Pools, Ponds and Patios: Creating Your Own Outdoor Oasis

It is great to enjoy leisure time in your backyard and you can make each day special when you are able to create your own outdoor oasis. There are loads of ways of using water features and other landscaping ideas to turn your outdoor space into an attractive and useful space.

Take a look at how to make the most out of decks and patios. Find out why deck stairs can be pivotal to your design plans. Discover how to create a stunning water feature to complete your plans.

• Save

Size isn’t everything

Having a small backyard is no reason to believe you can’t create an attractive outdoor area.

Using decks and patios will enhance any space regardless of the size of the area you have to work with. You can use these features to provide an outdoor area suitable for outdoor entertaining during the hot summer months.

The surface is also adaptable enough to provide you with a place perfect for dining, offering a dry covered area when the weather might otherwise change your plans.

The design and functionality offered by decking and patio areas are adaptable to your plans. Using these two aspects of hard landscaping in the right way will help you to maximize the use of even the smallest backyard. It will also be aesthetically pleasing on the eye.

Making the most of decks

If you are working with a small backyard space, raised decks are an excellent way to maximize the space available. There are many homes where the backyard is smaller than ideal. Having limited space to create your oasis is no barrier to success, you just have to get creative with your thinking.

A raised deck will help you to keep the green space you want to see in your backyard. What you are doing when you install a raised deck is creating an outdoor space that wouldn’t otherwise be available. The way to make this idea really work is to use deck stairs to connect your decking area to the rest of your space. The stairs enhance the efficiency of your design and allow everything to flow more easily. Use a combination of raised decks and deck stairs to make entertaining family and friends straightforward.

On the level

If you would prefer to keep your entertaining space on one level, the obvious solution would be to install a patio in your backyard. Although the majority of patio designs tend to be either a rectangular or square option, there are far more possibilities when it comes to the finish you choose.

Even concrete gives you more design choices than you might think. You can even use a design cheat to create faux tiles that give you a tiled appearance at a fraction of the cost compared to laying each tile individually. A concrete stamp can be used to make these faux tiles.

If you don’t want to use concrete for your patio, another option would be to use a floating platform design. This option looks good if you have a modern home and want a garden design that compliments this style.

Creating the wow factor

If the ultimate aim is to create your very own backyard oasis, you will need a feature that delivers the wow factor.

There are many different ways to achieve this aim. One way is to work on making contrasting areas by using plants and a water feature. Pool waterfalls at home offer the wow factor and become a definite focal point in your backyard.

Use a combination of plants that vary in height and range from climbers to bushes and small plants with vibrant colors. Choose your plants carefully. Look for varieties that suit the style and aesthetic appeal that will give your outdoor oasis the look and feel you are looking for.

Take your time working out the best location for your backyard water feature. You will want to enjoy the chance to see and even hear the sound of your waterfall whenever you are relaxing in your outdoor space. You don’t want to put it where it is not going to be fully appreciated.

Also, think about power requirements. Easy access to an electrical supply will make the installation process more straightforward.

It is perfectly possible to create the perfect backyard environment using a combination of pools, ponds, plants and patios. Add some creative flair to make them work together so that your backyard becomes your own personal oasis.

Chris Griffin is a garden designer. He is most at peace when he has his hands in the soil, but coming up with gorgeous designs is not far behind, especially when he sees the finished product and the look on his client’s faces.