How To Make Your Backyard Into an Oasis
Americans are more stressed than ever. People are worried about everything from the looming inflation to the next big election, not to mention what’s going on in their personal lives. Never before has so much stress affected how we live.
This stress has consequences. The American Psychological Association (APA) has actively studied stress since 2007. They say that 27% of adults are so stressed that they can’t function. What’s more—stress is a known risk factor for various chronic health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even heart disease.
But we don’t have to live this way. With the right tools, we can choose to turn away from stress. And one of these tools just happens to be in your backyard.
According to the APA, psychologists have linked exposure to the outdoors to lower stress, improved attention, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even increased empathy and cooperation.
Spending more time outside won’t solve all of society’s ills, but your backyard haven might just cure yours. Here’s how to transform your backyard into a stress-reducing oasis.
Build a hangout space
First things first, you need a place to hang out when you’re outside. So you need a space, like a deck or a patio, where you can have lounge furniture to sit and spend time reading, observing nature, or even having drinks and snacks with friends.
If you want to add a deck, there are plenty of deck builders in Chester Springs, PA. But you don’t have to stop there. Building a patio or hardscape in addition to a deck is a great way to define two different hangout spots and create even more space to enjoy.
Consider things like shade, screens, and overall square footage when building your hangout space. The goal is to create a deck or patio large enough to meet your needs that are also cool and comfortable, even on a hot summer day.
That might mean you need to add screens, a roof, or even a pergola with a fan to your design. Carefully consider what will make you feel at ease in this new space.
Include comfortable furnishings
Once you have a great hangout space, you need to furnish it with comfortable sofas, loveseats, and armchairs. These pieces should match your style and aesthetic, so they’re pleasing to the eye and coordinate with the rest of the design.
When buying outdoor furniture, consider the materials. You’ll want to buy things designed to be outside with weather and water-resistant components. Purchasing the right piece for the suitable space will pay off when a big storm blows through, and your outdoor furniture is still in great shape!
Speaking of bad weather, check if your furniture comes with waterproof covers. Using covers will make weathering storms even easier so you can return to enjoying your outdoor oasis soon after any deluge of rain.
Add a water feature
Water is known to be a relaxing, steadying force. Including a water feature in your backyard will help keep you calm and reduce stress.
There are many ways to incorporate water into your outdoor oasis. You could go as small as a tabletop fountain or as large as a full-scale koi pond. It simply depends on the size of your budget and your space.
Take time to enjoy your water feature, its sounds, and the feeling of tranquility it brings. Elements like these truly transform an ordinary backyard into an outdoor oasis.
Landscape with intention
Generally speaking, you’ll want to landscape your haven with low-maintenance perennials. Choosing a selection of evergreen and flowering plants gives nice variety and dimension, but ultimately, you should deliberately select plants based on what brings you joy.
There’s no right or wrong way to landscape your oasis. So, if you’re going for a minimal vibe and want to arrange grasses and gravel geometrically, go for it. But, on the other hand, if a lush, English-style garden is more your style, then cultivate that.
Grow gardens
In addition to the landscaping, consider starting a garden. Gardens come in many shapes and sizes, and you can grow them based on your interests. Herbs, veggies, and fruits are all great options, but you could also make a wildflower bed for a more bohemian vibe.
Another great way to grow individual plants is by starting a container garden. You can use the containers to grow various plants, whether you prefer herbs, annuals, or even some vegetables. Container gardens also provide an excellent opportunity to add interesting decor to your design.
Don’t forget the decor
Having a beautiful couch on a spacious deck is nice, but it really doesn’t feel like an oasis without those all-important decor touches. So collect outdoor pillows, throws, candles, and containers. And don’t forget an area rug, too!
These elements add interest to your design and allow you to incorporate colors and textures you can’t add with furniture alone. In addition, the decor helps to make outdoor spaces feel homey and inviting in a way furniture alone cannot.
Cultivate privacy
The whole point of an outdoor oasis is to escape life’s stresses and distractions. So why would anyone want a gorgeous outdoor space if all their neighbors can see it?
When creating your oasis, think carefully about how you want to address privacy. A fence is a good option, although sometimes not aesthetically pleasing. Adding privacy plants, like arborvitae, to the inside of the fence is a great way to make a man-made barrier look natural.
Whatever you choose, check with your local homeowner’s association and municipality before making any major decisions. Many communities have standards regarding the type of fencing allowed in their neighborhoods.
Eliminate pests
Too many bugs can ruin an outdoor experience. Insects play a vital role in your garden, but they don’t need to be on your deck or patio.
To mitigate infestations, consider using citronella candles or tiki torches to keep flies and mosquitoes away. You can also use essential oil-based bug spray to prevent these pests from biting you.
We all need an escape; yours could be just a few steps away. So use these tips to start creating your perfect outdoor oasis today!
