A backyard retreat means something different to everyone — a quiet corner in the shade with comfortable chairs for reading or chaise lounge for sunning. Would you prefer a table for two for quiet dining or a large table seating six to eight with an outdoor kitchen — which would be perfect for dinner parties? You also need to consider what features you wish to include, maybe a bubbling fountain, koi pond or trees and flowers in a beautiful container.
You can usually incorporate these ideas into your landscape, no matter what the special area is-but how? Depending on what you have to work with, plant, and material selection is crucial, along with location. You need to consider your concept, the scale, and the microclimate. With a little perseverance (and maybe some professional help) everyone can have a private customized retreat.
When creating your garden retreat, try a little visualization. Ideas should pop into your mind as you begin to envision your future garden retreat. If you are having trouble with this part, look at magazines, your neighbors, and think about your answers to these questions.
1. Do you want an entertainment space or a place of serenity away from your hectic work? Do you want both?
2. What area are you considering this transformation for? Do you want to transform your patio, a small nook tucked away or the entire backyard?
3. Your next step is to decide what style you would like to use, Mediterranean, Cottage, and Tropical are some of your choices.
4. You should also consider using both color and texture to highlight your retreat. This can be done with the use of foliage, flowers, fabrics, walls and flooring, pottery, (including custom planting designs in the pottery) garden art and more.
5. Sound-Bubbling water, splashing water, wind chimes, birds singing and/or leaves rustling in the breeze?
6. Water feature. Do you want a fountain, birdbath, pool, pond, or maybe a waterfall?
There is much to consider when planning your backyard retreat. With all those things to choose from, you would certainly benefit from the input of a professional. A landscape designer or landscape architect would be able to transform your dreams into a reality. Meet with someone to flesh out what you want, what will work for you and you’ll soon be enjoying your own backyard retreat.
Julie Molinare is a Certified Landscape Designer living in the Santa Clarita for over 12 years. Julie teaches the Introduction to Landscape Design Class at CSUN – Tseng College of Extended Learning and is Owner/Designer of The Grass Is Always Greener Designs.
For more information, please call 661-917-3521 or visit www.thegrassisalwaysgreener.net .