Green Spaces: Designing Your Own Private Oasis.
How to design a beautiful and healthy green space of your own.
The term green space is used most often in urban design and refers to an area of land, either publicly or privately owned, that is predominantly covered in vegetation, grass, trees, or other forms of natural elements. They play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life, the environment, and social connections.
Here are a few key advantages of green spaces:
Environmental benefits:
Green spaces help mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling through transpiration. They also contribute to air purification by absorbing pollutants and carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen.
Biodiversity support: Green spaces can act as refuges for wildlife, promoting biodiversity in urban settings. They offer habitats for various animals, birds, and plants, especially in areas where natural habitats have been displaced by urbanization.
Recreational opportunities: Green spaces offer residents and visitors a place to relax, exercise, play sports, or engage in leisure activities. They provide opportunities for both physical and mental well-being.
Social interactions: Parks and other green spaces can foster community interactions and social cohesion, serving as meeting places for people of different backgrounds and ages.
Aesthetics and psychological benefits: Green spaces have been linked to improved mental health and well-being. The natural beauty and tranquility they offer can reduce stress and anxiety.
Stormwater management: Green spaces can act as natural stormwater management systems, absorbing and filtering rainwater, which helps prevent flooding and improves water quality.
In summary, green spaces are what are called nature-based solutions.
What if you had your very own private green space?
Not only for your enjoyment but what would the return on the investment be if you sold your property? The value of a backyard oasis in real estate can vary depending on several factors, including the property's location, the size and features, and the preferences of potential buyers. In general, a well-designed and attractive backyard oasis can significantly add to the overall value of a property and make it more appealing to buyers.
Here are some ways in which a green space can add to property value:
1. Enhanced appeal: A beautifully landscaped and well-maintained backyard can create a positive first impression on potential buyers. It can make the property stand out from others on the market, leading to increased interest and a potentially higher selling price.
2. Increased living space: A functional and inviting backyard can effectively extend the usable living space of a property. Buyers often appreciate having a private outdoor area for relaxation, entertainment, and recreation.
3. Privacy and tranquility: A secluded and peaceful backyard can be a sought-after feature, especially in urban areas or neighborhoods with high population density. Privacy is a valuable commodity for many homebuyers.
4. Entertainment and recreation opportunities: A yard with a swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, or a well-designed patio can offer excellent entertainment and recreation options. Such amenities can be attractive selling points for buyers who enjoy outdoor living and hosting gatherings.
5. Health and well-being: Green spaces and natural environments are known to positively affect mental and physical health. A lush landscaping and space for gardening can be as appealing to health-conscious buyers as those for pure relaxation.
6. Resale potential: Investing in a well-designed green space can significantly increase the future potential for a higher resale value. As long as the features are well-maintained and align with market trends and buyer preferences, the property's value will likely be positively impacted.
Like a custom spa bathroom or chef's kitchen, the value of a backyard greenspace in real estate is subjective and influenced by the individual preferences of potential buyers. High-dollar features such as a pool, will also increase costs in utilities and maintenance.
A stream water feature in a South Western back yard
Few more green space considerations to note.
1. Space and what will fit without being crowded. Do I want grass for the dog or a large patio area and not have a lawn to cut?
2. How easy or difficult will the project be with available access? Hauling materials front to back is labor intensive.
3. Visual. What will be the best view from inside the house? Are there areas on the patio you would like to create more privacy?
4. Acoustics. This is especially true in smaller patios or noise resonating off a water surface. Research sound-absorbing qualities for trees and other vegetation. Materials like wood, fabrics, and cork are also good for attenuating noise.
5. Maintenance. Are you living in a seasonal part of the country with snowfall and/or seasonal foliage changes? Will this create additional maintenance?
6. What is the access to electric, water, and or gas lines that may be required?
7. How will the orientation of the sun affect the use of the green space or garden room during both the winter and summer months?
A garden room in a green space is not unlike a living room inside a home. It requires seating, a table, flooring, and sometimes even a ceiling.
For the ceiling, a stand-alone Pergola or an Arbor attached to the house provides immediate framing of the space. Note which direction the top rails are to run for the most shade. The flooring can be poured concrete, paver stones, concrete slabs, or a wood deck. Or it could even be fine gravel, shell, or some other suitable local material. Seating with cushions adds more care than those without. Walls around the patio can be built low enough for additional seating. Large Containers can hold small trees with flowers and help frame the space or block a view.
It always helps to see the space more clearly by laying out a garden hose or spray painting the area with landscape marking paint.
Even the smallest patios can become a relaxing greenspace with a well-thought-out plan. This is where accessories come into play, such as types of containers, trellises, and living walls. All of these do a great job by adding style, sound buffering, and privacy. Often overlooked are the finer details of plant containers and how much they influence the style. Material can be composite, cement, stone, or metals; They can be formal, modern, or rustic. Planting larger containers should be “indirect” by slipping in a smaller pot inside the larger container. This way you will not damage the outer one and make moving easier. Regarding the new “self-watering” pots, do not waste your money. We can all easily over water and these pots will have plant roots swimming, especially if used outside.
Best of all, accessories, furniture, and containers can all go with you if you sell your home.
As with any home renovation, you may not get all your money back when selling. But you can be sure that having a green space at home will add to your enjoyment and be a sales asset if you move.
Bio
With In Green Living, Joni Keefe shares nature-based design choices for urban greenspaces, Interior Design, and outdoor rooms.. Her interests also follow sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly building products, and the latest in sustainable housing. She is a published writer with design work featured in national publications.
Green Space