Are you craving a backyard space that feels like a tiny private vacation? With a few changes and some careful planning, you can achieve that restful, relaxing space you desire. Here are our tips for creating a backyard oasis of your very own.
Build a Fence
If you don't already have one, you may want to enclose your backyard with a fence. Doing so will automatically ensure greater privacy and give you that sense of safety, enclosure, and rest that you're looking for. Choose a tall wooden fence with close-set panels for additional privacy.
If you don't like the look of a fence, you could enclose your property with hedges, trees, and stone or brick walls instead.
Maintain Healthy Trees
Trees are natural air conditioners and air purifiers. They may drop some leaves or twigs occasionally, but they will also provide shade. Did you know that each healthy tree can produce up to 260 pounds of fresh oxygen per year? That's one way to ensure that your outdoor space feels fresh and relaxing. Plus, trees can offer some additional privacy.
Add Some Furniture
If you have a deck or patio, you'll need to give some attention to its current furnishings. Do you have comfortable places to sit? Have you included weather-resistant cushions, rugs, and pillows? Adding comfortable seating and plenty of restful or vibrant colors can go a long way toward making your outdoor space more inviting.
Consider Food and Drink Prep
When people are relaxing outdoors, they are usually doing so with food or drink in hand. Create a space for food service or food prep. It could be as simple as a low table or a charcoal grill, or as complex as an outdoor kitchen and a pizza oven. You can also create a movable bar cart that can be rolled indoors or outdoors at will, to suit the drink needs of you and your guests.
Think Vertical with Plants
Too many people think of plants as mostly a ground-cover thing; but plants can and should be anywhere. The more three-dimensional you get with your plant placement and design, the more visually interesting and pleasing your backyard space can be.
Consider hanging plants above and along your outdoor seating area. Create tiered flowerbeds with tall plants at the back for visual height and depth. Make a vertical herb garden with concrete blocks, a wooden pallet, or a trellis and tiny pots.
Ensure Effective Pest Control
Mosquitoes, wasps, and other pests can send you and your guests indoors in a hurry. No one wants to chill in a backyard where they are sure to get stung or bitten. Introduce predator insects like praying mantises into your yard to fend off nasty pests and keep areas free of stagnant water where mosquitoes might breed. You can also use pest control spray (the non-toxic kind) and natural bug repellent made of essential oils. Certain plants like citronella will also help to keep mosquitoes at bay.
For more tips on creating a backyard oasis, or for key supplies like grass seed, decorative stone, and garden tools, visit the Kurtz Bros. website. We're happy to answer your questions about landscaping and lawn care, so contact us anytime.