Our homes have become a calming and safe space to wash away the stress of the day, including our outdoor areas. As a result, many gardens, have become a ‘fifth room’, offering the perfect area for relaxation and spending quality time outdoors – and this trend seems to be here to stay.
That’s why, in today’s email, we’re going to be sharing tips on how to create a zen outdoor space, however you like to relax.
We’re offering to you some ideas and practical tips in hopes you find all the inspiration you need to give your outdoor areas a zen makeover this spring.
So, whether your idea of unwinding is soaking up the sun, chilling with friends on warm summer evenings or getting your hands dirty planting and pruning, we have garden design ideas to suit everyone.
- The wild and whimsical
- The simple and serene
- The practical and sustainable
Relax to the sounds of spring birds with a wild and whimsical garden that allows nature to be the star of the show. The key to a successful wild garden is to accept the imperfections that come with natural habitats, and viewing them as beautiful traits. This means letting things grow their own way, simply pruning them back from time to time to keep paths clear and to help promote regrowth.
For flower beds and planters, opt for a mixture of species to create a striking sea of color – a wildflower seed blend can be an easy option here.
You may also want to include a water feature like a pond to boost that sense of serenity.
If clean lines and a simple design is more your style, there are plenty of options for carving out a calm and soothing outdoor zone for reading, meditating or socializing.
In large gardens, this may look more like a defined relaxation zone, while smaller backyards may benefit from a full makeover.
Achieving your outdoor haven requires a carefully curated balance of texture, decoration and color. To start, lay a solid and versatile foundation with a grounding neutral color palette. Durable stone tiles in beige or a pale gray are ideal for floors bringing both texture and a soothing hue.
Pair with darker wood or metal furniture to create crisp color and texture contrasts.
When it comes to plants, big, bold leafy species are ideal.
With evidence to suggest that the act of gardening itself can help to improve mental and physical health, zen outdoor spaces aren’t just about creating relaxing seated areas. Having a practical and sustainable outdoor space where you can grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs, can provide the perfect escape and a chance to practice mindfulness.
Creating a practical and sustainable garden doesn’t always need lots of room – even modest spaces can yield a decent crop with the right design and plants that utilize vertical space.
To keep maintenance low and optimize the functionality of your outdoor space, opt for raised flower beds that make it easier to weed and pick your produce.
Whatever you choose to grow outdoors, you can help to promote sustainability and keep the zen vibes going by using organic, eco-friendly materials, pesticides and fertilizers.