There's no doubt that life is much easier and richer than it was at any point in history. However, progress comes at a price: we feel more stressed now than ever before.
This is why it's so important that we all work on reducing our stress levels.
Of course, this is easier said than done – how is one supposed to relax and leave the daily stress at command when there is so much to do, think about, and plan for?
Science has the answer: spend more time in green spaces.
Research shows that being in nature is highly beneficial for our physical and mental well-being.
And you don't have to journey to the woods, forests, and mountains every day to reap the benefits of green spaces – your own backyard or even balcony can do the trick, as long as you design it right.
This is where natural materials such as wood come into play. Eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and actually good for our health, wood can make any landscape look more beautiful and feel more inspiring.
To help you transform your outdoor space into a natural haven, we've rounded up five best ways to include more wood into your landscaping features.
Install a Wooden Privacy Screen
If you want to create a private, tranquil garden in your backyard, consider installing a wooden privacy screen. It will not only provide much-needed concealment in this camera-obsessed world, but also help define your sacred space by separating it from the rest.
A wooden screen also makes for a great feature as it can transform practically any outdoor space. It can be used to define a seating area, highlight a water feature in your garden, or even hide bins. It's also great for controlling the amount of sunlight in your outdoor space.
Make a Wooden Garden Pathway
Is there anything more charming than a stepping-stone garden pathway? Yes, a wooden one!
Think about it: a wooden pathway is as natural as it gets; it's both elegant and rustic, able to elevate the look of any garden. This is especially true if it's made from a variety of timber selections that complement the rest of your outdoor features and decorations. As a bonus, it's inexpensive and easy to make, plus it works great in sloping and even wet areas (pond bridges!).
Build a Garden Trellis
If you have a green thumb, consider building a living wallpaper, a.k.a. a garden trellis. It's a fantastic feature for any outdoor space, whether you want to plant some new and interesting flowering vines or spruce up a wall or fence. It's not too hard to build, either, and should last for years, even decades, if you choose the right (rot-resistant) wood for construction.
A wooden trellis can look particularly beautiful on a well-maintained lawn by putting flowers and vines on a prominent display. If you're not sure how to best care for your lawn, don't hesitate to hire help!
Professional landscapers use landscaping maintenance software solutions to design your outdoor space just the way you want it and can even help you pick the right plant species for your soil and climate.
Add More Wooden Furniture
If you have a large patio, deck, or a fenced seating area in your garden, consider adding (more) wooden furniture. A timber bench seating, a picnic table, or simple wooden chairs can add that rustic charm to any outdoor area.
Additionally, wooden furniture is durable and more environmentally friendly than its plastic or synthetic counterparts. And, when paired with the right padding, it can be wonderfully comfortable.
Use Wooden Accents and Decorations
Finally, consider adding a variety of wooden accents and decorations to your little outdoor haven. In addition to practical things, such as wooden garden beds and planters, why not add some whimsical and artistic wooden touches?
Nesting boxes and bird feeders are wonderful for encouraging wildlife to take up residence in your garden. And things like wooden sculptures or carvings can make for unique focal points, adding a touch of art to your green space. If you're handy, you can also build some of the pieces yourself.
Start with some easy woodworking projects, like a simple timber bench or a patio table, to both save money and give your outdoor space some personal creativity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich
Content Strategist
Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the wooden crafts and 3D product design space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.
