BKYD Life

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Outdoor Design

The Antiques and Garden Show

This past weekend was filled with a lot of events and activities. Some parents of school-aged children were scrambling to find the right solution for the class Valentine’s ~ only to realize that the stores were all sold out and they had to get creative. A recored crowd attended the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, AZ ~ could you blame them, it was 80* there! I heard something about a little football game in Los Angeles, CA ~ did you watch the Superbowl? And, the Antiques and Garden Show in Nashville, TN.

While the golf tournament was 20 minutes from my house, I choose to fly to Nashville for the Antiques and Garden Show. I have been to Nashville many times before and so I knew what a great town it is to spend a little time. The Show was downtown at the Music City Center, a beautiful convention complex.

Downtown Nashville, the building in the foreground is the Music City Center.

Proceeds from the event benefitted both Cheekwood and ECON Charities. Cheekwood is a botanical garden and ECON is an service organization local to Nashville. You can click the links to learn more about them. If you would like to learn about other botanical gardens, click here to read a recent article.

The speaker lineup was impressive. Martha Stewart was the keynote speaker and Bunny Williams was not only the Garden & Landscape Design speaker, she was also the Honorary Chair for the event. The Lifestyle lecture was given by the ladies of The Home Edit, Clea Shearer and Joanna Templin ~ have you seen their show on Netflix or read their books? And, the final talk was given by Alexa Hampton who spoke about the business of design. I attended Bunny Williams talk ~ stay tuned for an article coming next week all about that.

When I was not attending a lecture, I browsed the display hall. The organizers of the event invited many vendors from all over the US, I noted retailers from Georgia, Florida, California, Tennessee and some online retailers. Here are a few photos for your visual enjoyment ~

For more photos, check out bkyd.life on Instagram.

If you get a chance to attend the Antiques and Garden Show next year, I would suggest you go. There are so many ideas to getting the most out of your indoor and outdoor space. If you click over to the official website, you can subscribe to updates for the next show. Start making plans now and I just might see you there!

Outdoor Holiday Decor

Quick question, do you decorate the outside for the holidays? If you do, do you only decorate the front yard or front of your house? Have you ever thought about spreading some of that holiday cheer to the backyard?

I don’t know how your house is laid out, but my family room (the place we spend most of our time in the evenings) is in the back of the house. So when I decorate the front porch and front yard, my neighbors get to see all my hard work. That is when they drive by because, again, their house is laid out like mine which means they are in the back of their house when all the Christmas lights are on in the evening.

I guess my real question is ~ Why not decorate the backyard? I know I would enjoy the beautiful decorations and the glow of the lights by looking out the back windows. Of course, my tree is inside. Specifically, in my family room so I can enjoy it in the evenings. But I think that setting up the backyard, spreading some of those outdoor decorations in the back of the house would be worth it. There is no rule that the front yard should get all the attention. Time to think out of the box or in this case out of the front yard!

Do we really just put up yard decorations for others or do we want to enjoy them ourselves? I know I decorate for myself and for others. How about you? Will you join me in spreading some cheer into the backyard?

Here are a few things I found that I will be adding to my backyard ~

These lights are great. Both color and clear are available. They are actually solar lights so I don’t have to turn them on or off – they just magically come in and will look beautiful in a tree out in my backyard.

These rope lights would be another great option. They can be snaked through plants or wound up tree trunks. Lots of different light color options, too.

I think adding lots of lights is my preferred way to decorate my outdoors, but you can find lots of options to add to the yard such as these light up presents.

However you choose to decorate your backyard, just have fun and do what suites you and your backyard style.

5 Ideas for Budget-Friendly Backyard Structures

Have you been itching to give your backyard a makeover, especially after being stuck indoors so much lately? “But doesn’t backyard remodeling cost a fortune?” you may ask. It doesn’t have to.

The good news is your vision can become reality on a limited budget. Changing or adding some backyard structures is a great way to give your outdoor space new life — and it can be budget-friendly if you do it right. Here are some ideas for affordable backyard structures that will create the perfect at-home outdoor retreat. 

UPCYCLE PALLETS 

Stacks of pallets to make backyard structures

Ah, pallets. They’re perfect for DIY projects since they’re super easy to work with (even if you’ve never attempted a DIY project before). They’re extremely inexpensive – you could even score some for free if you’re lucky. Plus, you can use them as they are or give them a fresh coat of your favorite paint. Upcycling pallets is also an environmentally-friendly way to beautify your yard. Here are some ideas for upcycling pallets into backyard structures. 

1. Pallet Planters 

Save space and money by using pallets to create vertical planters. Growing vertically offers a way to enjoy some of your favorite plants while maximizing growing space and taking up less room. Pallets make great raised planters too. 

2. Pallet Furniture 

Pallet outdoor sofa and pergola showing backyard structures

Need new patio furniture? Wood tends to age well when it comes to outdoor furniture and is extremely durable. With pallets, you can create anything from sofas to tables, rustic to fancy – the options are plentiful. Since pallets are so inexpensive, if furniture goes beyond your DIY talents, you can use the money saved to get furniture made for you. 

3. Backyard Storage 

Outdoor pallet storage area

Need a useful yet attractive storage unit for all your backyard odds and ends? Pallets are an easy way to create a variety of storage options. From shelves to bins, benches to worktables, pallets can easily take care of your storage needs at a fraction of the price. 

DIY FIRE PIT 

When it comes to budget-friendly backyard structures, you’re allowed to think big. You can have a safe, sturdy, and good-looking outdoor fire pit on a budget. Fire pits are always a great idea, no matter the season. From cozying up on cold nights to throwing steaks on the grill, you can’t go wrong with a fire pit. Here are some inexpensive options to get you started. 

1. Paver Fire Pit

Backyard fire pit with a stick roasting marshmallows

All you need are pavers for the floor, retaining wall blocks for the wall, and sand to sweep across the pavers to lock them in place. This quick, inexpensive fire pit can be completed in a weekend. Begin by laying a ring of blocks, then install the pavers inside as the floor. Be prepared to channel your inner mason because you may have to round out some of the pavers to create a circle. If so, use a masonry chisel and hammer. Don’t forget to wear eye protection and heavy gloves. Safety first! 

2. Pond to Fire Pit 

If you’re thinking of getting rid of your Koi pond – don’t. Consider a transformation instead. Unused backyard ponds are the epitome of inexpensive backyard structures as they require very little money (and effort) on your part. Simply layer the bottom with sand, cover with rocks, and pile on the firewood. As long as your pond is lined with stones or concrete and is the right size, you may just have a new place for friends and family to gather.

THROW SOME SHADE 

If your backyard sees a lot of sunshine during the day – maybe even a little too much – you might want to consider installing a shade structure; especially if you live in areas with extremely high temperatures. Trees are ideal, but they’re not always possible. Plus it may take a few years before you can enjoy some real shade. Here are some backyard structures that give shade without blowing your budget.  

1. Penny-Pinching Pergola 

Pergola as one budget-friendly backyard structure option

Pergolas are great because they allow some sunshine to sneak through the beams while also providing a bit of shade. Save money by using reclaimed wood or beams. Not only is this an extremely affordable type of budget-friendly backyard structure, but it looks great too. Consider planting ivy or climbing roses to grow onto your structure to provide even more shade and add some height. 

2. Shade Curtains 

Curtains aren’t just for indoors, they’re perfect for outdoors too. Repurpose some old curtains or purchase inexpensive material to hang over and around a basic structure for quick and easy cover from the sun. Another benefit – you can swap out the material for a different color whenever you get bored. Shade curtains also provide privacy that other shade structures don’t.

REPURPOSING 

If you take a look around your backyard, you may see some random items that you no longer use or that are losing their “shine.” While you may see junk, I see items that can be given a new purpose. Repurposing items you already have means not having to spend any more money – all you need is a little elbow grease. We touched on repurposing some items above, but here are more ideas. 

1. Wheelbarrow Planter 

A wheelbarrow planter as one type of backyard structure

Got an old wheelbarrow hanging around? Clean it up, give it a fresh coat of paint, throw in some soil and your favorite flowers, and turn it into one of your new favorite backyard structures. You could even leave the rust on for a vintage look!

2. DIY Water Features 

This may require some creativity on your part – go wild! The most random of objects can be repurposed into personality-filled water features or fountains: 

  • Hanging watering cans 
  • Rustic windowpane with water falling like a waterfall 
  • Old teapot pouring water into a wooden barrel 
  • Old gutters 
  • Terra cotta pot fountain 

FIXER-UPPER 

A young woman outside building a backyard structure

Sometimes your existing backyard structures just need a little TLC. Perhaps your garden shed needs a fresh coat of paint or a new (reclaimed) door. Does your porch need more pops of color? Consider covering your outdoor furniture in inexpensive fabric or adding colorful cushion covers (DIY, of course). Maybe some of your garden pathway pavers need replacing or could go in a different direction? The point is, the problem isn’t always as big as it seems. Sometimes, something small can make a huge difference. 

Budget-Friendly Backyard Structures: Think Outside the Box 

No matter how big or small your plans are for your backyard, you can achieve the outdoor oasis of your dreams on a limited budget. A little creativity goes a long way (so does some elbow grease). Remodeling your yard could even become a fun activity with family and friends – call in some favors, ask for help when you need it. It might take some time, but your affordable backyard structures may soon be the envy of the neighborhood! 

Think Big: Small Backyard Ideas with Big Impact

We’re not all lucky enough (or simply don’t want) to have a big, sprawling backyard. There are benefits to smaller outdoor spaces such as less maintenance, fewer utility bills, and a cozy appeal. No matter the size of your yard, it’s possible – and sometimes necessary – to make the most out of the space available. These small backyard ideas are designed to do just that: maximize the space, make it look bigger, and tailor it to suit your needs. Let’s get started!

Optical Illusion: Making a Small Backyard Look Bigger

The corner of a small patio with a wooden bench and hanging plants

It’s possible to trick your visitors (and yourself) into thinking you have more space than you actually do. With a few small backyard landscaping techniques, you can alter perception. These tips work for front and side yards too.

1. Organization is Everything

It’s common to think that leaving a small yard open and haphazard makes it look and feel bigger. Well, the opposite is true. It’s important to plan your space, with each area having a clear, intended purpose. This does not require walls. It’s possible to have sections while keeping the space open. For example, you can separate the dining space from the play area with a few plants or a pebble pathway. It’s in the defined spaces that you get a spacious feeling.

2. Diagonal Pavers and Decking

Close-up of wood laid out for outdoor decking on a house

Diagonal lines create the illusion of a space being bigger than it really is. Apply this to your outdoor space by laying your patio planks in diagonal lines instead of horizontally or vertically; or by laying pavers in a diagonal or winding pattern for a path or walkway. Be sure not to make your walkway too wide. Instead, gradually decrease its width as it goes farther toward the back of the yard. This makes the end seem farther away than it really is.

3. Use Color Correctly

If you love bright colors, place them close to the entry to the yard. This draws people’s attention, causing the background to recede. You can also use them in areas you’d like to draw attention to. On the other hand, cool colors such as blue and purple blend easily into greenery and should be used near the borders of the yard. No need to rely on paint or material to create this effect. You can use plants too – just make sure they bloom in the appropriate color.

4. Take it to Another Level

Overhead shot of a small backyard with stairs going up to upper balcony

Bring depth to a small yard by creating levels. If possible, add steps, create a sunken patio or outdoor fire pit, or raised lounging area. However, you don’t have to go that far. You can create dimension simply by having a container garden or raised planter. If you do go for the container garden, incorporate vines over the sides to draw the eye downward.

5. Incorporate Structures

Pergolas and other architectural features are great to add to your list of small yard ideas. They serve multiple purposes such as framing a view or providing support for a climbing garden, all while adding character to your outdoor space and creating the illusion of more space.

6. Furniture Choices

Woman sitting on wicker furniture in a garden showing small backyard ideas

Big, bulky furniture may be extra comfy, but it overwhelms a small yard and takes up a lot of (valuable) space. Stick with smaller furniture (which can be comfy too) that has a see-through design. This allows the eye to travel further. Additionally, choose furniture that is multi-functional and easy to store away when not in use. Think foldable chairs, a wide bench that can be used as a picnic table, or tabletop fire pits. This creates less clutter, making your space appear larger.

Small Backyard Ideas: How to Maximize Your Outdoor Space

An outdoor patio featuring a wine collection and outdoor furniture

Now we’re going to jump into how to get the most use out of your limited space. From storage to entertaining, small yards can pack just as much fun as big ones.

1. Use the Walls

Take advantage of the exterior walls of your house by installing shelving. This can be used to hold decorative pieces, plants, or your guests’ drinks and snacks when entertaining. Shelves won’t take up precious floor space or need to be put away. Get creative with your choice of shelving: make sure it’s attractive, fits in with your décor, and is functional.

2. Lighting a Small Yard

Close-up on lightbulbs on string lights hung outdoors

Amp up the coziness factor by hanging string lights across your small yard. They’re inexpensive, create great ambiance, and eliminate the need for standing lamps that take up floor space.

3. Impromptu Bench

Small backyard ideas require a bit of creativity. Take advantage of any sturdy ledge and convert it into a bench. Simply throw on some comfy, colorful pillows and you’re done! Need a side table? Grab a small garden stool, add a few coasters, and call it a day.

4. Hanging Plants

A woman in a garden surrounded by flowering hanging plants

Potted plants are great but they take up floor space. When landscaping your small backyard, consider a green wall to hang your plants. Make use of the garden fence, pergola, or exterior walls of your home to do this and you’ve got an instant colorful plant gallery of sorts. Hey, you could even plant some fresh herbs to use in your kitchen. Another benefit – they’ll be out of reach of rambunctious kiddos.

5. Borrow Space

Don’t have a backyard? Convert your front or side yard into one! If you do already have a backyard, extend it by using the side yard. More space equals more use. All of a sudden your small backyard landscaping project has become a bigger one. Use the (extra) space to plant an herb or vegetable garden, create an outdoor kitchen complete with fire pit, or make it a Zen garden to retreat and relax. The options are endless.

6. Stylish Storage

Large barrels in a backyard sitting around a fire pit

When maximizing space, you need small backyard ideas that serve more than one purpose. Once again, choosing furniture is a big deal here. Consider a bench (or wooden chest) with a top that opens up to reveal a storage unit – perfect for storing cushions, garden tools, toys, and more. Barrels also provide excellent storage, and can work as a cooler and be used as seating or side tables. Pick stylish items that are multifunctional, won’t take up too much space, and are easy to move around.

Small Backyard Ideas for Different Occasions

A backyard patio and pool

Like any backyard, small ones can have many uses. Here are some landscaping ideas for small backyards with different priorities.

1. Entertaining Family and Friends

  • Lure your visitors outdoors by creating a destination in the form of a special feature in your backyard such as a fountain or fire pit. Alternatively, you could simply have a well-arranged patio set and grill. Having a destination makes your tiny space worth a visit.
  • Use several small spaces: Set up multiple areas for guests to mingle by dividing your small backyard into different sections. The grill could be in one corner, drinks set up on another side, while meals can be served on a larger, round patio table (round tables are easier to walk around than rectangular or square ones). This way, everyone isn’t crowded around one spot.
  • Purchase small, narrow furniture to provide seating for a few guests. This creates space to walk around the deck or garden and has the added benefit of elongating it –  creating the illusion of a bigger space.
  • Hang decorations or keep them to one side, leaving space for seating (or dancing) on the other side.

2. Gardening in Small Yards

Woman pruning plants in a planter box

Containers, green walls with hanging plants, and raised beds work great when gardening in small spaces. Here’s another trick for small backyard landscaping: instead of arranging your plants in rows or square patterns, stagger your plants by planting in triangles. This allows you to fit up to 14% more plants in each bed. Just remember not to pack them too tightly or they won’t reach their full size.

3. Private Getaway

For many people, a backyard serves as a personal space to get away from the stress of the world. A small backyard works perfectly as a meditation garden (just enough space for you), a reading nook, or somewhere to take a coffee break. Here’s how:

  • Surround yourself with low-maintenance greenery and fragrances. Green is soothing and scents from plants such as lavender can help you relax and feel calm.
  • If possible, install a small water feature. The soothing white noise of water can have a calming effect on you. Plus it looks great in any backyard.
  • For a Zen atmosphere, choose lighting that isn’t too bright or distracting, add inspiring artwork as a focal point to draw the eye and make your space seem bigger, and create a small Zen garden in one corner with rocks, pebbles, and sand (don’t forget the rake).
  • Hang up a hammock or throw some comfy cushions on the ground to really relax.
  • Set up a small coffee table and chairs.
  • Keep things simple and minimalist – the less stuff, the less clutter, the more relaxing.

Small Backyard Ideas: Think Outside the Box

Couple sitting at small outdoor table

Implementing these small backyard ideas requires some creativity on your part. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – small outdoor spaces offer more than they seem and can create just as many memories as larger ones. It’s more about how you use your space and the character you inject into it.

Do you feel better about your small backyard? How will you make the most of it? Let us know in the comments below!

5 Hillside Landscaping Ideas to Spruce up Your Yard

A house on a hill has the amazing advantage of spectacular views. However, sloped yards are notoriously difficult to maintain with problems such as soil erosion and difficulty in navigation. There are ways around these issues, though. As usual, I’ve got you covered. With these 5 hillside landscaping ideas, your hilly backyard will soon be the envy of the neighborhood.

1. Tier-ific Idea

A tiered garden showing one of five hillside landscaping ideas

The number one problem for sloped backyards is soil erosion. Naturally, the steeper the incline, the bigger the problem. One way to limit soil runoff is to introduce tiers to your backyard. Not only are they practical, allowing you to access your garden easier, but they also look great. Tiers add dimension, making your backyard more visually appealing.

You can use different materials to terrace your hillside. Stone walls are a great idea as they are low maintenance once installed. They also heat up in the warmer months and hold heat at night, creating a microclimate for plants that wouldn’t do well in other areas of your backyard.

2. Stairs to get Around

An outdoor staircase made of stones

Stairs not only make it easier to access your backyard but they provide some order too. Whether you decide to let nature take over or have a well-manicured backyard, stairs give you the option to enjoy your garden a bit more up close.

From wood to concrete to stone, there are so many choices of material for stairs. To help your little stairway to heaven blend into the surroundings, choose a more natural-looking material and consider having plants on either side.

3. Low-Maintenance Rock Garden

A person grabbing a rock for landscaping

Of these hillside landscaping ideas, this one is definitely low maintenance. If you intend to grow various plants, they’re going to require water to thrive. But watering a slope increases chances for soil erosion. Rocks provide a great way to anchor the soil and prevent runoff.

If your sloped yard is rocky, begin by letting the rocks fall where they may – this gives it a more natural look. Throw in a few more well-placed rocks where needed and add your plants between the spaces. Some maintenance and de-weeding may be required as the plants take hold, but as they begin to spread you’ll have less to do. I recommend plants that don’t require too much water to thrive, such as cacti and other succulents to cut your hillside landscaping requirements down to a minimum.

4. Plant Selection

A picnic table surrounded by shrubs on a backyard hill showing hillside landscaping ideas

Speaking of low maintenance, landscaping a slope can require a little extra work. Keep your backyard chore list short by selecting plants that aren’t so needy. Coneflowers, shrubs, grasses, and plants native to your area ask very little of you when they’re growing and provide a network of roots that help prevent soil erosion. They’re also quite hardy come wintertime, as well as colorful and great to look at. A little pruning here and there and you’re good to go. With the right choice of plants, your hillside can look great all year round.

5. Central Feature with Seating  

An outdoor fireplace with seating surrounding it

You know I had to include something in this list of hillside landscaping ideas that will encourage you to stay outdoors a little longer! What’s the point of having a beautiful view but nowhere to sit and enjoy it outdoors? I highly recommend incorporating a central feature in your hilly backyard; and any central feature should have some seating. This will likely require some work (and money) to install, but if you can it’s certainly worth it.

Consider water features or – one of our favorites – a fire pit. Fire pits not only look great but they serve various purposes from providing warmth to cooking and bringing friends and family together. You can get creative with your choice of seating – building concrete or stone benches into the hill and around the fire pit to complement the surroundings and anchor the soil.

Hillside Landscaping Ideas: Mix and Match

A log cabin style home perched on a hill

The great thing about these hillside landscaping ideas is that you don’t have to choose just one. Most of them work well together – winding stairs leading to a fire pit surrounded by rocks and shrubbery, for example. There are so many landscaping ideas for slopes. So if you have a hilly backyard, it’s not all downhill; things are looking up!

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Transform Your Backyard Into a Personal Meditation Garden

Sometimes we consider our backyard as the perfect place to entertain friends and family. While I love entertaining, a backyard can fulfill so many other purposes. Have you ever considered your backyard as the perfect spot to retreat and self-reflect? Why not use your backyard as a personal meditation garden?

Every now and then, some peace and quiet can do you good. Not convinced? Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits of meditating.

Why You Should be Meditating (Outdoors)

Man sitting outdoors meditating in a meditation garden

There’s a reason why meditation retreats are often immersed in nature. Meditation can help control anxiety, lessen stress, improve and promote mental and emotional health. Stress tends to amplify pain and inflammation. Meditation can help alleviate that. Outdoor meditation can also activate our senses, making us more alert and mindful. Nature provides a welcome distraction away from electronic devices and everyday responsibilities.

Through meditation, you can also enhance self-awareness to better tune into your thought habits. Find yourself struggling to pay attention? Meditation can lengthen your attention span and may even reduce age-related memory loss.

Due to the boost in positive thoughts and feelings that meditation can produce, this can lead to a general increase in kindness (we could all do with more of that, especially in today’s world).

A strengthened immune system, lowered blood pressure, and other general physical health benefits are also associated with meditation. Plus my favorite benefit of all – improved sleep: meditation can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

A meditation garden is the perfect environment to foster a calming atmosphere that allows practitioners to relax and find the peace they’re seeking. So, how can you create the perfect Zen garden? Here are some ideas.

The Great Escape: How to Create Your Meditation Garden

Before you begin, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, personal needs, and preferences. What type of meditation will you be practicing? Some people find the act of gardening to be a form of meditation in itself. Or perhaps you prefer having an area to practice yoga? Once you’re clear on your intentions, you can begin the design process.

1. Choose a Quiet Corner

The purpose of a meditation garden is to help you feel tranquil, safe, and protected. It should be a private space, as separate as possible from your entertaining area. Select an area of your backyard and separate it (partially or completely) using shrubs, plants, a fence, or any other simple, low-maintenance material. Keep this area free of chaos. Remember, you’re trying to achieve a sense of calm. 

2. Add Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand

Close-up of rocks stacked on sand in an outdoor meditation garden

Rocks, sand, and gravel are some of the more popular ways of adding a bit of Zen to your garden. This element is easy to make – simply create a space for your sand and add rocks wherever and however you please. Use a rake to create lines and/or relaxing ocean-like waves. The act of raking sand and rearranging rocks can be calming and helps to increase mindfulness. This is a great way to unwind and clear your mind. Additionally, rocks and sand require zero maintenance on your part – one less thing to worry about.

3. Incorporate Shade

Meditating with the sun beating down on you may get a little uncomfortable. Although sunshine is great for your outdoor meditation garden, you may want some filters for relief from heat – especially in summer. If you don’t have an ideally-placed tree, you can easily add shade by using a patio umbrella, shade sail, or pergola.

4. Create a Pathway

A shaded pathway that leads to an outdoor meditation garden

Many meditation gardens have a pathway leading to a seating area. Your pathway can be as simple or creative as you like. Consider using pavers, bricks, gravel, or stone, as well as spiral designs. If you have the space, a labyrinth is a great idea as it can symbolize the journey to finding your inner self.

5. Seating Area

This does not necessarily have to be an actual chair or bench. It could simply be a space to place your yoga mat, pillows, or even a hammock. What matters is how you intend to use the space in your meditation garden. If you want to read a book, consider a comfortable, waterproof outdoor sofa. If you intend to stretch, make sure your space is clear, flat, and can fit a yoga mat or two – there’s no harm in sharing your meditation garden with others who are also seeking relaxation.

6. Greenery

Close-up of ferns in an outdoor meditation garden

Green is a soothing color and helps keep things natural. Add texture, shape, and varying shades to make your meditation garden more visually appealing. Consider native plants, trees (older growth trees already located in the space are ideal), hedges (shape them for visual interest), and shrubs – they’re low maintenance.

7. Add Scents

Lavender not only has visual appeal but its scent can be calming and help improve sleep. Consider other sweet-smelling perennials to awaken your senses. What is meditation without a dose of aromatherapy? Remember that these scents may attract birds and insects, so choose wisely.

8. Water Features

Water features in an outdoor meditation garden

The soothing white noise of water has a calming effect. In fact, water sounds have long been used in meditation. There is scientific evidence suggesting that the in-and-out rhythmic motion of ocean tides and waves can positively affect the neuronal waves in the brain, promoting a peaceful pace of thought. Water can also mask any unwanted noise such as traffic. From a fountain to a pond or a birdbath – the choice is yours. If you can’t put in a water feature, consider using a white noise app that plays different water sounds.

9. Add Artwork

Art has the ability to tap into our inner selves – plus it’s visually appealing. From large-scale Buddha sculptures to small figurines, the artwork you choose for your meditation garden should calm, soothe, and inspire positive thinking. Consider yourself an artist? Create some art of your own.

10. Lighting

lighting candles outdoors

If evening meditation is more your thing, consider some natural outdoor light such as candles or an outdoor fire pit or fireplace. To create a serene atmosphere, opt for dim lighting and stay away from overly bright, distracting lights.

Make Your Meditation Garden Your Sanctuary

There’s no need to travel to a yoga ashram à la “Eat Pray Love.” Sometimes there’s no place like home to gain some peace of mind. No matter what features you choose for your meditation garden, make sure they are authentically you. Create a personal outdoor space that allows for stillness, peace, and positivity – you deserve it.

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