Your garden can be the best part of your day – you might not realise it yet. Imagine this: the birds chirping, sunshine on your face, and a quiet moment with your morning coffee. No emails. No traffic. Just peace.
Unsurprisingly, 72% of UK adults use their gardens to relax. However, many people get busy, and their little green space gets ignored.
The good news is that you don’t need a large area or a lot of money to create a calm outdoor retreat. Simple changes can make a big difference, whether you have a patio, balcony, or just a corner of a yard.
Let’s explore five easy ways to turn your outdoor space into the relaxing escape you need without leaving home.
Key Methods to Create Your Own Outdoor Retreat
Here are the five key methods to create your own outdoor retreat:
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Layer Up with Soft Furnishings
One of the simplest ways to make your garden more inviting is to treat it like your living room. Add comfortable outdoor cushions, a sturdy rug, or some throws to keep warm when it gets cold (since this is the UK, it’s always good to be prepared for the weather).
According to Statista, the outdoor furniture market in the UK is expected to reach £1.55 billion by 2025. This shows that many people are improving their garden comfort.
Choose materials that can withstand the weather, but feel free to use bright colours or patterns. Stripes, plant designs, or soft natural colours can give your space a relaxed ‘vacation at home’ vibe. A cushion on a bench can make your seating area much more welcoming.
Bonus Tip: A hammock or swinging seat can create a sense of calm, especially when accompanied by a good book and a drink.
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Set the Mood with Ambient Lighting
Good lighting can change your outdoor space as the sun sets behind the buildings. Twinkling lights wrapped around trees or hung along fences create a magical feeling. Solar-powered lanterns along walkways or flower beds offer a soft glow, making outdoor evenings unique.
Festoon lights are a well-known alternative. They catch the eye and create a relaxed atmosphere. Hang them over a pergola or across a wall, and your garden will look like a charming Italian courtyard without a trip to Rome.
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Add Scent and Sound for a Sensory Boost
Creating a retreat goes beyond looks; it’s about the feelings it brings. Add scents and sounds to your space to help you feel calm and present. You can place pots of lavender, jasmine, or rosemary near your seating area. These pleasant scents become stronger at night and are also friendly to bees.
A small water feature or even trickling fountain can create a relaxing sound in the background. Wind chimes or rustling grasses can help you connect with nature and drown out everyday noise.
If you love wildlife, include a bird feeder or birdbath to fill your garden with chirping birds and fluttering wings.
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Create a Feature Spot or Structure
You don’t need to change your garden completely—create a special place for yourself. This could be a small bistro table for your morning coffee, a quiet bench for writing, or a pergola with climbing plants. Having one ‘retreat’ area gives your garden meaning and character.
If you’re thinking about going all in – a peaceful reading nook, a yoga studio, or even a home office surrounded by greenery – Surrey Hills Garden Buildings designs custom spaces that bring all the comforts of inside, outside.
A garden pavilion or a painted shed can make a lovely personal place if you want something more straightforward. Add a few personal touches, and you’ll create your unique retreat.
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Bring in Natural Textures and Greenery
Plants are essential for creating a relaxing outdoor space. Think of colourful flower pots, fragrant herbs in clay pots, or a rose vine climbing a trellis. Even small city spaces can thrive with vertical gardens, hanging pots, and wall planters.
Recent studies have shown that 87% of households in the UK have access to gardens. This means there is a real chance to turn even the simplest outdoor space into a private haven.
Natural materials like wood, stone, rattan, and gravel can boost modern patios or define grassy areas. In your garden, aim for a mix of wildness and calm. Let some parts be uncultivated while keeping the edges neat.
If you’re not great at gardening, choose easy-to-care-for plants like hostas, ferns, or hardy grasses that do well in the UK climate with minimal maintenance.
Conclusion
Creating your own outdoor space is not about being perfect; it’s about finding joy. Even a small change can improve the mood and make your space feel special. Whether you have a few minutes or a whole afternoon, you can always do something to bring calm to your area.
Your garden is yours. Light some candles, relax on the cushions, breathe in the fresh air, and let it become your retreat.
Start small and keep at it. Soon, you’ll have a space that feels like an escape just steps from your back door.
