Crafting a Peaceful Sanctuary from the Ground Up
I’ve always been a bit of an “outsidey girl” – there’s just something about the fresh air and the beauty of nature that soothes my soul. Growing up, I had the privilege of wandering the forested greenbelts near our suburban backyard, creating my own little oases of solace among the moss-covered stones and dappled sunlight. Those moments of tranquility and connection with the natural world have stayed with me ever since, inspiring me to bring that same sense of serenity and wonder into my own outdoor spaces.
When my husband and I purchased our current home, the backyard was little more than a bare plot of earth, with nary a plant or path to be seen. But I saw the potential – this was a blank canvas just waiting to be transformed into our very own outdoor oasis. Over the years, we’ve slowly but surely cultivated a lush, immersive sanctuary, borrowing design cues from my childhood hideaways and the artistic sensibilities I’ve honed as an adult.
Embracing the Art of the Garden
As a painter, sculptor, and curator, I’ve come to view the garden as a living, breathing work of art. Just as I would with a canvas or sculpture, I carefully consider the interplay of colors, textures, and forms to create a cohesive, visually captivating composition. It’s not just about planting pretty flowers – it’s about constructing a narrative, evoking a particular mood or emotion, and inviting the viewer (or in this case, the visitor) to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
In my article for Fine Gardening, I shared how I’ve transformed my small urban lot into a “living art installation” over the past two decades. The key, I’ve found, is to focus on foliage rather than just blooms – plants with bold textures, colors, and shapes that can hold their own as the seasons change. By positioning these elements in thoughtful rhythms and contrasts, I’m able to craft a visually dynamic, ever-evolving landscape that captivates the senses.
But the true magic of this garden oasis lies in its ability to transport you to a place of serenity and escape. From the moment you step through the gate, the bustling city fades away, replaced by a lush, verdant sanctuary that envelops you in a sense of peace and wonder. It’s a place to pause, to slow down, and to simply be – whether you’re curled up with a good book, hosting an intimate gathering, or simply taking a quiet moment to yourself.
Cultivating a Sense of Sanctuary
What is it about gardens that make them so restorative and soul-nourishing? For me, it all comes back to that childhood experience of carving out my own private refuge in the forest. There was a comforting sense of safety and solitude, of being cocooned in a verdant embrace that shielded me from the outside world.
As I shared on Elle Bee Lovely, when my own children were young, we spent countless hours in our backyard, picnicking on blankets and immersing ourselves in play and imagination. It was our own little getaway, a space that felt like an extension of our home and a reprieve from the demands of everyday life. And while my kids may be a bit older now, that desire for an outdoor sanctuary that nourishes the soul has never waned.
That’s why creating a sense of enclosure and privacy has been so crucial in designing our backyard oasis. Strategically placed evergreen hedges, towering trees, and architectural containers help to filter out the surrounding world, establishing a protective, womb-like environment where one can truly let go and be present. It’s about cultivating a space that feels both expansive and intimate, where you can immerse yourself in nature without feeling exposed or overwhelmed.
Balancing Form and Function
Of course, crafting an outdoor oasis isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s also about creating a space that’s truly functional and enjoyable to inhabit. That’s why we’ve incorporated a variety of hardscaping elements, from concrete pathways and brick patios to granite pavers and a cozy courtyard. These elements don’t just add visual interest – they also help to delineate different “rooms” within the garden, guiding visitors on a journey of discovery and providing versatile spaces for dining, entertaining, and relaxation.
As the team at Outdoor Oasis, LLC in Texas so eloquently puts it, “Nothing clears the mind like stepping outside for some fresh air, conversations underneath the stars or having coffee while watching the sun come up.” That’s precisely the kind of experience we’ve sought to cultivate in our own backyard, with cozy seating areas, a fire pit for chilly evenings, and even a dining table for alfresco meals.
At the same time, we’ve had to get creative in terms of dealing with the unique challenges of our site – namely, the massive cherry tree that dominates the landscape and its voracious root system. By choosing shade-loving, drought-tolerant plants and incorporating container gardens, we’ve been able to work in harmony with the tree’s demands, creating a lush, thriving oasis that celebrates the natural world rather than fighting against it.
Embracing the Ever-Changing Canvas
One of the things I love most about gardening is that it’s a never-ending, ever-evolving creative process. Just as a painter might revisit a canvas, adding new layers and brushstrokes over time, the garden is always in a state of flux – and that’s part of the beauty. There’s always something new to discover, some unexpected delight or transformation that keeps me on my toes and fuels my creative spark.
As I shared in my video tour of the garden for Fine Gardening, this outdoor oasis is a true living, breathing work of art – one that is constantly shifting and evolving with the seasons. I’m always pruning, thinning, and rearranging, letting the plants guide me as they grow and change. And in turn, the garden inspires me to try new artistic endeavors, whether it’s a sculpture, a painting, or a planting scheme that brings a fresh burst of energy to the space.
It’s all part of the ongoing dialogue between the garden and the gardener, a symbiotic relationship that I find endlessly fulfilling. After all, what could be more rewarding than cultivating a space that not only nourishes the soul, but also serves as a wellspring of creative inspiration? This is the kind of outdoor oasis that the team at ABC Home & Renovations in Aberdeen, UK can help you create – a backyard retreat that’s as functional as it is artful, and a true sanctuary for the senses.
So if you’re ready to transform your own outdoor space into a lush, immersive oasis, I encourage you to embrace the process, let your creativity flow, and above all, remember to slow down and savor the journey. Because in the end, that’s what a true outdoor sanctuary is all about.
