There’s no place like home when it includes an outdoor oasis

Think you’re not into nature? Wait until you start spending more time in your private garden retreat.

Americans spend about 87% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Why? You could blame work and sleep. But we think it’s really because there’s nothing to entice you to step out of your house. You can change that, though, by turning your backyard into an outdoor oasis. Once you do, don’t be surprised to find yourself making excuses to spend more time out there.

What’s the plan?

Before you start tearing up the lawn or planting random bushes, think about your garden retreat design. How will you be using your yard? Do you want a place to eat nightly family dinners? Or are you more interested in playing lawn games?

It’s also important to consider how much time you have to care for your landscape. Wanting a flower garden worthy of a queen is one thing; actually planting, watering and weeding it is something else entirely. Plan your backyard with a compromise of what you want and what you are willing and able to care for. Weeding is not for the faint of heart.

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Drawing in the lines

Setting up lawn chairs on the grass is perfectly acceptable, but it’s more inviting to have an area specifically designed for congregating. Build a deck or patio to define the gathering area. Again, think about what you want to do there. A small reading nook with a couple of lounge chairs? Room for barbecues with the neighbors? 

Your deck or patio can be customized to whatever shape or size you want. We suggest planning it a bit bigger than what you think you need; almost no one says they wish they’d gone smaller. If your yard is large, consider creating zones.

• Green spaces: grass, flower beds, pathways
• Play area: playhouse, jungle gym, hot tub or pickleball court
• Fire pit: comfy chairs around a brick-lined or manufactured pit
• Gazebo: a place to sing romantic songs to each other
• Gardening center: potting table and shed

Get cookin’

Summer is practically synonymous with burgers in the backyard. Instead of settling for just a barbecue grill, build an outdoor kitchen. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but having some basics will encourage you to get out to cook more. 

Include a built-in counter for food preparation and a spot for your grill. Closed storage, a mini refrigerator and even a drink station are convenient extras. If you want to go all out, add a wood-fired oven. Pizza never tasted so good.

Throw some shade

Depending on your plans and the direction your home faces, you may want permanent shade. Glaring sun in the eyes tends to put a damper on any activity. If your backyard is west facing and you’ll be spending evenings outside, consider attaching an awning or building a pergola to cover your lounging area. Either can help cut down on the intensity of Utah’s afternoon summer heat. As a bonus, when you have climbing, flowering vines, you increase the visual appeal of your outdoor oasis.

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Just add water

Nothing is as soothing as the sound of running water — a rushing waterfall, a babbling brook, the lulling waves on a beach. Set up a water feature in your green space to bring a sense of serenity to your little oasis.

You don’t need much room. Simply put a fountain or bird bath in your yard or on the patio and you have an interesting focal point. Layer some flat rocks to make a small waterfall. If you’re more ambitious, install a pond with some fish or water plants.

It’s in the details

Inside your home, you may use plants and earth tones to create a nature-inspired living space. As you set up your outdoor oasis, bring some of the comforts of the interior to your exterior. Strategically place some outdoor speakers and hang some string lights to cultivate a cozy ambiance. Add potted plants or hanging flower baskets for pops of color. Make them bug-repelling plants and you’re officially a landscaping genius.

Just as you do your living room, personalize your backyard accommodations. You’ll need comfortable seating, of course, but also remember pillows, throw blankets, candles, vases of flowers, etc. The more home-like it feels, the more likely you’ll want to hang out there.

Little landscapes

If your yard is small and you don’t have much lawn — or any at all — supply the green yourself. Surround the area you do have with planter boxes filled with large, colorful plants to quickly enliven an otherwise bland patch. Find colorful chairs or a bench for seating and you’re ready to read, work, eat, entertain or nap.

Need a new place to fit all your green space plans? Find it on KSL Homes.