There are many benefits to being outside and gardening. Some of the most notable include benefits to your physical and mental health. With a reduction in stress and blood pressure, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking up vitamin D, gardening can significantly improve your health.
Despite the benefits of being outdoors, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. By designing your backyard to be more inviting and well-landscaped, you can increase your time spent outdoors, leading to improved health outcomes.
These five ideas for beginners will not only get you started, but will get you outside more, working and gardening to create your ideal backyard oasis.
1. Start Small
Depending on the size and scale of your backyard, landscaping can be quite daunting. Fortunately, it does not have to be done all at once, and many of the health benefits come with the time and effort you invest in beautifying your space.
Start small and prioritize what you want to be done first. By choosing a smaller and more manageable task, you are more likely to complete it in a timely manner. After completing one project, you are more likely to feel inspired and confident in your ability to tackle bigger tasks.
2. Create a Focal Point
One of the best places to begin with your backyard design is by creating a focal point. Water, plants, lighting, seating, sculptures, or architecture can be used here. Also, by focusing attention on a certain point, it distracts from areas of your yard that you are still working to refine.
One aspect that will help to ensure your focal point is vibrant year-round is to consider multi-seasonal plants and objects. Play with different colors to highlight your focal point, and even consider putting your focal point off-center to make it more visually interesting.
3. Have a Gathering Place
A yard is a beautiful place to be enjoyed. If you create a gathering place in your yard, it is more likely to be used. Whether you have an outdoor table to host summer dinners outside or a seating situation to play games and engage in conversation, you can make the most of it.
An additional way to yield enjoyment is to install a fire pit. Not only can a fire pit act as a focal point for your seating area, but it can also provide warmth, light, and ambiance to your evening, further prolonging your time spent outside.
4. Grow Your Own Produce
A yard is something that will require time, love, and work. Beyond enjoying the beauty of your hard work, try planting different fruits and vegetables. Not only will harvesting produce feel rewarding, but it will also encourage you to eat more healthily.
Additionally, when you have an abundant crop, sharing your produce with friends, neighbors, and family can help to grow your community.
5. Use Containers
For individuals who have a smaller yard space, or a patio or balcony, you can still find ways to get outside and enjoy your space. Make the most of what you have. Invest in pots to grow your plants. These containers are quite versatile and can enhance your space dramatically.
Not only are containers beneficial for small spaces but also for large spaces. These help to add texture and color to your space. Additionally, container planting is more low-maintenance and cost-effective.
Conclusion
By utilizing these five suggestions, you will be well on your way to creating a beautiful backyard oasis in no time. You will find that your physical and mental state will improve through purposeful labor and additional time spent in nature.
As you start small, create an inviting focal point and gathering space, and start producing your own crops to enjoy and share with others, gardening can become an excellent pastime for prolonged health and happiness.
