How to Create a Backyard Oasis with Expert Landscape Tips

A backyard oasis offers multiple benefits, from improving mental health and increasing property value to extending living space and providing a peaceful and quiet place to destress. This article can help you to transform your ordinary or outdated backyard into a relaxing retreat for you and your loved ones. 

Planning and Design

Renovating your backyard can be overwhelming, especially without a structured and realistic plan. Assess your backyard space and define your vision. Do you plan to entertain a lot, or will it be a private sanctuary dedicated to relaxing? Establish your non-negotiables and create a well-thought-out design plan that suits your budget, the overall space, and your specific needs and preferences. 

While you can design your backyard independently, seeking professional guidance can be more beneficial and efficient in the long run. Research landscape design experts in your area, and make sure to choose a trusted service provider like Malone’s Landscape designers. 

Elements of a Backyard Oasis

When designing your backyard, you must integrate elements that not only add character to your outdoor space, but also represent your definition of an oasis. While your concept of a tranquil backyard environment differs from your neighbors, some key design components you can incorporate are plants, water features, and outdoor furniture. 

Choose a layout that complements the size of your backyard and arrange your key elements to balance aesthetics and functionality. Leverage the natural surroundings and integrate them into your backyard design. For instance, if you live on the hillside, you can build a stone patio and a small fish pond and use the trees as background. An outdoor water fountain as a focal point can also boost your backyard’s overall oasis look and feel. 

Choosing the Right Plants

While plants are essential features of a tranquil backyard oasis, you must still be mindful of your choices. Consider your climate and backyard size, and choose appropriate plants that work best with your outdoor space. Vary your plant options and mix different colors, textures, and shapes. Select native plants as they’re well-suited to your existing climate, making them easier to care for. 

Organize your plants strategically, but make sure their arrangement increases the lushness of your backyard without overwhelming it. You can use multiple plant containers and place them near your outdoor seating. A shallow pot with flowering succulents can also be a great backyard decor accent piece. 

Incorporating Hardscaping

Structural features such as patios, decks, and man-made pathways can elevate the appeal of your backyard oasis. For a more budget-friendly option,  use natural materials such as stepping stones, wood, gravel, mulch, stone dust, and brick to create a naturally aesthetic pathway. 

Endnote

Turning your backyard into a comfortable oasis can be easy with careful planning. However, you must also take proper maintenance measures to ensure its longevity. Ensure you regularly clean your backyard oasis to prevent pests from infiltrating it. Inspect your outdoor furniture, as constant exposure to external elements can significantly take a toll on its quality. Lastly, look for sustainable landscaping practices you can utilize to minimize environmental impact.