Landscaping for Wellness: How to Create Your Own Backyard Retreat

Step 2: The Landscape Design

Speaking of designs… Once you have a clear idea of what you want to do, how you want to feel, and what appeals to you, it’s time to put pen to paper and figure out what fits in your future space–and what doesn’t. Here are some of the landscaping elements that we frequently design and build, and what they bring to a space, to give you some ideas:

• Patios can be used as standalone features or as a base for other elements. They’re great for creating gathering spaces, and the larger the patio, the more people can gather. Small patios surrounded by plants–especially those tucked into a shady spot–feel hidden and secluded and are perfect for quiet moments.

• Fire pits are classic landscape additions that lend themselves to fun, family-oriented spaces or places where friends frequently get together.
• Water features add a sense of serenity to any space. The sound of moving water has its own calming benefits, so water features are often used to create a sense of peace in a place.
• Outdoor lighting is a practical addition to any garden or landscape, as it enables you to spend more time outside. But with good design and thoughtful planning, it can also add beauty, charm, and a sense of elegance to your space.
• Paths are more than just a way to get from here to there; they can be a fun place to explore or the perfect spot for a meditative walk.

• No outdoor living space is complete without plants, especially one designed for wellness! How plants work in a landscape is a topic worthy of its own post, and we can’t cover everything here, but we can share a few landscaping insights:
  • Different colors can create different moods. Reds, oranges, and yellows are typically seen as more energetic and exciting, while blues, purples, and white are considered more calming colors.
  • Flowers are everybody’s favorite, but don’t overlook trees and shrubs! These add structure and can be used to create privacy or make a space feel more secluded and secure.
  • Think about different seasons of interest. Perennials and flowering trees and shrubs generally have specific bloom times, so picking plants with different flowering seasons always gives you something new to see.
  • Don’t forget about foliage! From wide and bulky to lacy and dainty to everything in between, foliage matters just as much as flowers and can have just as big an impact. As a bonus, some plants have foliage that adds excellent fall interest and color.
  • Evergreen trees and shrubs are important year-round plants and should definitely be considered if you want to spend time in your outdoor space throughout the winter. They add structure and interest (and a bit of green!) even when everything else has gone dormant for the year.

Whew! That was a lot of information! Feeling overwhelmed yet? Take a deep breath and go back to your list of what you want to do, how you want to feel, and what appeals to you. Then, if you’re still feeling uncertain, consider getting help from a local landscape architect. They’ll have the skills, training, and expertise to guide you in the right direction and help you plan a space that fits your goals. Landscape design services typically come with a fee, but it can be a worthy price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re going in the right direction.

Step 3: Big bad budgeting

And now it’s time for the question that everyone dreads: “What budget do you have in mind?” You may think we should have started here, but thinking about how much things might cost often limits the dreaming steps, because it can be easy to think, “I can’t afford that.” While there is inherently a price associated with any landscaping, whether you do it yourself or hire a local company, that price varies widely based on a number of factors.

Because every landscape is so different, we can’t give you any hard-and-fast prices in a general blog post like this, but we can give you an idea of what generally costs more or less with each of the elements we mentioned previously. Let’s break it down:

• Patios vary widely based on size and materials. As you can imagine, a bigger patio comes with a bigger price tag. As for materials, lower cost options include mulch (though keep in mind this will need to be refreshed each year) and pea gravel, which both lend themselves well to DIY projects and can often be purchased in bulk from landscape companies. Pavers and flagstone require more work and skill to install and therefore come with a higher price tag, but they also have a more polished look and, when properly installed, can last for many years with gentle maintenance.
• On the lower end of the price range, fire pits can be as simple as a corrugated steel ring or a circle of large stones around a shallow depression. Free-standing units can range from very affordable to significantly expensive, and those on the lower end may only last for a few season, but they are a quick, impermanent option if you’re still deciding on what you want and where you want it. Masonry fire pits are more of a time commitment and carry their own price range largely related to materials and fuel source. Wood- or charcoal-burning fire pits (free-standing or masonry) tend to be less expensive than gas fire pits, but gas fire pits are more convenient, often starting at the push of a button.

• Constructed water features are unmatched in beauty and the benefits they bring to the landscape, but they do come with significant construction costs, as well as regular maintenance. If you want the sound of running water without the expense and ongoing care associated with constructed water features, standalone fountains are another option. Many home improvement stores carry kits to build your own small water feature, but keep in mind that these features may only last for a season or two and still require care to prolong their functionality!
• Outdoor lighting can include fairy lights strung between trees, solar lights lining a path, or fixtures that are wired and built into the landscape. High-end LED light fixtures carry a higher up-front cost than other options, but they last for years, are very energy efficient, and are more versatile than most other lighting options.
• Similar to patios, paths range in price based on size and materials. Low-cost options include mulch or pea gravel. Single stepping stones can be used for a longer-lasting and more refined look that is still a lower price. Full paver or flagstone paths are the most expensive option, but when installed properly, they last the longest and elevate the look of a space.
• Plant prices tend to vary based on one factor: size/age. Younger plants have a smaller size–and a smaller price tag–because they haven’t had years of care (watering, weeding, repotting, overwintering, etc.). Older and larger plants can be significantly more expensive, but they’re also more instant. Planting larger perennials, trees, and shrubs immediately makes a space feel like it’s been there for years, while smaller plants will take years to reach the same size. Your budget (and where you want to spend it) will be a big factor in what size plants you pick, but remember that, with proper care, your plants will get bigger over time! And, in the meantime, you can always fill in any gaps with less-expensive annuals.

While we can’t provide you with any defined numbers because of the many variables inherent in landscaping, it’s good to know what you’re willing to spend, what you’re most willing to spend it on, and what you’re willing to wait for if it’s outside your current budget. Everything doesn’t need to be done right now, and we often work with clients who want to create their landscape in phases.

In a conversation about pricing, keep in mind that who is doing the work also matters. If you’re doing the work yourself, the cost will be in materials and the time you dedicate to your project. If you’re hiring a contractor, we encourage you to do your research. Not every company can perform the same quality of work, so look at portfolios and reviews. You don’t want to overpay for a poor quality product or something that quickly deteriorates, so find a company you can trust to deliver quality work within your budget. Have a conversation with them, and be reasonable with your expectations! A good company will be upfront with you about whether or not they can meet those expectations.