Category Home & Garden

Your backyard can be a peaceful and relaxing retreat, a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But creating a backyard oasis takes some planning and effort. Here are 10 essential tips:

1. Choose the right location. When choosing a spot for your outdoor oasis, consider factors such as sun exposure, privacy, and noise levels. You want to find a place where you can relax and unwind without distractions.
2. Create a focal point. Every outdoor oasis needs a focal point, something that draws the eye and creates a sense of unity. This could be a fire pit, a water feature, or a piece of art.
3. Add comfortable seating. When it comes to outdoor seating, comfort is key. Choose chairs and sofas that are inviting and supportive. You may also want to add cushions and pillows for extra comfort.
4. Add shade. Too much sun can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Make sure your outdoor oasis has some shade, either from trees or an awning.
5. Add greenery. Plants and flowers can help to create a sense of peace and tranquility in your outdoor oasis. Add potted plants, hanging baskets, or even a small garden.
6. Add lighting. Lighting can set the mood for your outdoor oasis. String lights, lanterns, and solar lights are all great options.
7. Add a water feature. The sound of flowing water can be very calming and relaxing. Consider adding a water fountain, birdbath, or small pond to your outdoor oasis.
8. Add a touch of luxury. There are a few simple things you can do to add a touch of luxury to your outdoor oasis, such as adding a hammock, a chaise lounge, or a heated outdoor rug.
9. Keep it clean and tidy. A cluttered and dirty outdoor space is not very relaxing. Make sure to keep your outdoor oasis clean and tidy by sweeping, weeding, and mowing regularly.
10. Enjoy your outdoor oasis! Once you’ve created your outdoor oasis, take the time to enjoy it. Relax and unwind in your own personal oasis.

Here are some additional tips to make your outdoor oasis even more relaxing:

• Play calming music. Soft music can help to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
• Add aromatherapy. Certain scents, such as lavender and chamomile, can be calming and relaxing. Add essential oils to a diffuser or place scented candles around your outdoor oasis.
• Create a cozy ambiance. Add throw pillows and blankets to your seating area to make it more inviting. You may also want to add a chimenea or fire pit to create a warm and cozy glow.
• Spend time in nature. Spending time in nature has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress and improving mood. Make sure to spend some time each day in your outdoor oasis, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

Creating a relaxing outdoor oasis is a great way to improve your quality of life. By following these tips, you can create a space where you can escape the stresses of everyday life and relax and unwind.

The abundance of natural beauty in Vancouver’s domestic gardening is not limited to the outdoors. Even if your home lacks natural light, you can still create a verdant and vibrant indoor oasis by choosing the right plants. In this article, we will discuss ten indoor plants that not only prosper in low-light conditions, but also flourish in Vancouver’s climate. From adding a touch of green to purifying the air, these plants are ideal for bringing vitality and freshness into your home while addressing the unique lighting issues faced by Vancouverites.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – The Air Purifier:
The Snake Plant, with its striking upright leaves and air-purifying properties, is an excellent choice for Vancouver residences. It can flourish in low-light conditions, making it ideal for areas that receive little direct sunlight. Snake Plants proficiently remove airborne toxins, thereby improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier living environment for you and your family.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – The Low-Maintenance Wonder:
The ZZ Plant is renowned for its hardiness and ability to flourish in low-light environments. Its glossy, dark green leaves can lend a touch of elegance to any room. This plant requires minimal irrigation and can tolerate neglect, making it an excellent option for busy Vancouver residents seeking a low-maintenance indoor plant with aesthetic appeal.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – The Versatile Trailing Beauty:
Pothos is a popular choice among Vancouver indoor gardening enthusiasts due to its adaptability to a variety of illumination conditions, including low-light environments. Pothos can be cultivated in hanging baskets or trained to ascend walls or trellises thanks to its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves. It is well-known for its air-purifying properties and can even assist in the removal of prevalent indoor pollutants.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – The Elegantly Blooming Plant:
The Peace Lily, despite its delicate appearance, is a hardy plant that can tolerate low-light conditions, making it an excellent choice for Vancouver residences. It has glossy, dark green foliage and elegant white flowers that bring a sense of tranquilly to any indoor space. Additionally, Peace Lilies enhance air quality by removing harmful toxins.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) – The Stylish Foliage:
The Chinese Evergreen is a visually appealing plant that can flourish in low to moderate light conditions due to its beautifully patterned leaves. It is available in a variety of green, silver, and even red hues, making it a versatile addition to your home’s décor. Chinese Evergreens are well-known for their ability to remove contaminants from the air and their tolerance for low-light environments.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) – The Tough and Hardy:
Cast Iron Plant lives up to its name, as it is immensely resilient and can tolerate neglect and low-light conditions. Its leathery, dark-green foliage produce a dramatic effect in any indoor setting. This plant requires minimal maintenance and is a great option for Vancouver residents seeking a resilient and low-maintenance plant.

Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) – The Bold and Beautiful:
Dracaenas are a diverse group of plants that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and hues, making them an adaptable option for Vancouver residences. Numerous Dracaena species, including Dracaena marginata and Dracaena fragrans, can thrive in low-light environments. They are known for their air-purifying properties and attractive foliage, which contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – The Cascading Beauty:
Spider Plants are renowned for their cascading foliage, which lends an air of sophistication to any interior space. These plants are extremely adaptable and can withstand low to moderate light levels. Spider Plants generate “spiderettes” or baby plants that dangle from the main plant, producing an aesthetically pleasing display. They are simple to maintain and can flourish even in suboptimal lighting conditions.

Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) – The Classic Favorite:
Philodendrons are popular houseplants that have endured the test of time. Their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines lend a touch of tropical beauty to the homes of Vancouver. Numerous Philodendron species, including Philodendron hederaceum and Philodendron scandens, thrive in low-light environments. These plants are low maintenance and can tolerate occasional neglect.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) – The Compact Palm:
The Parlour Palm is a small species of palm that thrives in low-light indoor environments. It has feathery, ascending fronds that contribute to a tropical atmosphere. Parlour Palms are low-maintenance, making them a popular option for Vancouver residents seeking to add some greenery to their residences.

Vancouver residents are able to cultivate an indoor garden in low-light conditions due to the diversity of plants that flourish in such environments. From air-purifying marvels such as Snake Plants and Peace Lilies to visually appealing options such as Pothos and Philodendrons, these ten must-have indoor plants offer versatility, resilience, and aesthetic appeal to enhance your home. By incorporating these green companions into your indoor spaces, you can experience the benefits of a flourishing indoor garden despite Vancouver’s climate and lighting challenges.