How to Design a Backyard Garden Oasis
There is a special feeling that comes over you when you step into your backyard and think for a moment that you have escaped the chaos of the world around you.
Garden oases are not just about some pretty plants and nice patio furniture. A backyard garden oasis should be your ultimate private getaway.
This is where you can unwind, let go of stress, take a deep breath and relax in the beautiful embrace of nature.
Whether you have a small or a large space for your garden design, there are countless ways to transform your yard into a peaceful oasis.
Pull up a chair and get comfy, because we are going to take you through all the necessary steps to design a backyard garden oasis that is going to leave you wishing you could be outside all day long.
Start with a Vision (But Stay Realistic)
The first step of any design process is letting your imagination fly.
Think about your backyard oasis and close your eyes. What do you see?
Do you see yourself in a hammock that sways gently between two tall trees? Do you see a koi pond, with sparkling water that makes a soothing sound when it flows?
Do you have lush green everywhere you look? Or do you have a small yet perfectly designed modern oasis with sharp lines, minimalist furniture and simple plants that make a statement?
It is important to keep dreaming but at the same time stay realistic.
Go outside and walk around in your yard. What is the size of the space? What areas get the most sunlight? Do you need a bit of privacy? What do you want to do in your oasis?
Will you be spending most of your time relaxing or entertaining? Do you have kids that need a space to run around? Think about your daily life when creating a backyard garden oasis design.
Don’t forget about your guests as well. If you love to entertain, you will need enough seating.
And of course, if you are big on gardening, then you need to make sure you have enough space for your flower beds.
Borrowing Some Inspiration
In case you are still not sure how to start or what goes where, look for some inspiration. There are tons of luxury outdoor living inspiration in garden magazines, or you can browse through some Instagram accounts.
You can also take a walk around your neighborhood, but also look for inspiration in high-end resorts, model homes and well-designed Airbnb properties.
Borrow other people’s ideas, but don’t copy them entirely. Adapt them to your own needs and add your own special touch.
Define Your Zones
The next important step in designing a backyard oasis is to define separate “zones” in your garden.
The most successful garden oases tend to have at least three such areas: a relaxation zone with seating, dining area, and a garden bed zone. And that’s just the start.
Depending on your space and needs you can also create a water feature area (even a small fountain is a great addition to a backyard garden oasis) and a fire pit zone.
Think of your backyard as a little neighborhood with different houses each with its own vibe and ambience.
Relaxation Zone
A zone for relaxation can be as simple as a lounge chair or hammock. But it can also be a pergola with seating cushions and a place for your drinks.
You will also need some shade and this area is where you most likely want to spend your quiet time (napping or reading a book, for example).
Dining Area
A dining area is essential for any backyard oasis. Even if you can’t fit an outdoor kitchen, it is a great idea to have a simple table with chairs.
But there is a modern alternative to traditional chairs and dining tables. How about some swing chairs or stools around a kitchen island? You can also use that space for food preparation or for a small bar.
Garden Beds
Garden beds can be as formal or informal as you like. Fill them with flowers, herbs or vegetables or a mix of them all.
Raised garden beds will help to keep everything neat and orderly, while also being low maintenance. Opt for flower beds of various heights or even a flower maze if you have enough space.
Water Feature Corner
If you have the space, you should definitely add a water feature to your backyard garden oasis. This could be a fountain, a small pond or even a small waterfall.
Fire Pit Hangout
You can install a fire pit in any corner of your backyard as long as it is not too close to your plants and garden beds.
A fire pit is a great idea especially in a colder climate where you can enjoy long evenings around a warm fire. Don’t forget about roasted marshmallows for the kids.
Choosing the Right Plants
Just like any other part of the backyard design, you can’t just pick up the first plant you see at the garden center. Think about the climate you live in, your desired maintenance level and how the plants will look throughout the seasons.
Low-maintenance
Opt for plants that don’t require too much maintenance and are drought-resistant. Lavender, ornamental grasses, succulents, and hostas are all beautiful and easy to take care of.
Fragrant Options
Add jasmine, roses or mint near your seating area. There is nothing quite as relaxing as a beautiful scent.
Privacy Plants
Need to block the neighbors or create a private nook for you and your partner? Tall hedges, bamboo (be careful with this one, as it can quickly take over your yard) or climbing vines on a trellis can do the trick.
Also, don’t be afraid to mix different plant textures and colors. Add depth to your garden by layering tall plants at the back, mid-sized in the middle, and low-growing or ground cover in the front.
Set the Mood with Lighting
Have you ever noticed that everything looks prettier with the right lighting? The same goes for your backyard garden oasis.
As the sun goes down, you can create the perfect setting with warm and inviting lighting.
Consider using:
- String lights draped across a fence, pergola, or tree
- Solar-powered path lights to guide your steps
- Lanterns or candles for a cozy flickering light
- Spotlights to feature a tree, sculpture or other special plant
Keep in mind that you should create a gentle, ambient glow and not make it look like a stadium at night.
Enhance the Sounds of Nature
Sound matters more than you would think in your garden oasis design. You want to let in the sounds of nature: birds chirping, water trickling and wind blowing in the trees.
If you need to amplify the natural sounds, consider:
- Adding a water feature such as a fountain or pond
- Hanging wind chimes in a place with a constant breeze
- Planting flowers and shrubs to attract birds and other pollinators
If you live in an urban area, turn on a Bluetooth speaker and play some nature sounds or soft music.
Add Comfort and Personal Touches
Designing a backyard garden oasis is not just about landscaping, but also about adding comfort and a personal touch to the space.
- Weather-resistant cushions and throws
- Outdoor rugs to anchor a seating area and add some color or pattern
- Garden art or sculptures to add visual interest and personal flair
- Side tables for drinks, books, snacks and other things you might want to have handy while lounging around
And don’t forget to provide some shade for those hot summer days with umbrellas, pergolas, or sail shades.
Don’t Neglect Functionality
As important as the beauty of the garden oasis design is, don’t forget to consider some of its more practical aspects.
Keep in mind things such as storage, drainage, pest control, and accessibility.
Don’t forget to leave a bit of space for future projects that you may want to add down the road.
That hot tub you have been dreaming about? Give it space.
Keep it Low Maintenance
Finally, a word about maintenance. If your backyard garden oasis requires hours of work per week, you are going to forget all about it pretty quickly. Simplicity is your ally.
- Use mulch to help prevent weeds from growing and retain moisture in the soil
- Choose drought-tolerant or native plants that require little watering
- Install a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose
- Perform some small maintenance tasks on a weekly basis instead of letting everything pile up.
- Take care of the small details
As you can see, creating a backyard garden oasis is not that difficult. You just need to spend a bit of time and a little bit of money. You don’t have to tear everything up and start from scratch.
Start with just one area and work on it as your budget allows.
Your garden oasis is there for you to enjoy so make sure it is a reflection of you.
So go outside, get some dirt under your fingernails and start building your own personal slice of paradise right beyond your back door.
