Public gardens are so much more than just recreational grounds where you can spend some time surrounded by peace and greenery. Besides providing a perfect space for recreation, they can also give you a few valuable ideas on how to design your backyard so it looks like a lush oasis.
Making your garden look like a secluded retreat is easier than you’d think, especially if you have somewhere to draw inspiration from. For example, some public parks focus on planting many rose bushes for their beautiful and timeless blooms, while others are filled with plants pleasing to the eye and nose.
Don’t shy away from adding trees that will provide a pleasant and cool shade even on the hottest day! Additionally, consider incorporating a few paths for taking short strolls in your backyard.
Here are more details on things you can do to turn your backyard into a place where you can forget about the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Make a Walkway
One of the first things you should do is create a pathway through your garden. You can easily do it by placing some stepping stones and planting flowers around them.
Alternatively, you might want to use bricks or small flower pots. This way, you can plant some flowers directly in them. If you’re planning on creating a path around the entire garden, you should dig out the grass in places it will cover to build a foundation for the track.
While planning a walkway that will lead through your garden, you also shouldn’t forget about path lighting. Ambiance lighting can help turn the paths into an attractive focal point in your garden while providing additional illumination at night. You can choose either solar-powered or electric path lights, depending on how much time and money you want to invest in decorative lighting for your walkway.
Remember that if you want everything to have a cohesive look, you may also need to work on your driveway and the overall exterior. For instance, you can do some landscaping in the front, check standard garage door sizes, and consider investing in new ones, especially if your old doors are damaged or look outdated.
Add a Bench
Benches are a popular choice in public gardens because they give people an opportunity to sit down and relax after a hard day’s work. If you have enough space in your garden and enjoy sitting in places where you’re surrounded by greenery, adding a bench is definitely worth considering. It’ll provide a spot where you can sit down and catch your breath after a long day outside.
Remember that benches tend to get dirty quickly when they are outdoors 24/7. So, if you want yours to last longer than one season, make sure it is made of durable wood that’s properly stained and sealed. Additionally, installing solar lights around it can make it more inviting at night.
Grow Trees
Next, consider adding some trees for shade, especially if you live in a sunny area. Shade trees are perfect for any garden because they protect both you and the plants from the harsh sun. They provide a cool, calming shade that will help you unwind and relax after a long day.
If you want to add shade trees to your garden, how about planting some oak trees? They’re hardy and can survive even in dry climates. Other good options include dogwoods, maples, cypresses, cherries, magnolias, birches, and crape myrtles. On top of that, you can add a few tall bushes such as mountain laurel, Japanese rose, or hydrangea.
Plant Fragrant Flowers
Fragrant flowers are an excellent addition to any garden, as they can make the place smell as good as it looks. Rose bushes, honeysuckle, lilac, and lavender all have a pleasant aroma that you and your guests can enjoy. Thanks to their scent, they’re also perfect for cutting and can be made into beautiful bouquets to serve as decoration.
If you want to create a flower garden filled with various plants, you can also consider adding some herbs that you could later use for cooking. Some of the most popular and fragrant herbs include parsley, thyme, and mint. It also may be worth it to plant some coriander, basil, rosemary, or sage.
Get Statuary
Statuary is an excellent way to add a touch of class and elegance to your garden. The best ways to use them include placing them near paths, using them as dividers, or even focal points in your garden. This type of garden addition can be on the pricey side, but it’s well worth the money, especially if you have some wiggle room in your budget.
Statuary gives your garden a sense of grandeur that makes it seem more like a place where high society might gather on a beautiful day. If you prefer something more modern and less expensive, you can choose to use fun and colorful garden gnomes instead. They come in various sizes and designs, so chances are you will find something you like.
In Conclusion
Public gardens are traditional places that have been around for hundreds of years, but they continue to thrive thanks to their numerous benefits. These spaces are natural oases that allow people to enjoy nature and relax after a hard day’s work.
As these traditional gardens continue to evolve and adapt to the changing times, they also serve as perfect inspiration when planning how to make your own backyard look like the most beautiful public garden you’ve ever seen. Besides planting colorful flowers and placing a sculpture at the center of your backyard, you could create a few pathways around your garden or add a bench in your favorite spot.
Use the tips above to transform your backyard into a lush oasis filled with flowers and greenery!
