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The Backyard Oasis

© Nathalie Gignac Henderson

A well planned residential landscape is a little paradise that everyone in the family can enjoy for a couple of hours after a hard day. The tranquillity and privacy it offers is easier to obtain than most people think. Considering a few points before you begin will send you on your way to a lovely, comfortable yard.

In a sense, residential landscaping is like interior decorating. You calculate the space you have, chose the colours, and work with light exposure to maximise comfort. For instance, if you have a shady spot, you can brighten it up with light-coloured flowers such as fuchsias or lilies. Pale foliage like ferns, hostas, and calendiums fill nicely between. Your choices and your taste will determine the final effect. When you're finished, your reward will be a space that pleases all the senses.

With a bit of patience, you can use landscaping to create screens and fences that provide habitat for songbirds and butterflies and bring the relaxation we all need in this busy world. Rain drops falling on sunflower leaves or a breeze stirring maple foliage creates an oasis of serenity even in a high-traffic neighbourhood. Even those who have little time can use a multitude of fast-growing plants to give similar results.

Planning your living space in advance will minimise effort. Identify the areas in your yard that you could make more enjoyable or benefit more from. Maintenance requirements should figure into your plans too, as well as accessories such as tables, chairs and benches, trellises, pots, lighting, and stones. Anything goes; why not a pond, stairs, or pathways? You can save the effort of pulling out an old stump by working it into the blueprint. With a little forethought, you can create the perfect place to dine outside, for kids to play, or to entertain guests.

Weather considerations are another factor. There are plants you can install to shelter you from Mother Nature's extremes, whether hot summer sun or cold winter wind. Also, most people don't realise that residential landscaping can bring material rewards. Bamboo, a popular screen plant, has been used for centuries in crafts and construction, and as a support for other plants. And let's not forget the delicious dividends that fruit trees and other food plants offer. Pleasant-smelling blossoms are especially appreciated in people's harried lives. Fragrant flowers near the patio or under the window can bring sweet dreams. Imagine friends and family at a barbecue, with rich smells from the garden swirling all around. These are just a few of the ways you can create a place to enjoy evenings and weekends and stimulate your senses.