If you’ve put a ton of effort into the decor and ambiance of the interior of your home, it might be time to work on turning your backyard into a private oasis as well! But, if your backyard currently looks like a bit of a blank canvas, you might be a little puzzled about where to begin. Plug a few words like ‘backyard oasis’ or ‘backyard retreat’ into Pinterest, and you’ll be inundated with hundreds of photos of beautiful suggestions—but the question is, which ones are the best ones? Or the easiest? That’s where we come in. Check out our top five suggestions to learn how to create a backyard retreat in no time.
1. Add Privacy Hedges
Ok, so you like your neighbors, but when you retreat into your backyard with a glass of wine at the end of a long day, you’d probably prefer having a little bit of privacy! And so, we introduce to you: privacy hedges. Fast-growing shrubs and hedges are the perfect way for you to tune out the outside world and create the backyard retreat you’ve always dreamed of having but didn’t quite know how to make it happen.
The thick evergreen foliage of arborvitae, for example, is relatively low maintenance. When appropriately spaced, its dense hedges will create an au natural wall of foliage that will just scream ‘cover me in twinkle lights!’ in no time. If it’s privacy and fragrance you’re after, consider planting mock orange or lilac shrubs! Their beautiful blooms and sweet scents are sure to keep you and your guests swooning.
2. Grow Climbing Vines
If you’re wondering how to create some serious secret garden vibes in your backyard retreat, look no further than climbing vines. They’ve got a certain magical quality to them, and depending on what kind of structures you have available, they can be trained to climb over doorways, up trees, trellises, or archways.
Ivy is a popular climbing vine that will bring a rather regal, distinguished feel to your backyard oasis. Varieties like Virginia Creeper, Boston Ivy, and English Ivy are all surprisingly cold-hardy. Honeysuckle vine has an undeniably sweet fragrance, or if you’re into preserves or making your own wine, you might even want to consider a grapevine!
3. Add a Water Feature
If you want to create a next-level ambiance in your backyard retreat, you definitely need to add a water feature! There is something so meditative about the sound of slow-flowing water. You can choose a water feature that is as simple or complex as you desire, but either way, it will most certainly help channel the relaxed atmosphere you’re looking for.
And, as an added benefit, a water feature can actually help out the plants in your garden by bringing a little more ambient humidity to your yard.
Strategically placed planters and containers can help to break up an area into smaller sections with distinct uses.
4. Define Spaces with Planters and Containers
Just like a kitchen island helps to define an indoor space in an attractive way, so too can planters and containers in your backyard. Regardless of the space you’re working with, strategically placed planters and containers can help to break up an area into smaller sections with distinct uses. Whether you are looking to separate a lounging area from a dining area, visually break up an awkwardly long patio, or define an outdoor kitchen from your kids’ play area, planters and containers can help you do so in a stylish way.
5. Add Large Tropical Plants
When you think of a tropical retreat, one of the first images that probably comes to mind is that of a palm tree gently swaying in the warm ocean breeze—so why not bring those vacation vibes right into your backyard? Striking, broad-leafed elephant ear varieties like Alocasia and Colocasia or a majestic areca palm are sure to turn your backyard into the exotic tropical jungle you’ve been dying to visit.
We could all use a little more relaxation these days, and your backyard is a perfect place to do it. For more tips on how to create your own backyard retreat in Bismarck, stop by the garden center, and we’ll get you all stocked up!