any garden and can provide a habitat for wildlife, such as birds and frogs.
They’re also low maintenance, especially compared to other water features like fountains or streams that require you to constantly refill them with water.
You can grow plants in ponds, which helps keep the soil healthy while providing an attractive aesthetic to your garden or patio space.
If you have a waterfall or stream feature already built into your backyard and it needs some updating, consider adding a pond instead! This will provide high-functioning landscaping while also making sure visitors know exactly where they are when they visit your home. If this sounds like something up your alley, here’s how:
Native landscaping plants not only require less water but also provide numerous other benefits. Our article on 15 Surprising Benefits of Using Native Landscaping Plants can help you understand why you should consider using native plants in your garden.
Add A Water Feature
Water features are a great way to bring nature into your garden and add relaxing ambience. A small pond or fountain can also be a focal point in your garden, adding interest to an otherwise plain space.
Water features are also ideal for reflecting light into dark corners of the garden, which will make them feel more welcoming during those cold winter evenings.
Find Your Zen In The Garden
The great thing about a garden is that you don’t have to go far to find your own little paradise. Whether you choose to read, meditate, or just sit quietly and breathe deeply in nature—there’s no wrong way to enjoy your garden space! So take a few moments for yourself each day and find the Zen in your oasis.
- Listen to music. Put on some tunes while you tend your plants or get creative with an impromptu dance party!
- Read a book. Why not pick up one of those gardening books you’ve been meaning to read? Or any other book that appeals at the moment (or doesn’t). Reading is good for the soul (and mind).
- Meditate. Take five minutes out of every hour during which no one else is home so that they can find their own peace and quiet elsewhere if need be—but make sure not too many people come over at once because then there won’t be much time left for meditation anyway.
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Choose calming colors | Use soothing colors like blue, green, or lavender in your garden to create a calming atmosphere. |
| Create a meditation space | Create a designated area for meditation with comfortable seating and tranquil decor elements. |
| Incorporate aromatherapy | Use essential oils or fragrant plants like lavender or jasmine to add an additional level of relaxation and serenity. |
| Practice yoga or tai chi | Incorporate yoga or tai chi into your garden routine to promote mindfulness and relaxation. |
| Opt for natural materials | Use natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo to create a calming and organic feel. |
Set Up An Outdoor Kitchen
Set up a grill or smoker. If you want to be able to cook outside, it makes sense to set up an outdoor kitchen. You can do this by setting up an actual cooking station with a barbecue and other appliances, but if you have limited space, consider just having one or two items like a grill or smoker instead.
Make sure everything is easy to access and use. An outdoor kitchen should be comfortable as well as functional—make sure that all of its parts are easily accessible so that guests can help themselves when needed without any hassle!
Add decorative touches such as colorful umbrellas for shade over the table and chairs if needed (or even just for decoration), flowers in hanging baskets at each end of the table for extra color during warmer months when blooming garden plants won’t survive outdoors yet still add beauty during their short lifespan with minimal maintenance needs after installation
Transforming your backyard into an outdoor oasis can be a fun and rewarding project. Follow our guide on How to Transform Your Backyard into a Cozy Outdoor Oasis to learn how to make your backyard into a relaxing and functional space.
Get Creative With Color
Color can have a powerful effect on mood. Use it to help you relax, focus, or feel energized.
Relax: If the thought of relaxing in your garden makes you feel anything but relaxed, try using reds and oranges to create an atmosphere that’s soothing and comfortable. Paint your outdoor furniture in these colors or add them as accents.
Or keep things simple with one bold statement piece such as a large pot brimming with vibrant flowers or plants surrounded by neutral-colored stones.
Focus: For those who love to get into their work but need more than a cup of coffee to stay alert, try blue hues like royal blue and navy that can inspire calmness while providing an inspiring backdrop for any project at hand or just some good old-fashioned hard work!
Does that sound like too much effort? Just close your eyes and take deep breaths when they start feeling tired!”
Landscape lighting can add both style and functionality to your outdoor space. Check out 17 Ways to Incorporate Landscape Lighting into Your Landscaping Design for some creative ideas to incorporate lighting into your landscape design.
Conclusion
We hope that our tips have inspired you to create a garden that is worthy of your hard work. A well-designed garden can be a space for relaxation and reflection, where you can connect with nature in your own backyard.
Whether you’re looking for some inspiration or just want to get started on building your dreamscape, we wish you luck on this journey!
Further Reading
If you are interested in creating a relaxing outdoor space, here are some articles you may find helpful:
Creating a Backyard Oasis: This article from Forbes provides tips on creating an outdoor oasis that reflects your personal style and provides a relaxing retreat.
Create a Backyard Getaway: Better Homes & Gardens offers an excellent guide on creating a backyard getaway, with ideas on design and decor, furniture, and lighting.
Ways to Create a More Relaxing Backyard: The Spruce provides suggestions to transform your backyard into a place of peace and serenity by offering ideas on landscaping, lighting, and decor.
FAQs
How can I make my outdoor space more relaxing?
To make your outdoor space more relaxing, you can try adding comfortable furniture, incorporating plants and flowers, and using calming colors and materials. You can also add water features like fountains or bird baths.
What type of lighting should I use in my outdoor space?
For the perfect lighting, you can use a combination of task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting. Fairy lights, lanterns, or string lights can provide a warm and cozy ambiance while illuminating your space.
How can I create privacy in my outdoor space?
You can create privacy by using fencing, planting trees and bushes, or adding a pergola with draped curtains. Hanging plants and trellises can also help provide privacy while adding visual interest.
How can I add more seating to my outdoor space?
You can add more seating to your outdoor space by using benches, chairs, or outdoor sofas. You can also create extra seating by using tree stumps or large rocks.
What are some low-maintenance plants for my outdoor space?
Some low-maintenance plants that you can consider for your outdoor space are succulents, lavender, herbs, and native plants. These plants require minimal care and can thrive in a variety of weather conditions.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a landscape designer in Los Angeles. I’ve been working with homeowners and businesses to help them improve the look of their properties for over 10 years.
