Landscape

The very essence of a home extends beyond its four walls. A home's exterior is as integral as its interior, and crafting an outdoor space that feels inviting and restful is an art. An ideal backyard is a space to admire where you can retreat, relax, and rejuvenate. Today, I'll share my insights into creating that perfect backyard oasis – a merger of aesthetics and functionality. 

1. Start with Intent 

Before embarking on any landscaping endeavor, ask yourself, "What do I want from this space?" Do you envision family barbecues, a quiet reading nook, or a vegetable garden? Identifying the purpose is foundational. It dictates the design, the materials, the plants, and the layout. 

2. Harmonize with Nature 

A retreat is where you feel at ease, and nothing brings serenity as nature does. Introduce native plants that not only thrive in our region but also attract local fauna like birds and butterflies. Native plants generally require less maintenance and water, which makes them an eco-friendly option. 

3. Flowing Waters 

The soothing sound of water can transform any space. Water elements infuse life into a landscape, whether it’s a bubbling fountain, a serene pond, or a cascading waterfall. Additionally, they can act as natural coolers during hot days and can be a watering hole for birds and butterflies. 

4. Craft Cozy Corners 

Every backyard retreat should have those little pockets where one can snuggle up with a book, meditate, or simply daydream. Use pergolas draped with vines, create canopied daybeds, or simply have a hammock strung between trees. These cozy corners become the soul of your backyard. 

5. Practical Pathways 

Paths guide visitors through your garden, ensuring they take in all its beauty and prevent trampling on delicate plants. Consider the materials carefully. While flagstone paths can be visually striking, soft gravel or wood chip paths exude a rustic charm and give a pleasing crunch underfoot. 

6. Light it Up 

The enchantment shouldn’t end when the sun sets. Landscape lighting can transform a garden from daytime beauty to nighttime wonderland. Use soft, diffused lighting for seating areas, downlights for paths, and perhaps fairy lights or lanterns for trees and shrubs. Remember, the idea is to mimic the soft glow of moonlight, not to light up like a football stadium. 

7. Sustainable Solutions 

The best backyards not only serve their owners but also the environment. Consider using permeable paving that prevents water runoff, invest in a rainwater harvesting system, or build a compost pit. These sustainable choices nurture the earth and often reduce maintenance efforts in the long run. 

8. Introduce Functional Features 

If you love entertaining, an outdoor kitchen or a barbecue pit might be a perfect addition. If you're into organic eating, raised vegetable beds can be both functional and aesthetic. By integrating functional elements, you ensure that your backyard isn’t just a space to look at but also a space to live in. 

9. Blend Boundaries 

The trick to an expansive-looking retreat is to blur the lines between where your garden starts and ends. Using similar plants on either side of a fence or letting plants cascade over walls can give an illusion of continuity, making your space look grander. 

10. Personalize, Personalize, Personalize 

Finally, remember that this is your retreat. Introduce elements that resonate with you – a statue, a specific flower, or even a color scheme. Personal touches give soul to a space, making it uniquely yours.  Designing a backyard retreat is akin to painting a masterpiece. It’s a blend of vision, creativity, and practicality. Your outdoor space is an extension of your home and, by extension, yourself. When done right, it’s not just a place to live – it's a place to thrive. Whether you’re starting from scratch or redesigning an existing space, I hope these ideas spark inspiration and guide you toward creating your very own outdoor sanctuary. Happy landscaping! 

 Jason Schroen - Landscape Designer