Relaxing Garden Tips: Creating Your Own Personal Oasis

My Thoughts!

Hi gardening pals! If you're me, the best thing to do after a long day is to walk into your own garden. Whether your outdoor space is a big backyard or a little balcony, building a calming oasis in your outdoor space is simpler than you might think. Today I'd love to share some of my own top tips on how to create your garden as a calming sanctuary where you can unwind, re-charge, and re-engage with the natural world.

1. Start with a Clear Vision
Before jumping into plant choices and ornaments, sit with yourself for a moment and consider what relaxation would look like for you. Do you envision a peaceful corner filled with comfortable seating? A watery element to calm your brain? Or something more lush, green, filled with scented blooms? When you have this in mind, it helps focus your decisions and makes the whole process more delightful. Keep in mind, after all, that your garden will be an expression of you and what brings you peace.

2. Incorporate Soft and Natural Colors
Colors play a significant role in creating the mood of your garden. I have found that soft, natural colors like calming greens, calming blues, and light pastels create a peaceful atmosphere. Bright, vibrant colors are gorgeous but overwhelming at times. Use the plants and accessories instead that create peace—lavender, eucalyptus, white daisies, and light grasses. These colors not only are pretty but bring a sense of peace.

3. Choose Cozy Seating
A serene garden would never be complete without a cozy area to rest and unwind. A hammock, a swinging bench, or an ordinary wooden chair with plush cushions would do, as long as it's comfy. I recommend investing in weather-resistant cushions and throws to invite your seating for the entire year. Place your seating under shade if possible, or add a pergola or umbrella to provide sun relief. The idea is to create a space in which you will want to spend time.

4. Add Water Features
The gurgling sound of flowing water is wonderfully calming. If space allows, consider installing a small fountain, pond, or bird bath. I love the way a simple water feature can mask city noise and attract birds, making the space more peaceful. Even a tabletop water fountain can be enchantment in a small balcony garden. Remember, the sound needs to be calming, not cacophonous.

5. Use Plants to Your Advantage
Plants are the focal point of any garden. For a relaxing space, focus on selecting plants that are low-maintenance and have beautiful fragrances. Lavender, jasmine, mint, and roses are excellent options—they're not only beautiful but also fill the air with calming scents. Add in different textures and heights to create visual interest without overwhelming the space. Also, add some evergreen plants to maintain greenery throughout the year.

6. Incorporate Natural Elements
Natural elements like wood, stone, and bamboo assist in incorporating a sense of serenity. Having a decking made of wood or a pathway made of stone provides texture and grounding to the garden. Pebbles or gravel utilized around plants to mark off areas gently are something I absolutely love. Pebbles and gravel blend well with nature and create a balanced atmosphere.

7. Make It Shaded and Private
A touch of privacy will make your garden like an actual retreat. Block exterior distractions with hedges, trellises, or outdoor room screens. Additionally, incorporating shade elements like pergolas, umbrellas, or large trees breaks the sun and provides sheltered niches. Personally, I like that a shaded nook with a hammock or armchair becomes my favorite hideout.

8. Minimal Clutter
A cluttered garden can be stressful rather than calming. Sweep your space on a regular basis and choose storage that hides materials and tools. Storage baskets, benches, or even hidden spaces can keep the serene look of your garden intact. Less mess means fewer distractions, so you can relax in full.

9. Personalize Your Space
Finally, add personal touches that bring you joy. This could be garden statues, fairy lights, wind chimes, or a miniature fountain. I love putting fairy lights up in the evening—they create a whimsical, cozy atmosphere. Remember, your garden must be an expression of yourself and where you are most at ease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much maintenance does a relaxing garden need?
A1: It depends on the plants and materials you choose. Low-maintenance plants and indigenous plants like grasses or succulents require minimal maintenance. There is routine watering, pruning, and cleaning that must be performed, but you can modify the garden to suit your lifestyle.

Q2: Can I have a serene garden in a small space?
A2: Indeed! Even small patios or balconies can be peaceful retreats. Use vertical gardening, compact seating, and strategically located plants to make the most of your space.

Q3: What are some low-maintenance relaxing plants?
A3: Lavender, mint, jasmine, succulents, and ferns are all low-maintenance and fragrant plants that promote relaxation.

Q4: How do I add privacy to my garden?
A4: Use tall plants, trellises blanketed with climbing vines, outdoor screens, or fences to provide the appearance of seclusion.

Q5: Are outdoor lights important for relaxing?
A5: Yes! Soft, warm lighting such as string lights, lanterns, or solar lights can extend the use of your garden into the evening hours and enhance its relaxing atmosphere.

Finally:

Creating a serene garden is a fulfilling activity that will vastly improve your well-being. You don't have to keep it spotless—it just has to be soothing and inviting to you. 

As famous landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx once asserted, "The garden is the most beautiful thing you can have around your house." 

So start today, plan out your tranquil oasis, and let the tranquility that only your garden can offer envelop you.

Good gardening!