Your hectic weeks does not give you much chance to sit down a moment and breathe. We know it all too well: the office calls you at home, too much overtime, kids coming and going, groceries shopping for everyone, cooking duties, the dog, cat or both running around, your mother-in-law incessantly inquiring about the children, and no one has taken out the garbage yet. It?s endless. When can we grab a moment to enjoy the outdoors?

Peace and quiet, the fresh country air, relaxation, reading, silence? Yes SILENCE! It has become an absolute necessity! To find solace, you don?t need to isolate yourself in the Fortress of Solitude or on your own private island in the Caribbean. Well, you can dream about it, but there?s a much more realistic and affordable option. Deep down, you put up with your rambunctious kids, life partner and hyperactive pets because you love them.

So make your own natural environment! What is more relaxing than nature? A nice lawn chair, grass pushing between your toes, a tree providing shade, butterflies fluttering around native plants and the soothing sounds of water? the real outdoors!

Vegetation

Vegetation is key for these layouts: vivid, lush flora blending grass, native plants, perennials, moss, and dominated by colourful flowers. We want to breathe in nature and be part of it. That?s when you?ll find the peace and serenity of silence. Take that concept and run with it.

Build a concrete pond whose cool, calm water beckons. Layer your living spaces with small concrete walls to accentuate your property?s diverse surfaces. Let the vegetation and moss spill over the stones and pavers. You will have a sublime result for years to come. You can even combine these ideas to create a waterfall and enjoy its soothing melody.

Access

This type of layout needs limits and barriers. Nature can certainly have its say in your back yard, but make sure you have breathing room and can move from one point to another. A light or naturally-colored paver should blend naturally into your peaceful, green décor. Avoid excessively imposing concrete pieces; rely on quantity instead, making sure your slabs are well spaced. This way, Nature can have its say in balancing greenery with concrete.