With winter ending, many people are looking forward to spending time outdoors relaxing and enjoying the summer weather. However, many find themselves staying at home and this gives them an opportunity to take advantage of their backyard. If your backyard is not yet the oasis you would like it to be, here are 12 backyard oasis ideas for your home.

1. Add Privacy and greenery with a vertical garden

This vertical garden can be as easy as putting up a trellis and growing an east vine like Clematis. Clematis blooms in the spring with a variety of large flowers. Climbing roses are another plant you could have grow up your fence or trellis. Ivy in another great choice because it grows and spreads quickly.

2. Create a firepit and seating area

Fire pits and seating areas add a warmth to your backyard. With a decorative propane bead fire pit you can create a safe and beautiful seating area. You can enjoy this area late into the night and into the colder months as well.

3. Add shade with an awning

Awnings are durable and easy to set up. They provide protection from the sun and rain and create a sense of enclosure while still being able to enjoy the outside.

4. Build a deck or patio

Building a deck or patio will extend your home and living space. With weatherproof patio furniture and a table, you an create a private outdoor seating area. Wooden decks are excellent additions although they do require more upkeep than other materials like Trex.

5. Create an outdoor living space by adding a kitchen or eating area

Summer weather is perfect for eating outside. Set up an area to cook or prepare food. This can include a smoker, pizza oven, or a grill. Create an eating area by adding a table and chairs.

6. Create a secret fairy garden for the kids

For those with young children, adding a fairy garden to a shady spot in the yard is a great idea. You can find fairy garden sets with little houses and decorations online or at your local home improvement store. Keep the kids entertained for hours as they arrange the perfect fairy garden. Small plants and colorful rocks will add a nice touch to their garden.

7. Lawn games and backyard camping

Every yard should be accompanied with lawn games. Games like bocce ball or cornhole provide fun for the whole family. If you want to go camping without driving for hours think about setting up a tent in your backyard. This is great on short notice and you are never too far away from indoor plumbing.

8. Add a hot tub to your deck or patio

A hot tub is a great addition to a backyard oasis. It is a place to relax, read a book, watch the sunset, and feel the day melt away from massage jets. Add bushes and flowing plants around your hot tub for a relaxing backyard getaway. A hot tub is a great addition to enjoy all year round as well.

9. Watch movies or host an outdoor concert

You can bring the enjoyment of movie watching into the outdoors with an outdoor movie screen. Attach a screen to a frame, fence, or wall and use a portable projector to screen your movies. Maybe you are more of a music fan. Think about building a small stage with an electrical outlet, microphones, and some string lights. Throw a concert for your neighbors.

10. Add a water feature

Water is a perfect centerpiece for a backyard oasis. A fountain or small waterfall adds a pleasant background noise to warm summer evenings. You can try a DIY project for the fountain or call in the professionals.

11. Add the right plants

Plants can make a huge difference in a backyard. To create an enjoyable space, you’ll want to layer your plant selection. Mix in different plants that thrive in the shade and sun. Colorful planters add splashes of color to your backyard. Your local garden store can help you choose the perfect plants for your backyard.

12. Apartment backyard ideas

Even if you live in an apartment with just a deck, you can create a sitting area that welcomes you outdoors. The important parts of the transformation are to add features for privacy, relaxation, and entertainment. If you don’t have a balcony, consider making an oasis in a basket. Pack a blanket, a book, and other items into a basket and find a relaxing spot. There are lots of parks in Fort Collins that have water features and trees for shade that you can relax near.

Source: Redfin