How to Design a Great Backyard Retreat
Be it a lush paradise in the frigid North or a flower-strewn wilderness in the midst of a city, a beautifully landscaped yard is a true retreat for any homeowner. However seemingly daunting the task, a true oasis can be accomplished with just the right amount of planning fueled by a whole lot of dreams.
Gardening is not a hard hobby and it does not require a person spending all of their free time weeding and plucking off annoying bugs. With good planning and a decent effort, a beautiful garden can be yours to enjoy.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Bench
- Arbor
- Paving stones
- Mulch
- Compost
- Flowers
- Bushes
- Shovel
- Rake
- Hand trowel
- Decorations
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Designing a Perfect Backyard Retreat
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1
Dig up brush and unwanted roots from the entire area that is to be landscaped. Rake away all roots and other large debris. Use landscaping spray chalk to draw various sized flower beds throughout the area. The chalk makes it easy to plan the placement of flower beds and other garden items before actually doing any heavy lifting or digging.
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2
Once beds are marked off in an aesthetically pleasing manner, begin digging in several inches of well-aged compost. Dig at least three inches of compost into each bed; the more compost added, the better off the plants will be. If you will be using landscape edging, install it right after the compost is finished.
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3
Plant flowers so they are grouped in waves of similar colors. It will be more pleasing to the eye than erratic splashes of different colors. Use plants that have the same tones so they flow seamlessly into one another. Occasionally break up the plantings with a contrasting item, such as a garden ornament.
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4
When the plants are in the ground you must mulch the entire bed with either bark mulch or pea gravel. In order to keep weeds to a minimum add three or four inches of mulch. Bark mulch looks very natural and neutral while pea gravel will lend a professional appeal. Add a slow-release fertilizer around each plant and water well.
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5
If you place items such as bridges and garden gnomes, surround them with small-scale bushes and flowers. Tiny natural pebbles can be scattered throughout the area as a foil for these items. Various miniature sedums and slow-growing dwarf trees and bushes can really add a beautiful impact to garden decorations.
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6
Use an arbor planted with sweet-smelling jasmine above the bench for a restful place to sit. If bees are a problem, try planting a vine such as kiwi. Position the bench so that it faces the garden. If planned right and if the correct sized plants are chosen, a garden can block the sounds of a noisy street as well as the sight of a messy neighbor's yard.
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7
Installing a garden pond with a waterfall is another way to block irritating sounds. Place the pond in an area that receives several hours of sunlight a day. Water lilies require six to eight hours of sunlight in order to bloom.
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8
Use paving stones to make a winding path from one area of the garden to the next. Larger stones can be placed in areas to encourage people to stop and gaze at the landscape. Plant Irish moss between the stepping stones to frame them with a natural elegance.
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9
For a truly unique garden idea, install an outdoor aviary. Depending on the species of birds chosen, they can be left to winter outdoors and will provide movement and song. Household birds will appreciate the chance to spread their wings during warmer months.
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