Create a garden oasis: Six beautiful spaces to inspire you

Createa garden oasis

There is nothing as uplifting as sitting in your garden or on your veranda and enjoying the summer. Here are a few ideas for making these spaces beautiful.

by DALA WAT TS photos ISTOCK/GET TY IMAGES and BUREAUX.CO.ZA

MODERN FRENCH

This mixture of two décor styles works wonderfully: The wall and shutters in front of the window take you to the French countryside, but instead of the café-style metal table and chairs that you might expect, there are two modern, round chairs that invite you to curl up in them. The chairs are durable polythene and polypropylene and wonʼt weather outdoors. A deck of light wood is the ideal base for a scene that you can colour in to your heartʼs content ‒ here done with simple yellow and green cushions and potplants in containers with interesting shapes. The little trees have been cut into perfect pompoms to echo the chairs.

MEDITERRANEAN MARVEL

We never get tired of this look, and if you already have the stone walls and floor, thereʼs nothing standing in your way. Finish off the windows and doors with white-painted plasterwork as a contrast for the stone. For the canopy you can use reeds and, with a bit of time and patience, a grapevine will provide shade. The built-in benches with a smooth finish are ideal for this relaxed, inviting corner, with the dove-grey seats and white-and-blue cushions a perfect complement for the Mediterranean style. A raw wooden table and chair complete the picture.

INSIDE OUT

RIGHT: If an outdoor lounge like this appeals to you ‒ usually the inside lounge that is extended out onto an undercover patio ‒first make sure the space is suitable. With a palette of black, white and light wood, like here, you canʼt go wrong, itʼs always a classic. The black sofa with the white binding is the focal point and the chairs and cushions in a combination of black and white are in perfect balance. Remember to use a fabric that is suitable for outdoors ‒ fortunately these days there are lots to choose from. The black metal shelving and light provide a modern element, while the cane baskets and touches of wood, in the coffee table and chair frames, add a lovely warmth and cosiness.

BOHO IS BEST

Who wouldnʼt want to sink into a macramé chair like this one and read a book? If you know the basic knots, you can make your own! Just ensure that the framework for hanging it up is strong and safe. With the grey, black and cream colour scheme, interesting patterns and cane elements, this patio has a lovely bohemian feel. Comfortable chairs, baskets with blankets and glass jars with candles add to the relaxed atmosphere. The mandala-style mat brings it all together.

AL FRESCO DINING

LEFT: South Africans love being outside in good weather, so why not set up an outdoor space as an extra dining room? This one has a simple glass roof for protection, and even has a mini-kitchen. The thick creepers and other plants keep everything cool. The large, heavy wooden table stands on a floor of grey-and-white Moroccan tiles which, together with the black-and-white chairs, is a lovely contrast to the light wood.

ZEN CORNER

Create a special corner in your garden where you can be quiet, meditate or read. A walkway leads through the garden to a wooden deck and tranquil nook. A koi pond, lush plants, fragrant flowers and smooth stones all contribute to a rich sensory experience. The simple black furniture strengthens the Zen feeling. The ideal is for this oasis to be in the furthest corner of your garden, as you donʼt want to be disturbed here.