The concept of a “staycation” is not new, but this year, more and more of your landscaping clients are looking for convenient and cost-effective ways to relax in their own backyards. Your clients are opting for hassle-free local vacations and are choosing to invest in their backyards rather than airfares.
For this type of staycation, the right landscaping offers flexibility and control that other excursions don’t, leading your clients to see their own home as a far more desirable staycation destination.
Ideas that Add Shade to Patio Retreats
Shade is one of the top considerations that determines whether your client will love their new backyard retreat. Sun protection is essential. Without it, your clients will find themselves constantly seeking refuge indoors.
You can always fall back on classic shade solutions like pergolas and gazebos. These structures provide partial to full shade while adding elegant architecture to a client’s backyard. As a bonus, you can enhance their posts and beams with the natural cooling of climbing plants such as wisteria or grapevines. Some modern pergolas have adjustable roofs, allowing your clients to control the amount of sun or rain they want while underneath.
A combination of these shade solutions makes any backyard landscaping project more enjoyable.
For clients who prefer a lower initial investment, retractable awnings are another viable solution staycationers can opt for when they want shade and retract them to allow more sunlight. However, these awnings are often expensive to install and repair. They must also be cleaned regularly to avoid the buildup of any dirt, debris, or water that can cause them to rust or become stuck.
Sail shades are also gaining popularity as a cost-effective alternative to traditional shades. These stylish fabric structures come in triangular or rectangular shapes, much like those of a boat’s sail (hence the name), and their variety of colors allows you to add both function and flair to your landscape ideas. The main downsides to these shades are that they offer little protection against heavier rains, snowfall, and strong winds, can be easily damaged by animals or falling branches, and require regular maintenance to prevent holes or rips from forming.
And don’t forget the timeless large patio umbrella, which will always be a favorite outdoor accessory. It offers your clients the flexibility to move the shade as the sun moves, making it easy for them to stay protected throughout the day. Yet, like the other two solutions mentioned above, these larger umbrellas are also vulnerable to damage from high winds or heavy snowfall that can cause their frames to bend or their crank system to break. They must also be routinely cleaned to avoid any buildup of mildew, mold, dirt, or other substances that can damage their fabric.
A combination of these shade solutions makes any backyard landscaping project more enjoyable. They embody a resort-like vibe, encouraging your clients to spend more time outdoors.
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Adjustable Lighting
Fun times in a backyard retreat shouldn’t end at sunset. Lighting always makes your clients’ outdoor gathering spots more functional.
Dimmable LED lights are a popular choice. Some shading options, such as those mentioned above, even integrate them into their basic design. A warm glow lets your clients set the mood for any type of special occasion, or even just a quiet night unwinding in their backyard.
What’s more, your clients can now link many outdoor lighting setups with their smart home systems. This integrated connectivity gives them control over brightness, colors, and timing with a smartphone app or voice command.
To create the ultimate staycation setting for your clients, don’t stop after lighting any constructed features. Wow them with landscaping that illuminates the entire backyard. Solar-powered pathway lights and twinkling fairy lights in trees remain an eco-friendly and practical option. They add magic to your clients’ garden beds and walkways without driving up energy costs.
For a final touch of landscape drama, strategically place spotlights to highlight trees, sculptures, or water features. Their focus turns a backyard project into a park-like resort.
Outdoor Amenities Clients Will Love
Along with options that provide adjustable shading and lighting, you can expect your landscaping clients to ask about any extra items or add-ons you can offer to make their backyard patio the ultimate staycation destination. Think about ways your business can help transform their backyard landscape into a space that rivals a 5-star resort they’ll never want to leave.
One of the best ways landscaping plays a leading role in this transformation is through outdoor kitchens and bars.
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are another popular landscaping touch for clients looking to build a staycation retreat and create the ultimate welcoming focal point for evening relaxation. After all, the warmth of dancing flames draws people together under the open sky like nothing else.
It’s no surprise that spa-like amenities are also making their way into this type of backyard landscaping. Hot tubs, plunge pools, and even sauna pods offer your clients wellness experiences without the need for a long drive.
For the majority of your clients, incorporating natural elements is just as important in these outdoor spaces as selecting comfortable furniture. Your introduction of native plants and water elements can provide them with exactly the calming environments they envision.
With a blend of these ideas, your next backyard landscaping project can bring together all the best aspects of any vacation. It can leave your clients with relaxation, entertainment, adventure, and a connection to nature.
The backyard staycation is a lifestyle shift that gives your clients a chance to slow down and reconnect. They want to enjoy a daily getaway without the logistical headaches of travel. With thoughtful shade solutions, versatile adjustable lighting, and carefully chosen upgrades, you can help your clients create a backyard sanctuary that feels like a dream vacation spot every day of the year.
