If going away on a restful tropical vacation isn’t in the cards for your this year, then just create your own relaxing paradise in your own backyard. With a little landscaping, a lot of plants, and features from the below suggestions, you may never want to leave your backyard paradise again!

Six Steps to Creating an Idyllic Backyard Paradise

1. Incorporate Lots of Plants

The key to producing a lush, green, paradise island effect is with lots of greenery in the form of plants, trees, and shrubs. Large, leafy plants and tall trees are best for creating shade and privacy while smaller, ground-covering plants add luxuriance to your space. Incorporate plants that have different shades of green for depth and different heights and leaf shapes for texture.

2. Plant Bright and Exotic Flowers

For your personal oasis to feel truly exotic, spring for some special, out-the-ordinary types of flowers. Orchids and Birds of Paradise are good examples as are Red Ginger and Bougainvillea. Or, place together flowers of opposite colors for a dramatic effect, or pair flowers with more harmonious colors for a more soothing effect. Include fragrant flowers as well to add a “scent”-ual level to your garden escape. Place them in decorative containers and group them in areas to enhance their visual and fragrant appeal.

3. Add a Water Feature

The sound of water almost always brings about instant tranquility. From a swimming pool to a stream or babbling brook, the sound of water is an important part of creating a relaxing paradise. You don’t need to go broke, though, small water features such as a birdbath or makeshift water fountain do just perfectly. Other ideas are garden ponds, koi ponds, wading pools, or a small gurgling fountain.

4. Include Stone Features

A stone path, stone planters, or low stone walls all help add a rustic and pastoral quality to your lush green setting. Charming and rustic, adding a little stone goes a long way. Adding plants and ivy to stone walls also produces a softer, jungle-like look.

5. Integrate Comfortable Seating

High-quality, cushy furniture is the final piece in creating your luxurious private paradise. You want to be comfortable as you relax, de-stress, or entertain your friends. Furniture with quality fabrics and neutral colors to blend in with the landscape are a must. If your climate is particularly hot, opt for a ceiling fan as well for additional comfort.

6. Put in Soft Lighting

Keep the relaxation going even after the sun sets with string lighting, lanterns, or lighted pathways. Plus, it allows you to entertain guests late into the evening.

Head to your local florist and greenhouse Campbell’s Flowers for the best selection of plants. With such a serene, lush, and tranquil oasis in your own backyard, you may never want to leave for vacation again!