An expert study back in 2009 suggests that leisure time, taking vacations, traveling, or simple relaxation help relieve job stress. Scott McCabe, the researcher responsible, noted that the feeling of taking a vacation helps a person recuperate from work.Another study also shows that a place's ambiance sets a person's mood. To feel relaxed, you must create a comfortable space. It's not completely necessary to take a complete vacation in another country or island. You just have to transform a part of your home into a vacation spot.

Make the Ambiance Exclusive

A relaxing ambiance needs its very own privacy. Walls must be built around the garden to block your view of the street and other homes. This will ensure that you can enjoy staycation without any intrusion. The walls also provide additional protection to the family members from stray animals that can destroy your property, and harm your family.

Bamboo fences are a staple in every Zen-inspired garden. These ensure a more refreshing ambiance, which perfectly matches the plants around the garden.

A Layout of Wonder

Zen gardens can be traced back to its Asian ancestry. It's known for leaving a mysterious impression. Create vignettes that are surrounded by lush plants and trees to make them mesmerizing. Build winding paths which lead to the back door, pagodas, and gazebo to add a feeling of exploration and curiosity around the garden as you visit it. So, you can explore your garden in ways you never imagined before.

Planning the Gazebo

Patios and gazebos are often used as spaces where people pass time in reflection. They also serve as your personal pavilion.

You must need a spacious area to build a gazebo. Also, you must set a budget as it will determine the materials and the design you will use. If you have limited budget, then you can go for smaller zen gazebos as these don't require much space, and you will use minimal materials in building it.

Choose toned and terracotta tiles for luxurious Asian zen garden themes. On the other hand, brick can be a cheaper alternative to tiles. Painting on concrete walls would achieve the same look and feel, too.

If you are not sure about what materials and design to go for, you can browse the gazebos in Sunjoy.

Plants to Grow

Plants are essential to transform your outdoor area into the ultimate staycation area. Asian gardens rely on subtle varieties in the color and appearance of the plants. Shades of green are excellent in bringing out the Asian zen in your garden. So go ahead and add evergreen trees like the Portugal Laurel, Noble Fir, and Creeping Pine. 

To provide a refreshing overall look for your garden, trees should be surrounded by small plants such as bushes and green hostas. Smaller plants make the setting appear natural. You could also grow some moss on the stone and brick steppers. Moss provides a cushion-like appearance to the garden, making it more relaxing to look at. If possible, pruned trees completes the soothing zen garden.

Add-Ons

Throw in some accessories to enhance the aesthetic and functionalities of your zen garden. Build a fireplace outside the gazebo. You can chose chimineas, fire pits, or fire bowls. You can also install some grills for some barbecue funtimes.

For more aesthetic designs that will truly make the Asian garden more relaxing for a staycation, you should add a pond decorated with additional pagodas, smooth rocks, moss, tall grasses, bushes and other small plants.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned tips are meant to create an Asian zen garden - which is considered as one of the most relaxing themes for backyard staycation. 

(Photo Credit : https://www.bambooimport.com/en/bamboo-fence-roll-180-x-180-cm)