Whether your garden is the picture of health or needs a few weeds pulled here and there, there comes a time

when pretty plants just aren't enough. If you're ready for a garden retreat, a place where you can entertain guests and

show off your handy work, then it's time to give your backyard garden a much needed facelift. These innovative

tips can give you a head start.

Mirror, Mirror

Show off the beauty of your backyard garden and create a few optical illusions at the same time. When mirrors are

strategically placed around your backyard garden, they can make for a magical night. Mirrors reflect light and objects, and by placing your mirrors in unique places around your garden, even among plants, vines and tree branches, you

can accentuate your garden's key features. Your guests will have to take a second look when something catches their eye, reflected in your mirror. If you wanted a conversation

piece, you've got it!

Nap Time

Whether you're entertaining guests, enjoying a midday barbecue, or just spending some outdoor time with your

family, you want to be comfortable without sacrificing your garden's contemporary look. Fortunately, wicker

furniture is weather resistant and perfect for the outdoors. It's chic and comfortable all at once, perfect for both

hosting soirees and relaxing on a Sunday afternoon. Not only can you get wicker furniture that meets your reclining

needs, such as daybeds and sectionals, you can get high-fashion dining sets and coffee tables as well.

Deep Blue SeaFountains add a touch of elegance to backyard spaces, but they may lack the "wow" factor that

your garden needs. To spice your fountain up a bit, consider placing water lights underneath your fountain

streams. These lights make for a display of colour that can change the whole look of your garden. If you have several tiers in your fountain, try adding different colours to each tier for an aurora effect. Changing or twinkling lights can give your backyard a feel of transcendence. Your guests may have to pinch themselves to remind them that they

aren't having their coffee in a nautical wonderland.

Just a Little Sip

When you host guests in your backyard garden retreat, you may no doubt serve them tea, coffee, and drinks. But that's not all that your china and silverware are good for. Decorate your outdoor space using china in unexpected

ways. Show off your garden produce by lining your silverware and china displays with vines and fresh picked fruit and vegetables. Use your glasses and trays to display

your garden's flowers. For added subtlety, sprits your centrepieces with cool water, giving them a fresh-from-the-garden look. If you'd rather not use your expensive

china for the centrepieces, pick up some imitation china at a local shop. Fun, jazzy margarita glasses or elegant tea

sets may also do the trick.

Designing your backyard garden retreat can be fun and exciting and it doesn't mean that you have to sign up for a few more credit cards. Enjoy expressing your creativity and

style in new and unique ways and brace yourself for the "oohs" and "aahs" that are sure to come your way when

your guest finally see your brand new garden retreat.

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