Beautiful locations and landscapes are a great way to relax. Many studies have shown that viewing natural landscape scenes can help relieve stress and anxiety.
Try adding a fountain, pond or waterfall to your backyard for a soothing ambiance. The sounds of water are known to be relaxing, and they can also serve as a habitat for wildlife.
Water Features
A beautiful water feature is a fantastic addition to any landscape. Whether it’s the soothing sounds of a bubbling fountain or the flowing waters of a pond or waterfall, a waterscape can help you to relax and unwind. It can also offer a number of benefits to your yard such as cooling it through the natural evaporation of water, improving air quality and increasing your property value.
With many different water features available, finding the right one to suit your yard can be difficult. For those with limited space, a wall fountain may be a great choice as it takes up very little space yet still provides a relaxing effect. Alternatively, a water garden or stream can be added to your yard for an immersive experience with a more spacious feel and the opportunity to grow a variety of plants that thrive in a wetland environment.
The calming sound of water is known to promote relaxation and evoke memories of peaceful times in nature. It is believed to be a similar effect that we get from sleep or a massage. By adding a water feature to your landscaping, you can enjoy these effects every day, no matter where you are at home or work.
A water feature can also attract wildlife to your yard, making it a more tranquil place for both you and the local birds and insects. However, you should be aware of any potential pests that a water feature may draw to your area. This is because standing water can often be a breeding ground for mosquitoes which can carry diseases. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent mosquito breeding in your yard including adding a fountain that keeps the water moving or using a mosquito dunk to keep the bugs away.
For a more aesthetically pleasing and sophisticated look, a waterfall can be incorporated into your landscaping to create a dramatic focal point. These waterfalls can be made out of a wide variety of materials, and can be designed in a way to complement your existing plants, or to add an element of surprise to your landscape. Waterfalls can also be combined with lighting to enhance their visual appeal at night.
Soft Lighting
Soft lighting is a popular photography style that creates very even and diffused light. It’s often used for portraits because it emphasizes a subject’s features without creating harsh lines and shadows. It can also be used in landscape shots to create a more peaceful feeling in the image.
Soft light can be created naturally by shooting outdoors on a cloudy day or by using a diffuser in the studio. This type of lighting is also known as diffused lighting or indirect light, and it’s important to have this kind of lighting in your home if you want to feel relaxed.
One of the best ways to achieve soft lighting is to use large windows and a diffuser in your room. You can also add a white or silver reflector to your light source to increase the amount of diffusion in the light. This is important because the more surface area that the light covers, the softer it will be.
Another way to create soft light is to bounce it off of a wall or other surface. You can do this by bouncing the flash on your camera off of an umbrella or a scream panel, for example.
This type of lighting is also great for video productions because it can help you to achieve a more cinematic look and feel. In fact, it’s often used in fantasy movies because it can add a sense of magical realism to the film. For example, you can see this technique in the Netflix original series The Dark Crystal, where the calming lighting highlights each puppet’s face as they explore the forest. This serene setting helps endear the characters to the audience and set them apart from their high-stakes adventures in the rest of the show.
Fountains & Ponds
When it comes to relaxing landscapes, there are few things more peaceful than a backyard waterfall or fountain. The gentle lapping of the water and soft imitation of nature’s sounds are often cited as a relaxation technique, and fortunately, it is an easy feature to add to your landscape with the help of our hardscape contractors. We offer a variety of options for your backyard water feature, including natural-looking rock-lined waterfalls that mimic traditional Japanese garden features to swimming pool waterfalls. No matter the size or style of your water feature, it will instantly transform your yard into a backyard paradise.
Ponds are another popular way to incorporate water into your backyard landscape. They can range in size from a small fishpond with a bubbling fountain to an ornate, koi-filled pond complete with lily pads and other water plants. In general, ponds are more complex than fountains and require more maintenance. They also tend to attract more wildlife, including birds and other insects. However, a well-designed pond can be a beautiful addition to any garden, and you can minimize the amount of maintenance by adding a water filter and a pump that will aerate and circulate the water.
Fountains can be added to any pond or body of water, and they come in various styles, from 3-tiered classic fountains to simple single basalt columns. Some fountains even include fire elements, which can add an additional element of relaxation to your outdoor space. Additionally, a fountain can add to the aesthetic of your backyard by providing visual interest that helps draw the eye to certain areas of the landscape.
A fountain can also reduce algae growth in a pond or lake by mixing up the water and preventing the formation of floating spores. It can also increase the health of a pond by introducing oxygen to the water and making it a more welcoming environment for fish and plants. Some experts recommend emptying a fountain at the first sign of cold weather to prevent damage to the pond liner.
For a more natural look, you can also incorporate a streambed or river into your waterfall design. This option can create a more natural feel in your backyard and allow you to incorporate other types of water plants that like constant moisture, such as papyrus and canna.
Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor fireplaces are a welcome addition to any landscape, adding warmth and the allure of a crackling fire. They are a natural focal point, helping to define a patio or a seating area and create the feeling of a cozy cabin retreat even in the heart of your own backyard. In addition, a fireplace can serve as a gathering spot for family and friends, making it the perfect place to relax with a book or catch up on your day’s events.
Unlike a fire pit, outdoor fireplaces are built of sturdy masonry materials that can withstand the elements and last for years. They can be built in a wide range of styles, from rustic chic to sleek modern. Depending on the design you choose, they can be fueled by wood or gas and use ceramic logs for an authentic campfire feel or beautiful fireglass for a more modern look. They can also be positioned to block a prevailing wind and add heat efficiency to your space.
When compared to a firepit, an outdoor fireplace is usually more expensive to install as it requires more materials and time to construct. However, a well-designed and constructed fireplace can increase the value of your home as it becomes an attractive selling feature. If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, having an outdoor fireplace added to your property can make it more appealing to potential buyers.
In addition, a fire feature can also help to reduce the noise level in your backyard, especially if it is located close to a neighbor’s property. However, if you live in an urban environment, it is important to check zoning guidelines before having any fire features built on your property.
While it may not be the most practical feature for everyone, an outdoor fireplace is a wonderful addition to your backyard, adding ambiance and comfort that you can enjoy all year round. If you’re looking for a way to transform your yard into the ultimate relaxing retreat, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll work with you to design a custom landscape that fits your lifestyle and creates a space you’ll love for years to come.