Let’s face it… vacations are expensive! We’d all love to take one every year, but things happen and your once blooming budget for that two-week trip to the US Virgin Islands has now been blown, and it looks like you might be having a staycation instead of a vacation.

We feel your pain. So why not make the most of your staycation by transforming your backyard into a beautiful summer oasis with these five easy steps!

# 1. Plant In Layers

The first thing you can do to transform your backyard into an oasis is to add beautiful layers of a variety of plants. Right now is the best time of year to stop by your local nursery and pick out lots of different types of flowers, tropical greenery, grasses, and tall trees that you can plant in your backyard.
When looking for plants, look for an assortment that has different heights, leaf sizes, colors, and textures. Add tall grasses, a few shade trees, and low-lying groundcover to help increase dimensional layers to your backyard.

# 2. Add A Water Feature

Ask any good landscaper what you can do to transform your backyard into an oasis and you can be sure they will suggest adding a water feature in your backyard.

Water is life, and it is a calming and soothing element. The sound of running water can drown out any background noise and turn your backyard into a tranquil, peaceful place.

Adding a water feature doesn’t have to be a big production. It can be as simple as turning a decorative pot into a fountain or some rocks into a waterfall, or stopping by your local hardware store and purchasing a lovely, prefabricated water feature.

# 3. Don’t Forget Fragrant Plants

Once you’ve added your plant layers and your water element, make sure your backyard smells good by potting fragrant plants. Yep, that’s right! Fragrant plants are a must for any backyard oasis.

The way things smell can completely affect your mood, and can be the difference between enjoying your backyard this summer or not. Purchase some beautiful pots and plants that are fragrant, that you enjoy, and that will make the air in and around your backyard smell delightful.

While you’re at it, if you keep your trash and recycling cans in the backyard, relocate them elsewhere on your property for the summer.

# 4. Plant a Food Garden

One of the best things about going away on vacation is eating at different places, and tasting all of the wonderful types of food prepared with local herbs and vegetables. Yes, you might be on a staycation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative and plant a small food garden in your backyard.

Planting a garden and growing your own fruits, herbs, and veggies can help bring out your inner chef, and allow you the opportunity to get creative and try some unique types of food that you might have tried on your vacation.

A huge benefit to planning your own food garden is that you’ll also save yourself some time and a few bucks by not always having to run to the grocery store to get food! You can spend that time relaxing and enjoying the view from your backyard.

# 5. Finish With Natural Stone Accents

Texture will play a huge part in transforming your backyard into an oasis. Include natural stone accents to different areas in your backyard, and be sure to choose a range of textures to create more of a layered effect.
Need more design inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest!
 
At TheRTAStore we help make your dream kitchen a reality with RTA (Ready To Assemble) cabinets, Pre-Assembled cabinets, and accessories with the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call and let one of our friendly kitchen designers help make your kitchen dreams come true!