In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding quiet moments of tranquillity and connection with nature has become increasingly desirable. Your outdoor garden, whether it be large and spacious or a more intimate space, holds great potential to be more than just a patch of grass or a cluster of plants. It can become an oasis – a peaceful sanctuary where you can unwind and recharge amongst the beauty of nature.
But before we look at exactly how to create an idyllic garden oasis, it’s important to understand exactly what it is, and what it can look like.
What Is a Garden Oasis?
A garden oasis typically refers to a serene and picturesque outdoor area designed for relaxation and pleasure, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.
To visualise, a garden oasis will often feature lush vegetation, fragrant and vibrant flowers, unique water features such as fountains or ponds, comfortable lounging areas, and perhaps some paths for a leisurely stroll.
The overall design of a garden oasis can vary widely depending on personal preferences, the size of the area and of course, the surrounding landscape, but the general goal remains the same: to create a tranquil retreat where individuals can unwind and connect with nature.
Here are 7 ways you can create a garden oasis:
- Introduce furnishings, textiles and textures
- Add water features
- Patio heaters and fire pits
- Outdoor cooking & living
- Add sound and lighting elements
- Plant lush vegetation and fragrant flowers
- Create secluded and sheltered spaces
1. Introduce Furnishings, Textiles and Textures
A significant element of the charm associated with an outdoor oasis lies in seamlessly bringing indoor comforts into the open air, allowing individuals to embrace in the vitality offered by nature, all while maintaining the comfort and luxury reminiscent of indoor spaces.
Part of creating such an environment may include carefully selected pieces such as rugs, mats, and cushions, which will not only elevate the space but also offer new, unique ways to showcase your individual style, taste and preferences.
This may, for instance, emulate the rustic essence of a Scandinavian style, or the refined elegance and distinctive beauty inspired by the unique aesthetics of Japanese style.
2. Add Water Features
Water is a highly attractive feature to have within a garden oasis. Of course, this can depend on the individual, however, the vast array of water features on the market ensures that there is truly something for everyone.
As every garden aesthetic is different, you’ll need to understand what style of water feature meets the overall aesthetic of your garden. For example, would you prefer a modern-style water rill, a traditional fountain or a pond? What level and sound will best add to the atmosphere you are trying to create within your oasis?
The soft murmur of a water rill contrasts significantly to the more striking sounds of a fountain. Both can be equally mesmerising, bringing a sense of tranquillity and calm to different people, depending on what you like.
Not only do water features contribute to a tranquil ambiance in your garden oasis, but they also attract birds and other wildlife, enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape.
3. Patio Heaters and Fire Pits
In the bitterly cold British autumn and winter months, it can be incredibly beneficial to explore garden elements that provide heat and comfort to extend the usability of your garden, making it a cosy sanctuary all year-round.
Many people choose to introduce a firepit to their garden due to its ability to produce captivating, dynamic movement and vibrancy. However, electric patio heaters are much more environmentally friendly than wood-burning fire pits, and being environmentally conscious is in all of our best interests.
4. Outdoor Cooking & Living
Even if you’re not a cooking enthusiast, many people want their oasis to feel as much like their home as their house, and for this reason, being able to cook and dine outdoors is becoming hugely popular across UK households.
There’s an undeniable charm in dining al fresco and sharing a meal outside, smelling the comforting aroma of food amongst the smokiness of winter air, or nostalgic summer humidity.
There are countless outdoor dining options on the market, and can range from simple BBQs to impressive, fully-equipped outdoor kitchens.
Of course, the choice depends on the purpose of the space and who it’s being built for. For those with a small garden who thrive in understated, minimalistic environments, a traditional charcoal BBQ would be most suitable. Using natural charcoal can offer an eco-friendlier option, and using gas or electric grills can also help to reduce the impact on the environment.
However, for those with larger garden spaces looking for complete cooking and dining experience, then an outdoor kitchen would probably be more suitable.
What is Considered an Outdoor Kitchen?
Outdoor kitchens are typically designed to replicate many of the key features and functions of an indoor kitchen while taking advantage of the natural surroundings and enjoying the outdoors.
Some key features of an outdoor kitchen include a countertop, sink, grill, storage, refrigeration and ventilation. Many people also decide to add in a pizza oven – a classic family favourite! Learn more about outdoor kitchens & El Fresco Dining here.
Creating an outdoor living area requires research, creativity, knowledge and a lot of patience. While some homeowners go down the DIY route, we recommend hiring a professional garden designer/landscaper, like Raine Garden Design, to help you design and plan your outdoor living space.
Get in touch to see how we can help transform your garden into a tranquil oasis today.
5. Add Sound and Lighting Elements
Incorporating sound and lighting elements into a garden oasis can naturally elevate the sensory experience, creating an inviting and immersive outdoor sanctuary where you can relax, unwind, and connect with nature.
Wind chimes are a really easy way to create a relaxing atmosphere in your garden, and the great news is that there are lots of designs and sounds to choose from, whether you prefer a softer, wooden sound, or something a bit more light and metallic.
Perfectly placed lighting can transform a garden at night into a delightful and magical oasis. Whether you are entertaining friends and family into the evening or enjoying the space solo, the right lighting will bring warmth and enchantment into your outdoor space.
To find out more about lighting a garden path successfully, check out our Homes & Gardens feature.
6. Plant Lush Vegetation and Fragrant Flowers
Planting is one of the most significant contributors to a garden’s overall aesthetic, and choosing lush vegetation and fragrant flours are an absolute must when creating a perfect outdoor oasis.
Select a variety of plants, trees, and shrubs that create a verdant and inviting atmosphere in your oasis. Incorporate a mix of foliage with different textures, heights, and colours, so the plants complement one another and to add depth to your garden.
You’ll also want to incorporate fragrant flowers and herbs like lavender, jasmine, or roses to perfume the air. A top tip is to strategically plant them near seating areas or along pathways so that you can enjoy their beautiful scents as you stroll through your garden oasis.
If your enjoyment lies in the final result and the oasis itself rather than in the process of building and maintaining it, we recommend selecting flowers and plants that require little to no upkeep. However, if you’re the type of person who’s satisfaction comes from looking after the space you have created, feel free to explore more diverse plant species.
Discover all about our award winning planting services here.
7. Create Secluded and Sheltered Spaces
Last but certainly not least, to create a real cosy atmosphere in your oasis, we recommend designating snug seating areas or hidden nooks within your garden where you can relax and unwind.
You can use tall plants to create privacy screens and add intimacy to these spaces, however hard landscaping elements such as fencing, walls, pergolas and trellises can also provide this, and are arguably more reliable year-round. Hard landscaping features are also often effective at creating aesthetic interest and visual attractiveness while remaining functional.
It would also be highly beneficial to consider a form of shelter if you are planning on using the oasis year-round to protect you from the elements.
We hope this article has provided you with some inspiration when it comes to creating a garden oasis.
If you’re not too sure where to start, let the professionals help you! Not only are they well-versed in coming up with bespoke designs that not only make the best use of the space you have available, but they are experts in what they do, so you can have peace of mind that your garden is in the best hands possible.
Learn more about the benefits of hiring a professional garden designer here.
At Raine Garden Design, our award-winning designer, Raine, has over 23 years of experience in landscape design and an in-depth understanding of the design and construction process.
To learn more about our garden design services at Raine Garden Design, get in touch at studio@rainegardendesign.co.uk or on 07702 042559.
Written by Kate Jones for Raine Garden Design.
