A month ago I wrote a post about outdoor entertaining items that were going to be hard to find. That list proved prescient, and there are a few items that I would add to the list since then. The shortages make perfect sense – with the pandemic still not under control, those lucky enough to have backyards are looking to transform them into their very own oasis. If that describes you, but you’re not sure where to start, here are 5 ways you can transform your backyard into that paradise you’ve been dreaming about.

Make sure you’ve got comfortable places to sit.

This is probably the most important factor that will determine how much time you spend outside your home. If your backyard doesn’t have a comfortable place to sit, you’re not going to feel motivated to leave the comfort of your home to go be out there.

Add a nice bistro table or conversation set – make sure the materials used in their construction are weather-friendly – and you’re one major step closer to enjoying your backyard the way you always intended.

Throw the good kind of shade on it.

Here’s the thing about outdoor seating: even here in Canada, that summer sun gets HOT. My wife and I made the mistake of not buying any sort of shade for our outdoor seating, and we often found we could only spend a few minutes in the mid-day sun before it got too hot and we had to head back indoors.

By adding a bit of shade to your outdoor seating area, you greatly extend the amount of time you can spend enjoying it. You can add an offset umbrella, canvas sun-shade, or even a pergola or gazebo to escape the noonday sun. Just be aware that these items were – and still are – on my list of tough things to find right now!

Add a bit of thoughtful landscaping.

This is one of those things that you might not get until you see the difference first-hand. The difference between a blank canvas of a backyard and one that is well-landscaped is night and day. Thoughtful landscaping brings an element of nature back into your yard, and instantly makes the space feel more inviting and relaxing. An oasis wouldn’t live up to its name without plants after all, now would it?

Get the lighting right.

Proper lighting is to the night what proper shade is to the day. Done well, it will extend the hours you can spend enjoying your oasis. Here, I’m talking about getting solar lights along key pathways, adding some uplighting to feature plants or architectural pieces, and stringing up some globe lights – I personally love these ones from Amazon – to give your yard that bustling restaurant patio look and feel.

Install a fountain for a bit of tranquility.

The sound of running water is a surefire way to add some peace and tranquility to your backyard oasis. It doesn’t need to be expensive, either. Sure, you could go all-out and install a, in-ground koi pond with built-in waterfall… but you could also just buy a standalone fountain at an affordable price and get a ton of enjoyment out of it. It all comes down to your budget and how much work you’re willing to put in to maintain the fountain.

Wrapping it Up

I have a strong feeling that backyards across the continent are going to be getting some serious makeovers this spring and summer. Many folks who have underappreciated these spaces are only now realizing how important they can be to the preservation of our sanity… it’s just unfortunate that it’s taken a pandemic to do so.

Better late than never though, so have fun with the process and hit up some online image boards if you need a bit of inspiration!