One the hottest trends in landscaping is something known as “Garden-Tainment”. Many people since the 2008 recession have turned to the “staycation” as an alternative to an expensive vacation. A staycation is basically where you go on vacation but stay at home and in order to maximize this experience homeowners are transforming their boring backyards into spaces which are an extension of their home while reflecting their personal style. The only limits are your own imagination and maybe your homeowners association rules but anything that helps people see gardening as a joy and not a chore has got merit in my view.

One of the goals of this movement is to create your backyard oasis and for most people that starts with having privacy. A fence is something that I am sure comes to mind but there are lots of creative ways to produce privacy in your yard. It can be in a natural form such as a hedge or a stand of bamboo but how about a vine covered pergola or a garden bench nestled among some trees? Maybe it is a path leading to a gazebo or a decorative wall but the goal is to provide an environment where you can relax and let your worries of the day disappear.

Sometimes it isn’t peace and quiet that you are looking for but rather the fun that comes when your entertaining family and friends. A backyard patio with unique seating such as a retaining wall that doubles as a bench and lots of room to lounge around in the shade with a cool drink may be just what you need to ease your stress. Adding a fire pit will allow you to entertain virtually year round and a water feature such as a fountain can provide soothing background sounds for your guests to enjoy.

If you have children or just love games there are lots of “Garden-Tainment” ideas. How about a bocce ball court or a croquet field? Maybe a horseshoe pit or even a small practice putting green to sharpen your golfing skills is something you would relish. My kids always enjoyed drawing on the driveway with chalk but you can take it to the next level by installing a blackboard in the yard for them to draw on or use to keep score.  Finally, why not install stepping stones that can become a board for a chess or checkers tournament?

Adding color and interest to your yard is easily done with containers. You can change the flower mixes from season to season and if they are light enough you can shift them around to create a new look. A perennial border planted with Coneflowers, Daylillies, and Black-Eyed Susans will ensure you have color that comes back every year and you can mix in bird baths and feeders to attract songbirds to your garden.  There is nothing like the music of nature and how wonderful would it be to have it all available to you right in your backyard?

Now that you know about “Garden-Tainment” maybe you should start thinking about creating your own oasis today!