Issue #47 - Ottawa Outdoors Magazine

Page 51

Ideas for a relaxing backyard BY LANDSCAPING IDEAS

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Unfortunately, many also find their backyards to be places that aren’t comfortable and relaxing. Often by lack of knowledge or even lack of creativity we create formal spaces that really aren’t quite suitable for relaxing. If you are one of the many seeking relaxing backyard ideas for your home and garden there are a few ideas below that may help you accomplish your goal. The first thing you must do however is identify what things you find relaxing. Just as many things in life, relaxation is not one size fits all. BIRD PARADISE The first suggestion is to create an area in which birds will come to rest. Many people find that bird watching is not only entertaining and enjoyable but also very relaxing as a hobby. You can do many things with your landscaping that will attract birds and other wildlife to your backyard. Some of those things include adding bird feeders that are kept well stocked to your backyard, landscaping with plants, bushes, trees, and shrubs that are attractive to birds, and providing a nice bird bath from which birds can drink and play. These types of backyards are very relaxing to bird lovers and can be enjoyed all seasons if you have a sunroom overlooking your backyard. Be sure to have a hammock where you can lie back and relax while waiting for those rare birds to make an appearance. NATURAL OASIS Mother Nature is a wise designer. If you take some of her greatest creations and features and have them in use on some scale in your back yard you should find a very organic and relaxing atmosphere from which to escape your day. I prefer using materials that are natural, particularly when landscaping or designing an outdoor living space. I find nature in and of itself to be quite relaxing. That doesn’t mean that I do not find a cedar hot tub relaxing I most certainly do (I also find the cedar to be a great fit for my backyard), it simply means that using materials that are natural for a good portion of the features is a great way to

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blend them all together. Wood fences, stone tables or birdbaths, slate fountains, and wood furniture are also great backyard additions. There are many other fantastic and relaxing backyard ideas all around you. Just look around and see what you think will create the atmosphere you are hoping to achieve and remember that some people

PHOTO BY EGONZITTER

f you are like many, your backyard is your oasis from the world. This is the spot you choose to spend your time off with your family and friends. It is a place where you will do a lot of your living.

find a basketball goal as relaxing as you may find a nice quite place to read in the shade. By this I mean that there is no absolute right or wrong way to go about creating your relaxing backyard space. There is only the discovery or what is or is not right for you.

ES FR TI EE M AT E

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885 River Road (613) 692-2501 www.LandscapeDepotOttawa.com OTTAWAOUTDOORS | 51


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