"Create a Garden Sanctuary '' Relax, Rejuvenate, Refresh With A Few Simple Changes"

Creating the perfect private, relaxing spot to get away from the stresses of daily life is simpler, faster and less costly than you think. Use an outdoor fountain, a few colorful plants and inexpensive decorative objects to create a garden sanctuary that you'll enjoy for years to come.

There are three common elements found in every peaceful garden refuge: water, a soothing color palette, and privacy. Whether your outdoor space is a balcony, a small concrete patio or a large lawn, you can create a feeling of seclusion and comfort with a few small changes in the set-up and decor.

The element of water will introduce a sense of peace and relaxation like nothing else can. Trickling, flowing water instantly soothes us and transforms any space into a place of rest and repose. Outdoor fountains such as the Raku Vase Fountain, pictured top, and the Mosaic Cascade Solar Fountain, pictured left, will pack a dramatic punch for the amount of money spent.

Use color to create a mood. Blue and purple are wonderful choices to give any space a feeling of calm. Plant some flowers or colored foliage in groupings around the table, bench, or other area you plan to use as your garden sanctuary. For more visual interest, use plants of different heights and textures grouped together, with the tallest ones in the back. You can keep the plants in their containers and still achieve a similar effect. Another way to introduce color is to use decorative garden objects such as gazing balls, statuary, bird feeders and wind spinners, which can be found at your local home and garden store. To preserve your desired relaxing, Zen-like feel, keep the decorative accents unified in color and theme, and don't crowd too many into a small area.

Give your relaxing garden oasis the feeling of an enclosed room with some creative materials that are easy to set up and cost very little. Lattice nailed to the sides of a porch with ivy planted at the base will soon create a very private, lush outdoor space. Outdoor fabric hung like curtains instantly transform a balcony or deck into a luxurious hideaway. You can also get some tall bushes or trees in containers to place around the border of your space.

Just these few small and simple changes can change a drab exterior space into your favorite spot for reading, lounging, napping and unwinding. It's a great afternoon project on your day off, and will be well worth the effort.