Creating a welcoming space for family picnics involves more than just setting up a table and chairs—it’s about designing an environment that encourages relaxation and connection among natural beauty. In Westerly, RI, landscaping, and plantings play a crucial role in transforming an outdoor space into an inviting retreat where loved ones can gather. Creating an outdoor oasis requires thoughtful design, whether it’s the vibrant hues of perennials in bloom or the shade provided by strategically placed trees.
Defining the Layout With Walkways
The foundation of any outdoor oasis begins with the layout. Incorporating defined spaces, such as walkways that lead to different areas, adds flow and organization. Natural stone walkways are particularly appealing, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment while offering durability. Curving walkways can meander through planting beds, allowing one to experience the landscape while leading to seating areas or a picnic spot.
Walkways are functional and can guide guests through different parts of your outdoor space, inviting exploration. Using natural stone materials ensures that the walkways complement the overall aesthetic while standing up to regular use. Additionally, strategically placing walkways around focal points like trees or water features enhances the landscaping’s visual appeal.
Selecting Plantings for Visual and Sensory Appeal
Plantings serve as both a visual and sensory backdrop. Using a combination of blooming shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers ensures year-round interest. The key is choosing a diverse range of plantings that offer different textures and colors, contributing to a dynamic landscape that draws the eye. Taller plantings, such as ornamental grasses or hydrangeas, can act as natural dividers, creating distinct areas within the outdoor space. Meanwhile, low-growing ground covers provide an organic way to soften the edges of structural elements like paver patios and walkways.
Choosing native plantings or varieties that are well-suited to the local climate can make a significant difference in the success of the landscape. Not only do these plantings thrive in the environment, but they also enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings. Your landscaping professional can mix plantings that bloom at different times of the year, offering continual color and texture.
Related: Benefits of Fresh Mulching for Vibrant Blooms in Narragansett and East Greenwich, RI
Incorporating Shade and Focal Points With Trees
Trees play an essential role in this type of landscape design. Not only do they provide shade, but they also serve as focal points. A tree with a broad canopy can offer the perfect spot for a picnic table, encouraging family members to linger longer on a warm day. Your landscaping professional can help you select tree species well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions, ensuring they thrive in the environment. Native trees, in particular, can offer additional benefits, as they often require fewer resources to maintain and support local wildlife.
Incorporating trees with different sizes and shapes adds depth and dimension to the landscape. For an added layer of interest, blooming trees such as dogwoods or magnolias can provide bursts of color in the spring, while larger shade trees like oaks or maples create a welcoming atmosphere.
Building a Functional and Attractive Patio
For seating areas, a natural stone patio provides a sturdy and visually appealing base for picnic tables and outdoor furniture. Natural stone can complement the colors and textures of the surrounding landscape, while its durability ensures a long-lasting solution. Choosing natural stone in neutral tones allows the surrounding plantings to stand out, creating a harmonious balance between structural elements and soft landscaping.
Enhancing the area with plantings around the patio or seating area adds softness and creates a sense of enclosure. Low-growing shrubs or blooming plantings like lavender or salvia can be installed along the edges to form a natural border. These plantings provide a visual barrier and contribute to the sensory experience, with their vibrant colors and subtle fragrances filling the air.
Outdoor Lighting for Evening Gatherings
Outdoor lighting is another critical element in creating an outdoor oasis. While natural daylight is ideal for afternoon picnics, subtle landscape lighting can extend the use of the space into the evening. Low-voltage outdoor lighting along the walkways and around the seating area ensures visibility without being overpowering. Choosing fixtures that blend into the natural surroundings keeps the focus on the lush landscaping and plantings rather than the lights themselves.
Adding Seasonal Interest With Planting Selection
Seasonal interest is important when planning an outdoor space meant for family gatherings. Incorporating plantings that bloom at different times of the year ensures the landscape remains vibrant. Early spring bulbs, summer perennials, and autumn foliage all contribute to a landscape that evolves with the seasons. This landscaping approach ensures that the space remains dynamic and engaging for family picnics throughout the year.
