Has your backyard become overgrown, cluttered or just has a tired uninviting look? Or maybe redoing your backyard space has been one of those projects that you have put off.

A few simple steps will help you create a backyard getaway.

• Organize your space. Get rid of any unwanted plants, furniture or clutter.
• Tidy the lawn. Keep your lawn mowed and trim around trees, gardens and porch areas.
• Create backyard privacy. Fencing, lattice fencing or a trellis will block the view of the road or the neighbors yard. Shrubbery or trees will also add privacy. If you don’t have time for plants to grow this season add flowering vines. It doesn’t take much to make a break and add a feeling of privacy to your backyard.
• Plant flowers. Even if you’re not a gardener plants and flower add color and a lush feel to a home. A few potted trees or containers for flowers will create an oasis feel to the yard.
• Add an entertainment center. Buy a grill for your backyard and add a patio table or picnic table for casual entertaining. And if you want a larger project, add a fire pit or outdoor room.
• A simple patio can be created by adding flagstone or by simply removing the turf in an area and adding mulch or stone to the area.
• Pathways in the yard will add a feeling of adventure to your yard as they wander for one area to another. Add a mini garden, secret garden, bench or water fountain along the path and a create mini garden area for relaxation in the yard.
• Add new trees, fruit trees or potted trees for a lush feel and more privacy. Trees that have blossoms will add fragrance and color to your backyard.
  photo credit: Indiewench

Many additions to a backyard take little time and money and can be done on a weekend. Have your family suggest ideas for the backyard makeover and have them help to create the new backyard oasis.

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As you plan your backyard design keep in mind the steps previously mentioned in Backyard Design Ideas. And as you move into the next phase of design remember there’s still time to change your plans you have on paper. I myself usually have three of four designs on paper before I select the final landscape design to use.
photo credit: brewbooks

Once you have check for any City or State building codes, Home Association rules if they apply and know your property boundaries its time to start to create you backyard oasis paradise.

These are the final steps you will want to consider when finalizing your plan.

Colors

By landscaping with the colors you like, you will reduce the number of plants that you have to consider and your finished landscape will be more pleasing to you.

Natural lighting

This is critical in pool, pond and plant selection. Pools and ponds need enough light to warm and be a healthy environment. Plants will need to be selected by choosing the right plant for sun or shade. This will control the plants health and growth. If you have gardens you will need six to eight hours of natural sunlight.

Landscape Lighting

If you are planning to use the backyard at night or are adding special effect lighting this is the time to install it, before the entire backyard design is finalized. You don’t want to work around added hardscape and new plants. You may also want to look into solar lighting. It’s less work and going green is good for the environment.

Soil

Improve your soil before you add plants, trees and shrubs. Good soil promotes healthy plants and healthy plants take less maintenance. You can usually tell by the look of your soil if it needs compost or additives to make it drain better. But a test for the proper soil for the plants is not as obvious. Most County extensions will do a soil test for you or you can pick up a soil tester kit at hardware stores and farm supply centers.

My soil is a heavy clay base, rich in nutrients but usually need to have lime added. I also compost the ground heavily to help with drainage.

Plants

Plants add beauty and relaxation to a yard. It’s one of the final steps in creating a backyard oasis paradise. Besides knowing your growing climate and hardiness when you select plants you will need to take into consideration plant maintenance, and one of the most overlooked design in plants: Growth.

Plants may start out small but can quickly grow and you realize the plant, tree or shrub will need moved or cut down. So read the plant tag or research the plant to take into account how large it will grow.

Focal Points

Any yard benefits from having a focal point. These can be Arbors, Gazebos Pergolas, Patios, Unique Plants or Water features. A backyard pool is always a focal point. A backyard theme is also a wonderful focal point and you have room to experiment and change the theme. Most backyards benefit from one or two focal points depending on the size of the yard.

Plan for all Seasons

Plan you landscape design to look stunning in all seasons. Just because flowers are not in bloom does not mean you backyard has to lack color or design. Choose a few plants that won’t lose their foliage or where the structure of the plant or tree has an interesting look. Hardscape also adds form and texture to garden and backyard areas.

As a final thought when planning your backyard design, plan for change.

Families grow and so will the needs of the backyard. Keep this in mind when planning a children’s area, add water features or a pet area. You may find you want less mowing or gardens to tend to or that you want a Koi pond or patio area. The backyard area is meant to be an oasis for relaxation and will need to adjust to your needs in the years to come.

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