As people we are genetically-programmed to spend time outside; however demands of our modern lives do not always make this possible. The tranquility of being surrounded by gardens shows to chemically reduce stress levels – simply spend time outdoors and you feel peace and calm. Keeping your mind focused and hands occupied with gardening puts you in a headspace that allows you to forget your worries. The act of planting is a hopeful one, as you grow new life, beautiful surroundings, and build a future from the soil.
Design websites and magazines make dreamy backyards look easy, but tackling them on their own can be a different story. We want your green lawn to be the envy of others, proving isn’t always greener in someone else’s yard (unless of course, they garden with Scotts.)
Regardless of your backyard size, you CAN create your own peaceful and beautiful garden oasis, and we are here to help. If you are already happy with your outdoor area but wish to spruce it up, we have ideas for that, too.
Here are some tips to create your garden oasis that we give two green thumbs up!
1
Assess the garden
Consider the following factors: a) what kind of sunlight does your backyard get b) do some areas get more sunshine that others c) at what times of the day do these areas get light d) what use will your garden have. Someone looking to grow vegetables will have different needs than a parent wanting space for family outdoor play. As will the person looking to make a backyard oasis for evening patio cocktails.
2
Lawn SOS & TLC
Just like how the epidermis is a human’s biggest organ, the largest living and vital part of your garden is the lawn. Revive spots where needed and feed and water them adequately. And break the rules about your backyard keeping a rectangular shape. Create smaller gardens with a walking path, shaping them as circular or asymmetrical.
3
Visual interest
A design 101 DIY trick is to create a focal point in your garden. This could be a bird bath, dramatic garden basket to pergola. Work with that area to make it really stand out.
4
Inspect your plants first
There’s no rulebook for plant swapping but if there was, number one would be to ensure your plants are healthy and pest free. Blights, bacteria and the like can spread to other plants quickly, so do the right thing. You don’t want to be responsible for the deforestation of someone’s cherished mini rainforest.
5
Privacy
Plant small trees, bushes and shrubs for your private, beautiful oasis. Large planters work well, too, and experiment with multiple levels for visual interest. Choose greenery and flowers that draw the eye in and are really pleasing to you.
6
Furniture
It is no wonder that Zen-inspired garden furniture has become a mainstay. Woods, stones and natural colours create that tranquil oasis vibe. Loungers, chairs and patio couches work well in a layered or staggered arrangement for interest and a natural setting, or in a welcoming circular arrangement, whatever looks best to you.
7
Patio stones
Stones, gravel, pebbles and wood flooring add visual interest as well as create a separate space from the rest of your yard. Natural elements are also an excellent way to add an oasis-like quality to the work.
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credit: robbie caponetto
Both anecdotal and scientific evidence proves being outside in garden-fresh air has an enormously positive effect on our overall wellness. During the pandemic, being stuck at home impacted many people’s physical and mental health. Gardening saw a surge in popularity, with people who’d never picked up a spade getting outside to plant their own vegetable gardens and growing flowers.
Gardening & Body Chemistry
The sunshine vitamin, D, as well as the higher oxygen levels in green spaces also has many science-backed wellness benefits, including elevating self-esteem and mood and lowering stress and irritability. Getting outside gardening is an optimal way to get Vitamin D which synthesizes serotonin, our body’s happy chemical.
Healthy Diet
When homegrown garden vegetables and fruit are at your fingertips, it is easy to eat well. Apart from the endless wellness benefits of fresh food, pulled fresh from your garden saves more nutrients and the produce tastes better, too.
Green for Your Grey Matter
While stepping into sunshine and inhaling the fresh scent of cut grass makes us feel better immediately, what may not be so obvious is that plant-filled spaces improve your focus and boost memory. Gardening is a restorative act that can heal the mind and activate areas of the brain that can be dormant otherwise.
Physical Wellness
Getting out and moving is necessary for our physical health as well as mental. From lifting planters to digging and bending, gardening is a fun and rewarding physical activity. Even if it doesn’t raise your heartbeat like more conventional workouts, you’re still burning far more calories that sitting indoors or in front of a screen.
If you are a condo or apartment dweller who wishes for a backyard garden, we have good news. With some creativity and clever choices, you can transform your balcony into a verdant oasis.
Barren balcony walls can be spruced up with the right kind of plants. Due to limited balcony space, you’ll want to opt for greens, florals, vegetables and herbs that flourish in smaller pots. Here are our top tips for the best balcony plant choices and making the most of your limited space.
Top Tips for a Balcony Oasis
Assess Conditions
Determine what sunshine conditions your balcony gets. Many plants can get sunburnt in direct sunlight, while others wilt in shade, so research and choose accordingly.
1
Assess the garden
Consider the following factors: a) what kind of sunlight does your backyard get b) do some areas get more sunshine that others c) at what times of the day do these areas get light d) what use will your garden have. Someone looking to grow vegetables will have different needs than a parent wanting space for family outdoor play. As will the person looking to make a backyard oasis for evening patio cocktails.
2
Lawn SOS & TLC
Just like how the epidermis is a human’s biggest organ, the largest living and vital part of your garden is the lawn. Revive spots where needed and feed and water them adequately. And break the rules about your backyard keeping a rectangular shape. Create smaller gardens with a walking path, shaping them as circular or asymmetrical.
3
Visual interest
A design 101 DIY trick is to create a focal point in your garden. This could be a bird bath, dramatic garden basket to pergola. Work with that area to make it really stand out.
4
Inspect your plants first
There’s no rulebook for plant swapping but if there was, number one would be to ensure your plants are healthy and pest free. Blights, bacteria and the like can spread to other plants quickly, so do the right thing. You don’t want to be responsible for the deforestation of someone’s cherished mini rainforest.
5
Privacy
Plant small trees, bushes and shrubs for your private, beautiful oasis. Large planters work well, too, and experiment with multiple levels for visual interest. Choose greenery and flowers that draw the eye in and are really pleasing to you.
6
Furniture
It is no wonder that Zen-inspired garden furniture has become a mainstay. Woods, stones and natural colours create that tranquil oasis vibe. Loungers, chairs and patio couches work well in a layered or staggered arrangement for interest and a natural setting, or in a welcoming circular arrangement, whatever looks best to you.
7
Patio stones
Stones, gravel, pebbles and wood flooring add visual interest as well as create a separate space from the rest of your yard. Natural elements are also an excellent way to add an oasis-like quality to the work.
Flourishing Florals
A surefire way to brighten a balcony is with colourful blooms. The trick is knowing which flowers thrive well in balcony pots. Begonias, petunias, and chrysanthemums are all hearty and attractive choices. Low-maintenance flowers, from the humble and beautiful columbine varietals to dramatic canna lilies in full bloom, are also great potted picks. If you have tropical indoor plants, move them outdoors in summer.
Make the most of vertical space
Source some suspended planters so you don’t consume too much precious balcony floor space. We have a separate section devoted to creating a vertical garden. Hang containers or shelving from your walls or get creative by repurposing ladders and pallets to layer your pots upwards. A trellis covered in climbing plants can also make a beautiful and attractive statement as well as offer privacy.
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