When it comes to creating the perfect outdoor space the options are virtually limitless – but what if you’re pushed for space? Here we’ll explore small backyard oasis ideas that are affordable, easy to implement and guaranteed to transform any spot into a sanctuary.
Though most of us have our own vision of what the ideal backyard should look like, it’s helpful to know how to design a low-maintenance garden. These landscapes are appealing for their ease of care, seasonal interest, and (of course) beauty. Features can range from easy-care perennials and containers to novel DIY touches. Explore these low maintenance backyard oasis ideas for small spaces and small budgets.
1. Pick Privacy Plants for Floral Screens and Dreamy Evergreens
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For many beginning the process of designing a low-maintenance oasis, privacy reigns supreme. Various species of plants are well-suited to the task, growing quickly to form hedges or screens. Evergreens and other perennial trees and shrubs are most popular. However, annual vines and flowering plants used for screening are also practical and beautiful.
2. Switch up Color Quickly with Long-Flowering Vines
Flowering vines are an invaluable asset to a landscape. Annual and perennial types, most frequently made available in spring, can add privacy as well as dimension to a growing space. Vertical accents further their appeal. The ultimate flowering vines have extended blooming, with some of the best flowering consistently from late spring until early fall.
3. Create Soothing Sounds with Easy Water Features
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The soothing sounds of water are associated with peace and a sense of calm. These same feelings can be attained in a home garden. Water features or garden fountains are especially pleasing for small backyard oasis ideas, allowing a true escape from the bustle of everyday life. Popular water features for the home garden include bird baths, container fountains and even small ponds.
4. Boost the Backyard Mood with Fragrant Hedge Plants
Though many species are planted solely for their fragrance, most bushes and shrubs used in the garden serve a dual purpose. Well selected fragrant hedges are one such example. Though their pleasing scent is their most notable attribute, hedge plants also add a sense of privacy or create flow within the garden’s design. Their duality makes them great backyard oasis ideas on a budget. Hedges of this type also help to diversify the landscape and create meaningful habitats for backyard wildlife.
5. Choose Easy Care Container Plants for Patios and Decks
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Pots and containers are essential as part of your low maintenance backyard oasis ideas. Don’t let limited space stop you: low-maintenance plants for patios can add color and life to otherwise unusable areas. Easy-to-grow plants, such as those tolerant of drought, are often among the best candidates. Other popular patio plants include herbs, ferns and other shade-loving perennial species.
6. Enhance Space and Sanctuary with a DIY Moon Gate
If you have limited space, interest can be added through the use of unique structures and designs. A DIY moon gate is one such example. Stemming from traditional Chinese landscape, this is a fascinating feature for a low-maintenance oasis on a budget. It’s a great way to switch up elements within a space, repurposing materials and creating instant depth and flow.
7. Get Creative with Long-Lasting Exotics & Tropical Plants
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Exotic or tropical plants add a relaxed, vacation-type feel to any backyard space. Living in frost-free regions makes it easy to achieve this vibe, but if you’re a gardener who’s living in a cooler area, you can also create your own tropical space. If you fancy gardening with exotics, hardy species such as hibiscus, cannas, banana and even palms are among the best choices.
8. Tap into Nature with an Affordable Backyard Bird Sanctuary
For bird watchers, creating a habitat for their feathered friends is a high priority. Still, it is possible to appeal to birds if you wish to design a low maintenance oasis on a budget. You can best attract birds to your backyard space by making sure to meet their needs, including water, shelter and food. Bird-friendly perennial plants require the least care, but if you’re exploring backyard oasis ideas on a budget you should also consider planting annual beds.
9. Grow a Rock Herb Garden for Fragrance and Edible Interest
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You might have tricky or poor soils in your backyard, but worry not. Rock herb gardens are ideal for making use of inhospitable ground, offering growers lasting beauty and seasonal flavor in compact spaces. Fresh herbs are unmatched in terms of quality and taste. Though home chefs and those who enjoy their cuisine benefit from such a space, so too will pollinators and beneficial insects.
10. Use Garden Statues to Boost Tranquility and Whimsy
Even those working on a budget can afford a touch of whimsy, and landscaping with statues is a perfect way to boost mood on a shoestring. Some are purely decorative, while others can help to convey personality, are symbolic of your beliefs, or serve as focal or statement pieces. Sculptures and other art works may also convey a specific theme, or enhance the overall presentation of established plants.
Frequently Answered Questions
What is the Most Low Maintenance Landscaping?
Low-maintenance landscape options vary by region. However, most include lawn alternatives, such as extensive mulching and the use of water-wise plants. This allows for a notable reduction in the need for watering and mowing throughout summer. Popular plants for this type of landscape include various native species, wildflowers, and drought-tolerant perennials.
What are the Best Low Maintenance Border Plants?
Low-maintenance plants are those that can survive, and flourish, with only minimal care from growers. These species are hardy, resistant to disease, and able to withstand a wide range of cultural conditions. Though determining the best species can be difficult, gardeners should take each of these factors into account before planting. Common low-maintenance plants for borders include liriope, hosta, sedum, and various ornamental grasses.
