In a locale as attractive and comfortable as Hawaii, you likely want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. However, your current backyard may not be up to the task. With a bit of clever garden design and a few landscaping products, you can transform a plain yard into a relaxing outdoor oasis.

Do:

Include rocks and flowers.

Shrubs and tall grasses assist with privacy, but don't forget to plant flowers and trim the area with volcanic rock. Both make colorful additions to your garden. Plus, lava rock makes a terrific inorganic mulch. It preserves moisture and releases warmth during cool evenings. Instead of needing replacement annually, it can last for several years.

Include a water feature.

Running water is one of the most relaxing sounds in the world. A natural-looking pond, stream, fountain, or waterfall will help turn a blah backyard into an outdoor space in which you'll love spending time. It may even attract local wildlife and birds.

Don't:

Use too many statues.

A few statues scattered throughout the garden give your outdoor space a certain charm. However, if you use too many, the results will appear cluttered and busy instead of relaxing. Your best bet is to choose two or three and make each the focus of a particular area of the garden.

Forget to perform maintenance.

Regular maintenance keeps your outdoor space tidy and comfortable. Don't forget to sweep up fallen blossoms and leaves. Water plants regularly during the dry season and dig channels to prevent flooding or pooling during heavy rains. Clean mildew and algae from concrete surfaces and lawn furniture with a power washer, and fertilize plants whenever they look beleaguered.

When you’re looking for hardscaping elements and water features for your garden design, Big Rock Manufacturing in Honolulu, HI, has what you need. For over 35 years, they’ve specialized in providing statues, Japanese garden stones, lawn water features, and other landscaping products to spruce up yards across Oahu. Visit their website to explore their inventory, or call (808) 834-7625 to request a free quote for your garden design project.