When you need a little escape after a long day at work, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the comfort of your own backyard. Want to be transported to another time and place? Turn your backyard into a magic garden with some of the following tips.

Choose a Theme

Whimsical, romantic, relaxing, and cozy are just a few of the adjectives that come to mind when you think of a magic garden. Whichever of those elements you want to focus on the most, picking a theme like the ones below can help when picking out decor and lighting for your backyard.

Fairy garden – Think about adding a pond, whimsical statues of fairies and gnomes, miniature houses, pebbles, moss, and small plants. Lighting could include fairy lights in jars, candles in lanterns, or patterned solar lights that you hang from shepherd’s crooks throughout your yard.  

Enchanted forest – Focus on tall plants, trees, and ferns to get the feel of being in the woods. Hang lanterns or other lighting in the trees, or even add moonlighting, which will mimic the soft, silvery light of the moon shining through the trees.

Secret garden – Secret gardens are secluded and private. You can add a metal arbor or freestanding gate to add ambiance and mark the entrance, or create a private seating area set apart with gauzy curtains hanging from a pergola. Be sure to add a curved path made of paving stones or pebbles, with beautiful path lighting, to lead the way to your garden hideaway.

A backyard brook with stones, jugs, and small waterfalls illuminated by waterproof lighting leads to a magic garden.

Appeal to All the Senses

By appealing to different senses, you can create a truly immersive environment that will enhance your relaxation and heighten your experience. 

Although you probably don’t have access to a babbling brook, you can incorporate the relaxing sounds of water by adding water features like fountains, ponds, or waterfalls. Adding waterproof lighting to these water features will allow you to enjoy them day and night. You might also add wind chimes to increase the zen sounds in your garden.

When it comes to scents, consider planting fragrant flowers like honeysuckle or roses as well as including aromatic herbs like mint, rosemary, and lavender. 

Soft pillows on your seating is a must, whether it’s chairs, a bench, or a cozy hammock, but think about including other textures in your outdoor decor as well. Wooden tables, stone planters, a textured fire pit, or an outdoor woven rug can help tie all your thematic natural elements together. 

Unique lighting, like an outdoor chandelier can add elegance and romance to your garden space. Other lighting that works well includes white or colored string lights, fairy lights, lanterns, candles, and path lights, which can all add elements of romance and provide a gentle, magical glow to invite visitors into your magic garden. Hang lights from trees, pergolas, or light poles, or line your pathways with them.

Turn Your Vision into a Stunning Reality

When you schedule a free consultation with the lighting professionals at Houston Lightscapes, we will walk your property with you to get a better idea of your dreams for your outdoor lighting. Whether it’s adding moonlighting or other lighting to your water features, garden, patio, or backyard, we can customize your design to be as unique as you are. Let’s get started today!

The team at Houston Lightscapes takes pride in their many years of experience in the landscape lighting industry. They've been serving the greater Houston area for over 30 years bringing innovation and elegance to their designs. Learn more about Houston Lightscapes here.