If you’re looking at a large blank space from your kitchen window, now is the time to transform your Rouse Hill backyard into a series of distinct zones to elevate your outdoor living experience. By carefully planning and landscaping, you can create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that cater to your specific needs and preferences. Here’s our guide to help you create these zones in your backyard.
What is landscape architecture?
Landscape architecture is a term used to describe how you design your outdoor space. For many years, the ideal has been to create a series of outdoor ‘rooms’. However, you need to have a plan.
How to create rooms in your Hills backyard
- Planning: Start by sketching out a plan of your backyard and identifying potential zones. Consider your lifestyle, preferences and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
- Pathways: Create pathways to connect the different zones and guide visitors through your backyard. Use materials like pavers, gravel or stepping stones to add visual interest.
- Screening: Use plants, trellises or fences to create privacy and define the boundaries of each zone. Consider the height and density of plants to achieve the desired level of screening.
- Lighting: Incorporate lighting to enhance the ambiance of your backyard, especially in the evenings. Use string lights, lanterns or solar-powered lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Examples of outdoor rooms
1. Outdoor cooking zone
Most of us like to get outdoors and cook but the barbecue area isn’t always attractive. You can separate your cooking area from the rest of your backyard using, for example, a green herb wall or a series of large herb pots and possibly some shrubs or a tree like an olive tree. Having herbs close by to your cooking area not only adds visual interest but will help you with your cooking. In your outdoor cooking room, you can assemble all your needs in one place: barbecue, outdoor oven or even a pizza oven. Don’t forget to include ample counter space and some storage for cooking utensils and supplies.
2. Outdoor shower zone
Even if you don’t have a pool in your backyard, an outdoor shower can make you feel as if you’re on holidays. Create a private oasis for your outdoor shower by screening it with a trellis covered in climbing plants. If you want to get fancy, you could use a Corten steel die-cut screen that has a beautiful rusted patina. Think of relaxing in your outdoor shower at night under the stars! You could even install a hot water system to enjoy a warm shower even in cooler weather and think about what type of flooring, like natural stone, would make the experience even more special.
3. Reading nook
Who loves to read in the tranquillity of green space? You can create a peaceful reading nook by adding comfortable seating – perhaps a hammock, a swing chair, a cushioned bench or a weatherproof beanbag. Plant shade-loving trees or shrubs to provide shelter from the sun. You could also install a pergola and train deciduous climbers over it so you get the benefit of sun in winter and shade in summer. Add a small table, some string lights, lanterns, a solar-powered water feature and a throw rug and your reading nook is complete.
4. Play area
Children will welcome a play area where they can play as they like without damaging plants or getting too close to cooking areas. You don’t need to fence the play area but you can define it by using mulch or rubber matting with a low retaining material. Depending on how large the play area is, you could install a swing, a sandpit and a cubby house, fort or teepee for your children.
5. Zen zone
If all you want to do is yoga or Tai Chi or other low-impact exercise in a serene spot, you can create a peaceful retreat by adding a water feature, such as a pond or a small solar-powered waterfall. The sound of the water is soothing and releases negative ions that will improve your mood. Surround the area with lush greenery and comfortable seating and your special sanctuary is complete.
By following these guidelines and incorporating your personal style, you can transform your Rouse Hill backyard into a series of inviting and functional zones. These zones will provide you with a space to relax, entertain and enjoy the beauty of nature.
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