How to Create an Outdoor Oasis in Three Steps (Yes, Even Though It’s Winter)

Photo credit: Shutterstock/Toa55

Despite what the plummeting temps and snow flurries suggest, it’s already time to start thinking about your spring and summer home renovation projects. One project to kick-start: the outdoor oasis. Dreamy, relaxing and semi-tropical, the outdoor oasis is the ultimate winter respite. 

At first pass, the project might seem like an intimidating undertaking  — especially if your Philly home features a teeny-tiny backyard — but don’t fret: there’s an outdoor oasis for every type of homeowner. Here, we show you how to create one in three easy steps.

1. Define your aesthetic. The most important step when establishing the groundwork for your outdoor living space is to determine its style. Fans of the bohemian-chic look will favor desert-inspired greenery coupled with tufted cushions and iron seating. Meanwhile, those opting for a tranquil island-like scene will want a pool complemented by custom tile. The execution of each aesthetic varies, so it’s essential to define it early on.

2. See examples up-close. There are only so many inspiration boards you can craft before you need to see the goods in-person. At the Philly Home + Garden Show, attendees can see gardens and outdoor projects by the area’s most in-demand landscapers and home design experts. Featured companies include Village Nursery, Devine Escapes, Crystal Clear Custom Pools, Turpin Landscaping, WJA Landscaping and AJR Environmental. (There’s also 240,000 square feet of exhibitor space, so there’s no shortage of inspiration.) There, they’ll be doling out tried-and-true advice to help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams (or, you know, Pinterest).

3. Get to work. Once you’ve consulted the experts and defined your vision, it’s time to break ground. Depending on the demands of your project — some folks will go full reno’ while others might opt for a spruce-up — you’ll need to determine a timeline. Luckily, the experts you’ve enlisted should be able to help you with this. More involved projects (think: waterfalls, pools and decks) require a lead time of several months, while gardens can be started once the ground thaws.

For more lush green spaces and gorgeous home inspiration, purchase tickets to the inaugural Philly Home + Garden Show in Oaks on January 15th through January 17th.