Garden Retreats: Peaceful Outdoor Sanctuaries We Love

"Getting away" in the backyard can be as easy as adding a seating area to your garden. Get inspired by these charming design ideas, and create a personal outdoor oasis of your own.

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June 22, 2015

By: Kayla Kitts

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Photo By: Photo by Jamie Rector

Photo By: Pam Berstler

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Shady Garden

An ultra shady backyard with low hanging trees is the perfect spot for a swinging daybed and hammock. Design by Jamie Durie

From: Jamie Durie

Scenic Views

Landscape designer Paul Wrona created this backyard retreat, including a trickling waterfall, with stunning mountainous views in mind.

Fireside Retreat

On its own irregular bluestone patio, this intimate outdoor space features a custom masonry fireplace, lush plantings, rustic wood pergolas and plenty of cozy seating for guests. Design by Barry Block

From: Barry Block

Tea in the Garden

Nothing beats tea and breakfast in the midst of lush, hand-grown florals.

From: Claudia Schmutzler

Tucked Away

Landscape designer Katrina Leonidov Fairchild added a hammock right below Aspen trees to create a relaxing alfresco experience.

From: Katrina Fairchild

English Garden

Landscape designer Jamie Durie brought the look of a rambling English garden to the United States. White arbors line the stone pathway and feature climbing roses, birch trees, pears and crepe myrtles.

Private Dining

Just off the main deck, landscape designer Barry Block created a hidden nook that features a private sitting area surrounded by an array of colorful flowers.

From: Barry Block

Hidden Hammock

Dense plantings create a private retreat in a small backyard. Designer Katrina Leonidov Fairchild slightly elevated the area, added a small lawn and surrounded it with pomegranates, salvias, a chitalpa tree, bougainvillea and other colorful plants.

Intimate Courtyard

A small side entry is transformed into usable garden space with a stylish pergola that blocks the view of second-story neighbors and creates sufficient shade for the large windows. Design by Pamela Berstler

Surrounded by Greenery

Roses, butterfly bush, Japanese maple and a vine-swathed fence give this patio privacy and create a bright oasis for the backyard. Landscape designer Pam Berstler used four redwood posts and decomposed granite flooring to define a sitting area within the small garden.

View for Two

There's only room for two in this dreamy, cottage-style garden. Design by Virginia Rockwell

True Outdoor Room

A small meditation room looks out on a colorful perennial bed. It's easy to spend a few hundred dollars on plants when outfitting a garden room, so stick with long-lived perennials. Design by Joan Grabel

Along the Path

This small garden maximizes usable space and creates the feeling of a tropical hideaway. Design by Heather Hardcastle

Garden Retreats: Peaceful Outdoor Sanctuaries We Love

Related To:

Shop This Look

Shady Garden

Scenic Views

Fireside Retreat

Tea in the Garden

Tucked Away

English Garden

Private Dining

Hidden Hammock

Intimate Courtyard

Surrounded by Greenery

View for Two

True Outdoor Room

Along the Path

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