There are back yards and then there are back yards. You know the ones: the back yards that are unspeakably cool, that call to mind words like “idyllic” and “utopia.” They’re not just lawns, and they’re more than gardens. The question is, how do you create an oasis like that?
Water Features
One surefire way to upgrade your outdoor spaces in an instant is by adding a water feature. This doesn’t have to be a full sized pool or a pond with a fountain, this can easily be a small fishpond. Anything can be scaled down. If you don’t have the money or space for waterfall installation Orange County or your area, you can try a birdbath-sized fountain.
Plantings
Unusual plantings also enhance and elevate the quality of your outdoor spaces. Flowers, of course, add pops of color and potential divine scents, but it doesn’t stop there. Unusual trees can provide color as well as shade. Consider bark, leaves, fruits and growth patterns when choosing a tree. Even grass can be mixed up. Try a ground cover that isn’t grass, or use tall grasses to create a visual barrier or add height.
Layers
Speaking of height, don’t forget to consider layers in your outdoor oasis. Terracing or conversation pits can add physical layers and depth, but different layers of plantings can give you better year round coverage. Trees add height and create shade, and climbing plants can also draw the eye up. Your garden exists in three dimensions, not just two, and it’s important to remember that when you are designing and building your outdoor spaces.
No matter the space you’re working with, it’s entirely possible to create a haven of your own, no matter how small or what kind of budget you’re working with. All it takes is a little time and some creativity.
