When you live in North Texas, you might not think a backyard oasis is within your reach. Surely you’d need some lapping waves, sand, and maybe a few seagulls for that. But here’s the thing: You don’t have to live near the coast to enjoy a tropical feel in your backyard. Here are some actionable tips to transform your DFW yard into a lush paradise this summer.
1. Embrace foliage.
Instead of stepping into your backyard and enjoying the view of your neighbor’s fence, plant lots of lush layers of greenery and flowers. It’s one of the simplest ways to create a backyard oasis. Approach your yard in layers. Add a ground cover of dark purple foliage, a middle layer of bright orange or pink flowers, and a top layer of towering palms. You can’t have too much. Greenery adds a cooling, calming effect — which is ideal when creating a backyard oasis.
2. Add a water feature.
Don’t have a pool? No problem. Create a backyard oasis by installing a koi pond, fountain, water wall, or even turning a decorative pot into a fountain. Adding a water feature adds a touch of tranquility and helps create a relaxing retreat. Here’s a great place to start for inspiration for your Dallas backyard.
3. Channel the tropics.
If you want to create some tropical charm in your backyard, add the elements that you’d find on the islands. This could mean bright-pink bougainvillea or teak benches that are so popular in gardens all over the islands. Passion flower and golden trumpet are also native to the tropics. These annuals thrive with plenty of sunshine, which is perfect considering that Dallas enjoys an average of 232 sunny days a year.
4. Incorporate different textures.
You want your backyard oasis to look natural — not staged. To accomplish this, select varying styles and sizes of containers, and then fill them with a mix of flowy and spiked plants and flowers. Place them all around your patio, terrace, or balcony to create a stunning visual show.
5. Think big.
Your backyard oasis should also include enormous leaves and towering palms reminiscent of a lush rainforest or jungle. Going big creates drama and sets the stage for a distinctively tropical area. Some ideas include philodendrons, gunnera, and elephant ears.
When you live in the Metroplex, your backyard is an ideal spot for both rest and play. Make the most of it by creating an oasis you and your family can enjoy all summer — and all year — long.
Image Source: Flickr/Don Graham
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