Create Your Own Backyard Oasis

Create Your Own Backyard Oasis What does the term “oasis” mean to you?

For me, it evokes cool water, lush greenery, and respite from the heat.

When I hear “oasis,” I’m thirsty for its possibilities.

Similarly, a backyard oasis draws me in with promises of peace, wellness, and rest—all available at the turn of a doorknob.

If you’re ready to tap into the refreshing vibes of a natural spring without a plane ride or a roadtrip, then these backyard oasis ideas are for you.

Fit for summer break, a backyard oasis will entice your children to experience nature in their own environment. With a diy backyard oasis, you’ll encourage your kids to say goodbye to screen time and hello to the great outdoors.

Adios to boredom, hola to discovery.

Au revoir to sensory overload, bonjour to serenity.

When creating your diy backyard oasis, we suggest focusing on four main elements:

• • Earth
• • Wind
• • Water
• • Wood

Leo Beach Set

Earth

Have you heard of “grounding” or “earthing?”

Zac Efron introduced me to the idea of it in his Netflix series, Down to Earth (and no, I’m not ashamed that it took Troy Bolton to awake me to this natural phenomenon). The intended benefits of earthing include improved sleep, reduced pain, reduced stress, better circulation, and more. One of the simplest acts you can take for your health, earthing occurs when you make direct contact with the surface of the earth. You can use your hands or your feet, and it’s recommended to spend 10–30 minutes per day connected to the ground in this way.

Whether or not you connect with this idea of grounding, creating an earthy space in your backyard oasis is a must. If you’re famous for your green thumb, you can go all out with an in-ground or raised garden bed. Container herbs are a fantastic addition, too, and many herbs (basil, lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, mint, etc.) double as bug repellents.

If you aren’t in your gardening era, you can still receive earthing benefits from playing with your kids’ beach toys in a covered sandbox or taking a walk with your bare feet in the grass. Just don’t forget your favorite sun hat and SPF while you’re connecting with the natural world.

Wind

The next step to luxuriating in a diy backyard oasis is to invite the wind to be a part of the story.

Our number one wind recommendation is to select a TiiPii Bed for your backyard. Not only will this add a layer of floating relaxation to your experience, but large TiiPii beds make a gorgeous focal point for your backyard oasis. As playful as they are beautiful, TiiPii Beds have the capability of free-hanging or suspending from a TiiPii Stand, and they are available in a variety of colors in fabrics. The Deluxe Large Sunbrella TiiPii Bed in Sand is a favorite of mine with its macramé finishing touches and attachable sheer net.

Other ways to harness the beauty of the wind are to dangle wind chimes from the branches of a tree, surprise your kids with bubble wands, or add meditative wind spinners to your backyard oasis.

Water

Do you have a pool?

You don’t have to have a swimming pool in order to round out your backyard oasis, but it doesn’t hurt. If you’re looking for backyard oasis pool inspiration on a small scale, Cowboy Pools in Austin is a fantastic place to start.

You can also add a water feature with a sculptural fountain or bohemian bird bath, or by switching on the sprinkler for the kids. In my dreams, my back porch is set up with water misters like they have at Six Flags Over Texas—my favorite attraction of the amusement park.

If you want to add even more water experiences to your backyard oasis, we suggest fun activities such as:

• • Creating a target game with cardboard, paint, and a cooler full of water balloons
• • Filling squeeze bottles with ice cold water and chasing your kids around for an icy game of tag
• • Soaking a wash cloth in cold water (add your choice of essential oils if desired) and laying it across the back of your neck
• • Grabbing your yoga mat and doing some water salutations

Make sure to dress for the occasion with a summer bikini, retro one-piece, or sports bra and bike short.

Wood

The wood element of your diy backyard oasis can take up a small or large space.

Wiwiurka Wooden Balance Beams present your kids with a fun opportunity to develop agility, balance, and confidence, and they’re an aesthetically pleasing oasis addition.

Another option that lights up my inner child is this two-story playhouse with swing attachment. It’s made from furniture grade cedar wood, includes child sized cooking tools and play food, and encourages physical and mental development.

If you’re creating a small backyard oasis, this handmade pinewood rainbow swing is a burst of happiness for you and your kids.

Another exceptional way to bring on the rejuvenating vibes is to incorporate wood elements such as this artistic staircase tray to trolley snacks and sips from the kitchen to the intentionally peaceful space in your backyard.

Summer Nights

By calling on each of the four elements of earth, wind, water, and wood, you’ll design a swoon worthy space to rest, relax, and rejuvenate in this summer. Your kids will explore with creativity, and you’ll delight in screen free moments out in the sun.

When the moon takes the sun’s place, your backyard oasis can transition to a family movie night by projecting a favorite film across a sheet hanging from a branch. This is also an opportunity to enjoy moon salutations on your yoga mat, read a book by twinkle light, or share a drink with your closest friends.

With just a splash of intention, your backyard can be the refreshing oasis of your summer dreams.