Do you feel a bit of a travel lull in the fall, winter and spring when big summer vacations are over and your plans to visit family for Christmas do not technically constitute “travel” in your book?
We have all been there with kids being at school and parents laboring at work, day after day. That’s why I love adding an atmosphere of what travel is all about to our daily routine, whenever possible. For example, adding new smells, tastes, aspects of exploration and discovery.
Have you checked out my previous articles that give you some creative ideas on how to bring “travel” into your daily life? If not, here they are:
Travel Inspired Perfumes – Travel The World With Fragrances
How To Plan The Perfect Travel Themed Party
Today I would like to share with you another fun idea – how to bring “travel” into your living spaces by recreating your favorite travel destinations in your backyard.
Are you daydreaming about the lush forests of North America or the serene beaches of the Caribbean while stuck at home? It’s not uncommon to yearn for the beauty and tranquility of our favorite travel destinations, especially during times when travel might not be possible. The good news is that you can bring a piece of those beloved places to your own backyard with a bit of creativity and planning.
My Personal Experience
When we started our family business 3 years ago, California Lavender Honey Farm, we immediately slashed our time available for travel by at least 50% But I was not going to give up on the idea of “travel” and all the positive emotions it brings. So I decided to incorporate “travel” into our farm landscape.
Our kids are big fans of the desert so we designated a space for them to create their own Arizona garden. By now it is a beautiful landscape filled with rocks, cacti, succulents, Talavera pottery, lizard sculptures and so on.
And it is not a static landscape, it is changing, things are being added and moved around while kids are learning about flora and fauna of the deserts, the same way they would be learning on a trip to the American Southwest.
So below are more ideas for you for bringing you favorite travel destinations into your living spaces.
Travel Inspired Landscapes
Embrace the Spirit of North American Forests
If you have ever explored the enchanting forests of North America, you’ll know that they are a sight to behold. Tall, majestic trees, like the thuja green giant, dominate these forests, providing not only beauty but also a sense of tranquility. To mimic this natural wonder in your own backyard, consider planting the thuja green giant, a towering evergreen tree that can reach impressive heights of up to 60 feet.
Thuja green giants are known for their lush, emerald-green foliage and rapid growth. These trees create a dense screen of greenery that offers privacy and a serene atmosphere reminiscent of the North American wilderness. Planting several thuja green giants strategically in your backyard can transform it into a peaceful oasis.
Create a Tropical Paradise with Palm Trees
Dreaming of swaying palm trees and sandy beaches? You can bring a touch of the Caribbean to your backyard by planting palm trees. Depending on your climate and available space, you can opt for a variety of palm species, such as the classic coconut palm, date palm, or the robust windmill palm.
Palm trees not only provide an unmistakable tropical vibe but also offer shade and a sense of relaxation. Place a few lounge chairs beneath your palm trees, add some tiki torches, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a Caribbean paradise every time you step into your backyard.
Another option is to plant a banana tree. The frost will kill it for sure in winter if you live in colder climates but did you know you just need to cut it as you would do grass in the Fall (because banana is in fact a grass) and it will re-grow in Spring!
Mediterranean Retreat with Olive Trees
The Mediterranean region is known for its stunning landscapes and picturesque villages with charming olive groves. To capture the essence of this beautiful destination, consider planting olive trees in your backyard. Olive trees thrive in various climates, and their silver-green leaves and twisted trunks create an inviting and rustic atmosphere.
You can use your backyard olive trees not only for their visual appeal but also for their fruits. Harvesting olives and making your own olive oil can become a rewarding hobby that connects you even more deeply with the Mediterranean spirit.
Another option for your Mediterranean landscape is lavender. Lavender is great for small spaces, you can plant it in pots on your patio or balcony if you don’t have a backyard. On our farm we are actually growing both, lavender and olives. Come visit us on a tour to learn about growing these plants at home.
Japanese Zen Garden with Bonsai Trees
Japan’s serene gardens and bonsai trees are renowned for their aesthetic beauty and calming influence. If you’ve always admired the tranquility of Japanese landscapes, why not create your own Japanese-inspired Zen garden? Planting bonsai trees in your backyard is a fantastic way to start.
Bonsai trees are miniature versions of their full-sized counterparts, and they require careful pruning and shaping to maintain their small stature and unique appearance. These miniature trees can be placed strategically in a rock garden, surrounded by pebbles, and complemented with minimalist décor elements like lanterns and bamboo fences, creating a serene retreat right in your own backyard. They are also perfect for small living spaces.
Savannah Grasslands with Ornamental Grasses
If the vast savannahs of Africa have ever captured your imagination, you can recreate a similar ambiance in your backyard using ornamental grasses. Ornamental grasses come in various sizes and colors, and they can mimic the tall, waving grasses of the African plains.
Planting ornamental grasses in clusters can help you achieve the look and feel of a savannah landscape. These grasses not only add texture and movement to your outdoor space but also require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a low-effort transformation.
Asian-Inspired Water Garden with Koi Pond
Asia is known for its stunning water gardens and ornamental koi ponds. To replicate this calming and beautiful setting in your own backyard, consider creating a water garden with a koi pond as the centerpiece. Koi, with their vibrant colors and graceful movements, add a sense of tranquility to any outdoor space.
Surround the pond with lush vegetation, including bamboo, lotus flowers, and water lilies. Add a wooden bridge, stone pathways, and a few Japanese lanterns to complete the Asian-inspired ambiance. The sound of running water and the mesmerizing sight of koi swimming in your pond will transport you to the serene gardens of Asia every time you step outside.
Conclusion
While you may not always be able to travel to your favorite destinations, you can certainly bring the spirit of those places to your own backyard. Whether you choose to plant thuja green giants to recreate the North American forests, create a tropical paradise with palm trees, or fashion a Japanese Zen garden with bonsai trees, the possibilities are endless. With a little creativity and effort, your backyard can become a retreat that reflects the beauty and serenity of the destinations you hold dear but also provide you and your kids an opportunity to learn more about these destinations. So, get started on your backyard transformation today, and let your imagination take you on a journey without leaving the comfort of your home.
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