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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, A pr il 28 ,2 02 2 | 26 Number one Team - Oakville 2020/21 Rate my agent Fournier Real Estate Family Team wilmafournier.com wilma@wilmafournier.com 905.399.9544905.844.5000 With Getting You The BestWith Getting You The Best OBSESSED Call for your free home evaluation and discover how much more Smart homing/staging will get you. Guy Fournier P Eng. Smart home Expert. Wilma Fournier Realtor Team leader / Negotiator Kris Fournier Realtor Team leader / Negotiator Holly Fournier Marketing / Professional stager Real Estate Advertorial Over the last few years, families have become especially familiar with what works about their yards and where there is room for improvement. Pandemic- related travel restrictions and early stay- at-home mandates resulted in plenty of time spent in backyards on staycations. Even though many such restrictions have been lifted, homeowners may have seen the benefits of having functional respites right outside their doors. A backyard renovation can cost any- where from $5,000 to $50,000. The American Society of Landscape Architects suggests homeowners budget the cost of a major landscaping project at between 5 and 10 percent of their home's value. Large or small, here are ways to make an outdoor oasis at home. Create living privacy: Living in close proximity to neighbours may make privacy harder to come by. Wood or vinyl fences, however effective, may not provide the all- natural look many people desire. Vertical gardening, which trains easy-care vines like English ivy, Clematis or various climb- ing roses to grow on trellis or fencing adds greenery and privacy. Hedges and fast-growing shrubs also can be used for natural barriers. Install a pool: Pools are the ultimate spots to cool off on hot days. An elabo- rately shaped in-ground pool can blend in with the landscape and offer the ultimate hang-out zone. However, above-ground pools also serve the purpose and are more budget-friendly. Stock tank pools are popular among those who want minimal pool expenditure or have small spaces to work with. Stock tanks are metal vessels traditionally used as watering holes for livestock. They also can be "adult kiddie pools" when combined with some plumb- ing. Galvanized steel frames make them sturdy. With floats and other accessories, they can become the perfect oasis. Provide outdoor atmosphere: Create a bespoke bistro vibe by using freestanding planters and posts along with hanging lights to make an intimate outdoor hang- out spot at night. For those with perma- nent structures, like a deck or a gazebo, lights can be strung across the area or on railings or edging. Extend the living space: Decks and patios can help make outdoor entertain- ing areas more comfortable by eliminat- ing the need to sit on the grass or gravel. Plus, they add another "room" to the home. When paired with weatherproof patio furniture, such as sofas, loungers and tables, a private seating area can be crafted and utilized for any number of en- tertaining desires. Hang a hammock: Few things evoke feelings of relaxation better than a ham- mock. Fitted between two trees (or two posts if trees are sparse), a hammock is an ideal place to grab a nap or read a book. Additional oasis-inspired ideas include outdoor kitchens, letting up lanterns, cas- cading water features, and bird feeders to attract the sounds of nature. (MCC) How to turn your yard into a vacation-worthy oasis