While I enjoy the actual process of digging in the dirt and working in my garden, the thing that gives me the most joy from my flower garden is the peaceful feelings I experience. Being surrounded by the flowers, the critters that make their home in my garden, and the simple beauty of being in the midst of nature draw me into my garden every day. Creating a small oasis – a spot to sit and enjoy the peace – in my garden gave me a place to sit and reflect or meditate while being surrounded by the things I love. Here are a few tips to help you create your own garden oasis.
Choose a Spot for Your Garden Oasis
If you have an already-established flower garden, look for a spot that is somewhat open to create a seating area. In my garden, there was an area that was roughly three feet by five feet and was fairly open. I had a metal frame garden gazebo that had a canvas covering on the top. The canvas was damaged and needed to be discarded, which simply left a metal frame. I moved the gazebo frame to this area in my flower garden.
There were a few plants growing in the area that needed to be moved. I dug those up then mulched the area.
Add a Bench or Seat to Your Garden Oasis
I had an old wooden bench that I bought at a yard sale in another part of my garden. I moved it, painted it, then placed it in the area inside the gazebo.
Add Other Elements to Your Garden Oasis
The area I chose to create my special garden spot already had a water feature. I had created a butterfly puddling area using the lid from a plastic garbage can last year. I removed the lid then replaced it with a large plastic flower pot drain saucer purchased from a local garden center. I filled the saucer with decorative rocks and enough water to cover the rocks.
I put the painted bench into place then added decorative elements to the oasis area. I purchased small decorative stepping stones for one dollar each from a local dollar store. I put those into place leading to and in front of the bench.
I moved some of my solar garden lights into the area around the bench and found strands of small solar lights at my local Target. Those lights were draped over the top of the gazebo. I found a set of decorative solar lights at my local Menard’s store – one was a moon and the other was a sun. These were put into the area.
I moved potted plants into the oasis area to add color and interest. Because I enjoy the wild birds that visit my garden and yard, I hung bird feeding platforms and a finch sock feeder on the frame of the gazebo. I also added hummingbird feeders for those tiny visitors.
I added hanging planters and wind chimes. A local dollar store had a small garden flagpole and flag that featured colorful butterflies. It was added to the oasis spot. Finally, I planted a few more milkweed plants and other perennials to attract more butterflies and add more color.
Decorative items such as garden stakes, a toad house, and other whimsical elements are added and moved around to suit my mood and creativity. While my personal garden oasis is a work-in-progress and I am still tweaking it, I am happy to have a special place within my garden area. This is a place where I can sit and enjoy the sounds of the birds and the sights of the butterflies and other creatures that visit.
