Create a Serene Outdoor Space

Then sit back and relax.

Want to make it easy to get a little R & R? With a few special touches to your backyard, you can simply step outside for a relaxing retreat. Consider these ideas for the ultimate outdoor tranquility.

Keep your yard private.

It's not easy to relax when you feel you're on display. For a more intimate outdoors, a fence, arbors, trellises, tall shrubs, vines or even flowers hanging from shepherd hooks can help keep you covered. For more information read, Creating Privacy: Hedge or Fence?

Remove the clutter from your yard.

Whether it's toys scattered about, yard equipment left behind, unkempt flower containers or an over abundance of lawn and garden decorations, too much stuff can be distracting. Tidy up and purge your yard of the nonessentials for a more calming atmosphere.

Make your yard easy on the eyes.

An unhealthy lawn that's overrun by weeds or muddy bare spots is nothing short of irritating. With a little more attention to your lawn, you can instead set your eyes on lush green grass and have an undisturbed view. Just follow the Yard Doctor's Prescription for a Healthy Lawn. When it comes to your flowers and foliage, avoid being overwhelmed by too much of everything. For a simple garden that's restful to the eye, stick to a foundation of muted hues with just a few well-chosen spots of bright color.

Add aroma.

For a little therapy when you breathe deeply, create a container garden with fragrant plants such as gardenia, freesia and alyssum, and herbs like lavender, basil and lemon grass.

Create soothing sounds.

If possible, add a water feature such as a bubbling fountain that can take your mind off traffic and neighbor noise and help you relax. Wind chimes may be nice options providing your yard is big enough so you don't become the neighborhood noisemaker

Set up space to kick back.

Make yourself at home outside. Add simple furnishings that create a thoroughly comfortable great escape. A table with chairs is a basic must-have for dining, reading or gatherings. Perhaps place a rocker in the distance when you're ready for some solo time. Hang a hammock or add a cushioned bench for sneaking a little snooze. Now you're ready to relax.