Get inspired to make a backyard escape with ideas from local experts.
Written by MARY CORNETTA
FROM DISCONNECTING AT THE END OF THE WORKDAY to entertaining friends and family on the weekend, an intentionally designed backyard is a must-have. It’s equally essential to understand what features it needs (which, during Savannah summers, means adding plenty of shade and keeping bugs at bay) so you can make the most of your space. Curating your ideal outdoor retreat requires some initial planning, but the effort is worth it once you’re lounging spa side, listening to the neighbors gush over your garden. Whether you’re starting fresh or your current yard could use some sprucing up, here are some tips from local experts on how to make an enviable open-air haven.
Stay Cool With a Pool
“By making you feel like you are living on the water’s edge, a pool adds beauty and a sense of relaxation to your entire property,” says Beth New, owner of Clearwater Pools and Patios. The heat and humidity that come with Southern summers are the perfect excuse to put in a pool, if you haven’t already. As New puts it, once you’ve had a custom pool built, you’ll be left wondering how you ever lived without it.
“Swimming pools can be used as a staycation that brings friends and families together and creates memories for years to come,” says Alex Smith, president and co-owner of Pride Pools, Spas & Leisure Products, which recently celebrated 50 years in business. For cooler seasons, consider tacking on a hot tub. “A spa can be used for wellness to help reduce stress,” adds Smith. “Hot water therapy is a great way to relieve the aches and pains of everyday living.”
Create Comfortable Spaces
While your plan might be to spend hours basking in your outdoor sanctuary, you can make it an even more pleasurable experience by safeguarding yourself from the elements. One way to do this is by installing shade features, such as a retractable awning, porch screens, patio curtains, or a poolside cabana.
According to Scott Edwards, head of business development at Coastal Canvas Products, “One of the primary benefits of [products like] fabric awnings and motorized exterior screens is the ability to transform outdoor spaces into attractive, inviting areas where people can gather comfortably.”
To protect your feet, be mindful of what materials you put down in your outdoor spaces. Lisa Bakke, exteriors sales manager for Savannah Surfaces, suggests something like tumbled porcelain pavers. Not only are they anti-slip and weather resistant, but they also boost the look of the backyard. “Their soft, aged appearance and subtly undulating surface effortlessly evoke an ‘Old World’ charm, making them the perfect foundation for any outdoor setting,” says Bakke.
Prettify with Plants
Groundskeeping offers more than curb appeal, according to Olivia Root, chief business development officer at Taylor’s Landscaping. “It’s your chance to create an outdoor oasis, a space to relax, gather, and grow.”
A lush landscape is not only an impressive sight, it’s pleasing to all the senses. “Thoughtfully selecting plants creates a space that is visually, physically, and audibly satisfying,” says Reid Archer, co-owner of Victory Gardens. “If you’re imagining a shady place to gather, beautiful pops of color, birds and bees buzzing around, the rustling of leaves in the breeze, or greenery all year long, plants can deliver.”
Scott Friend, landscape designer at Low Country Landscaping, agrees that “combining plants with variations in color, texture, and form can create a unique outdoor space.” Archer emphasizes the importance of knowing which types of trees, shrubs, and perennials will thrive in your yard’s soil conditions and sunlight patterns, so don’t be shy to ask experts for suggestions.
“You can also integrate hardscapes, structures, lighting, and water features,” explains Archer. “The addition of a pergola, winding pathway, lights around your garden, a fire pit, or a fountain can make a space more functional and enjoyable for all of life’s outdoor occasions.”
Accessorize Away!
No backyard resort is complete without furnishings, like plush seating and ambient lighting.
“Your outdoor space should feel like an extension of your indoors,” explains Joe Gallo, co-owner of Broad Street Interiors. “Choose pieces that you actually want to spend time in and that can withstand the harsh elements.” He recommends opting for outdoor furniture that is low-maintenance and easy to clean. (He carries Polywood brand, which is weatherproof and includes a 20-year warranty.)
“Thoughtful home decor and curated accessories can transform any outdoor space into a serene oasis where comfort meets nature,” says Teena Vanvick, owner of The Nested Fig Home Savannah, a home and garden lifestyle boutique that recently opened its first franchise store in Savannah. Here, you can find accents like colorful pillows, whimsical planters, and LED-powered lanterns to add finishing touches to your style. “Every detail invites you to relax, unwind, and feel at home under the sky,” per Vanvick.
The bottom line is that overhauling or designing your yard from scratch doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Envision how you plan to use the space and embrace the help of professionals to achieve the outdoor oasis of your dreams. Then, sit back and bask in the paradise at your back door.
