10 Ways to Create a More Relaxing Backyard Oasis
by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener
Watters Will Be Closed Until Jan 2nd for the Holidays
A backyard should be a sanctuary—a place you want to escape to, not from. If your outdoor space feels cluttered or chaotic, it's time for a remodel. Now, during the quieter winter months, is the perfect time to plan and design the spring haven you deserve. Let's look at ten simple yet profound ways to create your own backyard oasis, designed for the unique climate and challenges we face here in the mountains.
#1 Clear the Clutter
Start with a clean slate. A yard overwhelmed with too much furniture, unused play equipment, or broken accessories creates visual stress, the opposite of relaxation. Take a hard look at your space. Now is the perfect time to prune overgrown trees and hedges to create a more open space and let in that precious sunlight. Relocate or donate old play equipment if the kids are grown. Remove anything broken or that doesn't belong in a space of rest. Once the clutter is gone, you can truly see the potential for a relaxing retreat.
#2 Take Advantage of a View
If you have a beautiful view, whether it's the peaks of the surrounding mountains or a distant forest, make it the focus. Do not block the scenery with tall hedges or bulky outdoor furniture. The landscaping should blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, rather than competing with it. Frame the view with your planting and furnishings to draw the eye out. Place your seating where you and your guests can truly appreciate the natural beauty our area offers.
#3 Choose Comfortable Seating
Forget simple patio chairs for quick meals. To truly relax, you need deep seating options, such as lounge chairs or chaise lounges, where you can stretch out and settle in. Comfort encourages you to linger outside rather than head back indoors after dinner. Consider a simple, comfortable hammock hung between two strong trees, like a Ponderosa Pine or a well-established shade tree, for profound unwinding.
The sight and sound of water are inherently calming and restorative. A private pool is the ultimate, but if space or budget is tight, other features work just as well: a simple fountain, a birdbath, or a bubbling rock. The soothing noise helps mask neighborhood sounds, such as traffic or barking dogs. The gentle gurgle of water brings a sense of true outdoor resort luxury right to your home.
#5 Create Shade
Shade is essential for enjoyment in our intense mountain climate. Umbrellas are great for flexibility, but consider more permanent structures for a resort feel, like gazebos or pergolas. For natural, cooling Shade, train vines on overhead arbors or plant shade trees adapted to our area, such as the hardy Austrian Pine or the brilliant Prescott Blaze Maple. Strategic planting keeps your favorite spaces cool through the hottest part of the day. Yes, you can plant trees in winter for trees that will ignite with growth in March and April.
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#6 Select the Right Landscaping
The plants you choose set the mood. You want plants that thrive here, not struggling tropicals that require constant babying. The key is selecting trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials adapted to the local climate. Blend well-adapted varieties with native species. This creates a yard that looks natural, feels peaceful, and transports you to a desirable, beautiful space without constant upkeep. For example, choose plants like Mountain Lilac and Penstemon that are built for our mountain soil and temperature swings.
#7 Design an Inviting Patio or Deck
A bare concrete slab won't cut it. Your patio or deck needs to beckon you outside. Fill the space with container gardens for color, using bright annuals in summer or hardy evergreens in winter. Top 10 Berries for Container Gardens. Add personal touches like art or cozy blankets, and arrange furniture to encourage your favorite activities, whether that's reading, yoga, or relaxing with friends over a cool glass of wine. Make it an extension of your indoor living space.
Privacy is crucial for true relaxation. It's difficult to unwind if you feel exposed to the neighbors. Divide or screen your area with carefully placed screens, walls, or fences of a suitable height. Arbors and overhead structures also enhance the feeling of seclusion, making your outdoor room feel intimate and protected. A row of upright evergreens, like Blue Point Juniper or a climbing vine on a trellis, can work wonders.
Skip the synthetic scented candles and plant the real thing. Fragrant plants are especially potent in the evening, so place them near your seating and dining areas where you'll be lingering. Excellent choices for our area include Lilac, 10 Fragrant Roses, Lavender, and Honeysuckle vine climbing up a nearby trellis. These natural perfumes elevate the entire experience
#10 Define Outdoor "Rooms"
Break up large spaces into defined areas for different purposes, such as a dining area, a lounge space, or a quiet reading nook. This makes the yard feel more structured and less overwhelming. Use different paving materials, outdoor area rugs, or low walls/planters to separate these zones. Giving each area a distinct purpose makes the whole yard more functional and inviting.
That's the blueprint for turning your backyard into your favorite escape. Focus on function, comfort, and surrounding yourself with thriving, climate-appropriate plants. Your oasis awaits!
2026 Garden Classes @ Watters Garden Center
Join us every Saturday morning at 9:30 AM for our free garden classes, right here at Watters Garden Center on Iron Springs Road in Prescott. January is packed with valuable insights to help your garden thrive!
January 10 @ 9:30 - Happy Homebody's Guide to Houseplant Happiness
January 17 @ 9:30 - Don't Just Plant-Grow! A Beginner's Guide
January 24 @ 9:30 - The Art of Wildflowers with Birds, Bees & Butterflies
Until next week, I'll be helping gardeners plan their Backyard Oasis here at Watters Garden Center.
