Your backyard can become a peaceful sanctuary with relaxing landscaping elements like planting ivy for classic, royal appeal and its sweet fragrance filling the air.
Light up the night with lighting that casts a soft glow in the evening. Lanterns, string lights, and candlelight can create an ideal setting in which to relax outdoors.
1. Plants and Flowers
Studies have demonstrated that flowers and plants are more than aesthetically pleasing; they also help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. A garden filled with colorful shrubs, fragrant blooms, and tall trees provides an escape from everyday chaos and provides an idyllic escape for relaxation and restfulness.
Utilize low-maintenance plants in your garden. Select native species, which will better suited for your climate and will thrive without needing much care from you.
No backyard retreat would be complete without a comfortable seating area, such as a hammock or swing perfect for reading and lounging in. Consider hanging a water feature that plays soothing sounds of running water to increase its tranquil atmosphere.
2. Furniture
Your furniture selection can create an inviting ambiance in your backyard retreat. Choose chairs, sofas and lounge chairs that provide optimal relaxation for maximum aesthetic and functionality. Add cozy throws or cushions for additional comfort and relaxation.
Consider planting a climbing vine to add privacy and a hint of secret garden vibes. Virginia Creeper, Boston Ivy and English Ivy are popular options that are very cold-hardy; alternatively you could plant honeysuckle or lilac vines for their fragrant sweet fragrance and beautiful flowers.
A relaxing fountain is another effective way to create an indolent and soothing ambience in your backyard retreat. Listening to its soft splash of flowing water will help ease tension and stress levels while offering you an oasis of serenity and renewal.
3. Lighting
Lighting adds an important visual component to any backyard retreat while simultaneously increasing safety and visibility for visitors. From string lights draped across gazebos or tree branches to creating magical settings with mood lighting, string lights offer an inexpensive yet easy solution for creating an enchanting and magical ambience in any backyard oasis.
Introduce water’s soothing influence into your retreat with a serene fountain, pond or birdbath. Up-lighting or silhouetting architectural features or trees; soft glow path lighting for walkways and pathways in the evening hours; finishing touches such as jute rugs, wood or wicker accessories and an outdoor coffee table to hold beverages are also great features of an oasis-like outdoor sanctuary.
4. Water Features
Water features, such as ponds, fountains, waterfalls and streams can create an aesthetically pleasing space while simultaneously improving air quality and providing relief from pollutants and dust.
Water acts as a natural source of white noise, shielding listeners from distracting street or neighbor sounds and creating a relaxing, tranquil ambiance suitable for meditation and reading.
Water features not only promote peace and relaxation, they attract wildlife as well. Expect to see birds, dragonflies and other creatures visiting your backyard retreat. No matter where they reside in Central Oregon – cities or rural – everyone needs an oasis where they can retreat to unwind and recharge their batteries.
5. Outdoor Rugs
Rugs add both style and comfort to any outdoor seating arrangement, including deck, patio, porch or balcony seating arrangements. In addition, they protect flooring against sun damage.
Outdoor rugs come in an assortment of colors and patterns, making it easy to find one that perfectly complements your furniture and decor. Striped rugs are popularly used to frame couches, chairs and coffee tables while geometric designs add a special touch to any environment.
Pro tip: When purchasing an outdoor rug, ensure it fits your furniture setup with enough “breathing room.” Don’t forget about adding decorative accessories like floor cushions, pillows and throws – they make great finishing touches!
6. Accessories
Add some fun touches to your outdoor space to transform it into an inviting getaway. Bird feeders, mini Zen sand gardens and bamboo wind chimes can bring an air of relaxation and serenity to any backyard oasis.
With the appropriate patio furniture, natural elements, and thoughtful design features in place, achieving a relaxing backyard retreat is easily achievable. By prioritizing comfort while including water features, selecting appropriate plants/flowers/hedges/trim, and employing soothing colors in your design features you can turn your backyard into an inviting daily refuge that nurtures health and wellbeing.
