Build a Relaxing Backyard Garden: Ten Pointers for Preparing Your Paradise

Did you know more than half of Americans experienced moderate stress levels in the previous year? Considering the pressing demands and high pace of modern living, it is not hard to believe. Most Americans have trouble leaving stress behind. Indeed, just about half of Americans stay up at night due to stress.

Learning to Live Better Regardless of Stress

Whether you are overworked or simply trying to accomplish too many tasks at once, you needn’t let stress take over your life. Sometimes all it takes is a short respite or quick recharge to eliminate stress. Creating your own relaxing backyard environment is a wonderful way to live stress-free in this stressful world.

1. Take It All In

Visualize your completed backyard haven in its entirety. To maximize the potential of your space, consider the whole design. Try to integrate areas and elements that will have a soothing effect on you. But don’t neglect the overall cohesion of your backyard space. Think of your backyard as a masterpiece.

Contrasting elements are great, especially if you can maintain some semblance of connection between elements. Mix harsh stone with smooth wood. Pair heavy furniture with light fabrics. Create movement with paved walkways or flowing garden beds.

2. It’s About Your Relaxation

How would you like to spend leisure time in the yard? If tending to a garden sounds relaxing, then include an herb garden, or plant roses to keep yourself busy.

If you prefer a low-maintenance space, then design accordingly. Installing automatic watering can make even elaborate vegetation easy to care for. A rock garden my suit your space. Surrounding your trees and plants can eliminate the need for weeding.

3. Choosing the Right Colors

Natural colors like blue and green are good choices for backyard spaces. But you can punctuate these with bursts of color from seasonal flowers or blooming trees.

Feng Shui offers color choices to create balance and harmony in outdoor settings [2]. Take a look at an energy map and find which of the elements correspond to your space. Add color accordingly.

You will have many opportunities to introduce the colors you select. Flowers and plants are one example. But furniture choice and deck stain are important too. Add splashes of color with outdoor cushions or garden sculptures.

4. Selecting Soothing Sounds

What does relaxation sound like? For many, the sound of distant chimes in a summer breeze or the buzz of bees in a flower garden creates calm. Fountains offer relief from the distant traffic noise.

Today there are many quality outdoor sound systems available. Adding speakers to your patio allows you to set the mood when hosting friends and family. The ambience of relaxing music is ideal for weekend gardening too.

5. Take Advantage of Nature’s Beauty

Most people find the chirps of birds or the swish of a squirrel’s tail quite relaxing. Invite animals and desirable insects into your yard. By planting strategically, you can cultivate an environment, which is alive with butterflies, birds, and the buzz of busy honeybees.

Buddleias, azaleas, and hollyhocks are good choices. Low bushes and trees for nesting will attract a host of species. Consider adding a feeder or two to your deck or garden area.

6. Consider Comfort When Selecting Furniture

Patio furniture is no small investment, but quality furnishings can last a lifetime. Select chairs and benches that will last through the seasons. An outdoor wood rocking chair made of teak or comparable material is a great choice. Like to lounge on lazy summer days? Find the perfect spot for a comfortable hammock.

7. Plan for Seasonal Change

You don’t want to limit your backyard experience to only hot summer weather. Overcast days or cool spring weather can be enjoyed too. Include an open space that will suck up sunshine on cool days. Consider an outdoor stove under a covered patio.

For hot weather, make sure you have shady trees or large umbrellas. Installing misters in your patio area can do wonders to bring high heat to tolerable levels.

8. Create Tastes and Smells to Calm Even More

Including thick, mouthwatering aromas and heady scents can transform your backyard into a relaxing paradise. Herb gardens are great additions. Imagine the smell of sun-warmed basil or mint wafting through your yard, or perhaps the encompassing aroma of freshly bloomed lilac bushes. Feel free to include scented candles or your favorite incense.

9. Fire Warms and Relaxes

Watching the flicker of flames in an outdoor fire pit can be a great way to pass the time. An outdoor fireplace provides a wonderful patio focal point and provides a functional source of heat on cooler evenings.

Try tiki torches for additional lighting and added ambience. Candles are great on tables in secluded nooks or in the patio.

10. Have Fun With Summer Games

Relaxing in the yard with friends and family is a sure way to reduce stress. Games like croquet, bocce ball, or horseshoes are pastimes most people cherish. A nicely trimmed lawn is perfect for summer fun.

Consider a chessboard or checker table in a quite alcove. Many people find concentration takes the mind away from daily worries.

Enjoy Your New Paradise

Stress permeates most people’s lives. However, taking the time to appreciate a relaxing atmosphere in your own backyard can do wonders for reducing your level of stress. Take a break from the daily grind, and relax in your perfect backyard paradise.

About the Author
Kimberly Aardal takes advantage of her own outdoor sanctuary in beautiful Colorado. She enjoys hiking the surrounding wilderness areas with her husband and yellow lab. Kimberly Aardal is the Publisher of EveryDayRockingChairs.com where you can find information on the perfect outdoor rocker for you backyard, or even a child rocking chair for you kids.