Creating An Outdoor Oasis - Five Ways
We live in Texas, which means lots of sunshine and lots of heat and humidity. Maybe it's all the concrete, or the endless time spent indoors in air-conditioned places, but we miss being outside, and miss loving to be outside.
This spring we are going to attempt to create a backyard oasis. Here is the list of the five essentials to creating our dream space, our outdoor oasis (in suburban north Texas).
1. A Small Grassy Space
We're not big fans of grass, and xeriscaping is our goal. But we do have dogs and with young children a small amount of grass is nice to have. As long as there is enough grass to lay down a blanket and look at the stars occasionally, that's perfect.
Just a tiny bit of grass and lots of plants!
2. A Covering
A covering can come in the form of trees, a pergola, or a nice umbrella. The main thing to consider is how much natural light the covering will block from the inside of your home. We don't get too much natural light after 1:00, so we'll likely go with an umbrella until our live oak tree grows up.
This pergola offers shade and coverage on windy days.
3. Comfortable Seating
If it's an overnight transition or takes years to get your backyard in great shape, comfortable seating is pretty important. I'd sit out amongst the weeds if I had a little shade, a comfy chair, and a good book.
Wouldn't this be amazing!?
4. Lighting
A strand of twinkle lights, a chiminea, a fire pit, lanterns with candles...the options are endless. Having warm lighting invites you outdoors in the evenings. (And helps keeps the mosquitos away with the right essential oils.)
Such a cozy scene with the fire pit and candles lit.
5. Plants
When it comes to plants, it's really a personal choice. Some like lush abundance, and a little wild. Others like perfectly manicured beds with colorful annuals. It's really up to you. But at least find what you like, and learn those plants so you can take the best care of them possible.
This is our goal - perennials with succulents sprinkled around