If a backyard oasis is on your wish list, you don’t necessarily need to be a landscape architect or a landscape designer to make that dream a reality. What you do need is a plan, which you can form by looking a various backyard oasis pictures online, in magazines and books.
Armed with some ideas and newly found inspiration, you should come up with a few kinds of backyard oasis designs, then either settle on the one you like best or mix and match the best elements. Even if you have limited space and are concerned about being able to cram all the elements and features you can’t do without, don’t worry, you’ll be able to get all or nearly all of what you want in a small backyard oasis. So, let’s take a look at what’s possible, and what will work best within your budget and skill set. These are important considerations because you don’t want the cost to get out of control and don’t want to labor far longer than you plan.
Things to Consider in Planning and Building a Backyard Oasis
The first consideration, obviously, is money. Come up with a budget you can afford, set that number, then subtract between 10 percent and 15 percent. That will give you a workable figure, plus includes a contingency, so, if there’s a problem or extra costs, you’ll have them covered. Another consideration is diversity of elements and features, because there’s future maintenance involved. You don’t want to create a backyard garden oasis that’s nearly impossible to keep-up and/or is a drain on your wallet to keep it looking great and on your utility bills.
Patios are usually surfaced with brick or stone. If you opt for concrete, consider adding texture and color to imitate stone for a more natural look. Design the patio to be an extension of your home’s architecture, and use planting beds, container gardens, and weatherproof furniture to decorate the outdoor space. —Better Homes and Gardens
Now, let’s talk about color, texture, and scope. All will have an impact on the final product. For instance, are you thinking minimalist or extravagant? Do you want it to resemble a beach, a desert, or a mountain valley? Is there going to be hardscaping? Will you have one or several backyard oasis pools? Lastly, think about your home’s decor and style. As the above quote suggests, you ought to extend your interior into the exterior for consistency. If the two clash, and you decide to sell in the future, you might have a challenge convincing potential buyers.
Backyard Oasis Ideas
Now that you’ve thought a bit more about the project, and you’re wondering how to create a backyard oasis, then here’s some great ideas you can use:
- Start from the inside of your home and work your way out. This little tip is a great way to practically guarantee you’ll keep consistent with the design. It’s also a great way to reign in disparate ideas that don’t really blend well together.
- Plant lush layers to create an illusion of depth. Think small to large and plan to plant in an order that makes sense for your space and to keep the work to a minimum. Plant small sized plants no more than a foot to 18 inches in height, than medium sized plants which are taller, and then large sized plants and trees.
- Include a water feature in your design. Whether its a small pond, a bird bath, a waterfall, or something else, water is a great feature because of its very nature to sooth. Running water is best for relaxation.
- Put down natural stone accents. These are a great way to “break up” various elements and separate features. They also provide functionality for foot traffic.
- Make it private, using a combination of greenery and vines. Bamboo is also a good way to make your backyard oasis a bit more private.
- Don’t forget about the wildlife. Birds and butterflies can be a welcome addition, as well as pests. Choose what you plant carefully or you might attract pests.
If you want to design and build a backyard oasis but are having troubling with the planning and/or execution, then contact us. We are the leading landscape design and build firm in the Sarasota area and will be happy to assist you with creating a great outdoor space you can enjoy for years to come.
