Backyard oasis. Don’t you just love the way that sounds? I mean who wouldn’t want an oasis right in their own backyard? I’m not talking about spending thousands upon thousands of dollars on lap pools and pergolas and outdoor kitchens, complete with a sous chef. While that might be a most lovely backyard to have, I’m not suggesting that… at least not today. Today I want to talk about a few inexpensive touches that can transform your backyard into a place you truly want to be. You can create an instant oasis in your backyard with the following changes…
String A Hammock
If you have two trees that aren’t too far apart, you can have a hammock in your backyard oasis. A hammock for lounging, reading or even taking a nap. And hammocks are pretty budget-friendly. You can buy a camping hammock for your backyard starting at around $25 or a woven rope, two-person hammock for just over $100. No trees? No problem. You can get a hammock with a stand for under $200. Now THAT is starting to sound like an oasis, isn’t it?
Add String Lights
String lights, once only available at the holidays are now available almost everywhere and all year long. There are so many varieties to choose from and most have fixed that “one goes out, they all go out!” problem of Christmas Vacation fame. Many styles are also available in solar options. Whether you traverse your patio top with them (as shown above) or wrap your bushes in them, some lovely white lights add a sense of whimsy and playfulness to your backyard. I love the Edison bulb option (looks like a bunch of clear, incandescent lightbulbs on a string), but there are so many options that you can have fun with. Try it… your oasis awaits.
Add An Outdoor Bar And Create A Backyard Oasis
An outdoor bar can be a very expense backyard addition, which, in warmer climates, may be justified. But here in the Northeast, where I live, I don’t think it’s necessary to spend an arm-and-a-leg on what you can only use for a few months out of the year. You can create an outdoor bar using pallets; Pinterest is filled with ideas and construction plans for these. You can also create a bar from a potting table, like the one above; these are available at most garden centers, as well as places Amazon. If your space is limited, simply spray paint an old, metal utility or tea cart; these work great for bars and are available in a lot of thrift and consignment stores, like Consignments Ltd. A martini… outside… whilst the family plays cornhole…now you really have created a backyard oasis.
Fashion A Water Feature or A Fire Pit
The sounds of crackling fire or gurgling water speak to rest, relaxation and ease from the stresses of the day. Adding a firepit or a backyard fountain can give this to your outdoor space. Fountains can be made easily out of ceramic pots or galvanized tubs and a pump kit. Fire pits come in so many varieties – from the clay chiminea to the stainless steel vessel that works on propane – that it’s hard not to find one to love that’s in budget. Just think about the peace and serenity the sound of the moving water will bring… and then, of course… the s’mores! If that’s not a backyard oasis, I don’t know what is.
And Now For A Little Music Before We Go…
Still up for more reading? Check out my previous blogs like: Summer Entertaining Items From Thrift and Consignment and Best Places To Visit in Rhode Island.
No Comments