Landscaping your backyard lends to a multitude of benefits ranging from its windbreaker effects to increasing your home’s retail value. Unfortunately, most people never put much thought into their yard, especially when they have limited free time or financial resources for routine yard maintenance.
Envious of your neighbors who can unwind in their luscious and full-furnished backyards after a long workday? Do you want to turn your backyard into a garden oasis? Here are a few tips on how to design a serene backyard escape.
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Start With Lush, Green Grass
Lush, green grass is the hallmark of pristine landscaping. Despite popular opinion, it takes more than just regular watering to transform your lawn into the envy of the neighborhood.
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The journey to your serene backyard escape begins with the type of lawn seed you plant. All the water in the world won’t do you any good if you choose the wrong grass seed for your region’s climate.
The lawn seed you sow should be native to your area. There are grass varieties that are equipped for warm weather and spiking temperatures and those grass seed types that thrive in cold climates. Look for a supplier that can help you choose quality grass suitable for your area. Additional measures like proper mowing, applying fertilizers, and regular watering will help your lawn stay green.
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Plant Trees For Shade
Summers are known for their blistering heat. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays can cause sunburns and other skin complications. Research has shown that 37% of adults and 55.8% of youths in the United States suffer from sunburns every year.
Lack of shading in your yard can force your home’s residents to remain indoors. However, strategically planting trees for shading can offset some of the heat. Ideal tree species for shade should be fast-growing and have thick foliage.
When planting trees, you’ll need to create pockets of shade and leave the rest of the yard exposed to the sun’s rays. You should also factor in the position of the sun at different times of the day in your landscape design plan. This step will ensure there’s shade throughout the day.
Remember, shading via the strategic placement of trees isn’t the key ingredient to a relaxing outdoor escape. A healthy blend of short shrubs and vines offers a better-looking yard. If you don’t accessorize your yard with a variety of plant life, your backyard is at-risk of looking bare, unsightly, or clunky.
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Plant Flowers In Gardens And Pots To Add Color
You can never have enough flowers in your backyard. Planting a flower garden is the best way to add some contrasting pops of color to the walls of green shrubbery, trees, and edges. Monochromatic green will bore the eye, leaving your houseguests to crave an eye-catching centerpiece.
However, before you can start working on your flower garden, you’ll need to do a little digging and get your hands dirty. Identify the type of soil best suited to your region’s climate and handpick the flower varieties that are likely to survive in your area’s extreme heat or bitter cold. If you’re uncertain about which flower types to choose, it might help to consult a botanist during this decision.
Only then can you start worrying about your color pallet.
Generally, it’s better to use variations of the same color with different hues mixed in for contrast. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Incorporating flower pots helps keep the color scheme consistent throughout your backyard. Remember to regularly water and attentively ward-off pests and parasites to maintain the excellent condition of your flower beds.
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Include A Water Feature
A water feature is a centerpiece that can tie a previously incohesive backyard together. Contrary to what some yard care enthusiasts think, your water feature doesn’t have to be complicated. Something as small as a birdbath or a mini pond can be just as useful in enhancing the design of your backyard. Neither of these two options requires additional electrical installations, which makes them ideal for DIYers.
If you’re looking for something fancier, then an extravagant garden fountain is what you need. The options for fountains include both bubble and recirculating fountain models. However, these garden features involve a more complicated set-up. To avoid malfunction, let a professional help with the drainage and installation of a water pump.
Besides attracting chirping birds, which can introduce ambient sound to your serene oasis, water features also add the relaxing sound of trickling water to your backyard. To drown out the sounds of children at-play, passing cars, or the chatter of fellow neighbors, a water fountain is a great option for that peace-and-quiet you’ve always wanted.
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Create A Shaded Picnic Area
A serene backyard is a perfect spot if you’re in the mood for a weekend picnic. A little extra shading goes a long way in keeping birds and insects at bay. To achieve the shade necessary for mid-day snacking, you’ll need some form of shading other than trees. The type of outdoor structure you construct will depend on your budget and the size of your yard.
Consider purchasing a sun umbrella if you’re looking for a simple solution. Alternatively, you could build a gazebo or a pavilion if you’re interested in something sturdier and live in a region prone to wind or rainstorms that can damage a run-of-the-mill umbrella.
Be warned that a gazebo or pavilion will be more expensive. Other shading options include sails, canopies, pergolas, and cabanas. You can even plaster the area and add some outdoor furniture for comfort or a barbeque for entertaining.
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Invest In A Fire Pit For Social Gatherings
Fire pits are perfect for all kinds of festivities. You can roast your marshmallows in the clear summer skies or huddle around for warmth when it’s cold outside. Gas fire pits are better suited for urban residences because there won’t be gusts of smoke.
Above all, your fire pit should be a safe distance from your living space. When installing, your contractor should adhere to the codes in your area. A complete fire pit comes complete with a built-in seating area. Unlike the larger, custom-built fire pits, smaller, individual fire pits don’t need permanent seating.
Once your fire pit is installed, you can add flower pots and other accessories to make the fire pit area feel cozier. With these small touches, your houseguests will feel right-at-home.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re familiar with steps necessary to achieve a serene backyard, your days of relaxation in front of a fire pit are right within reach. With these six simple tips, you can transform your backyard from a barren wasteland to a sanctuary glowing with life.
The transformation will take a little time, so don’t give up early. Start with the easy tasks and work your way up. You don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to design the backyard of your dreams. A little help from a professional will point in the right direction, so don’t feel pressured to tackle these landscaping duties all on your own.
