Backyard Inspirations, sheds

0

Why Gardening Is Good for the Soul: The Benefits of Creating a Backyard Oasis

Reconnect with Nature, Disconnect from Screens

OLT RB88 Cedar OLT 6

We spend hours tethered to phones, laptops, and streaming services. The average North American adult spends more than seven hours a day looking at screens. Gardening offers a much-needed reprieve. It invites you to slow down, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in the present moment.

Time in the garden can become a form of moving meditation. The simple acts of planting, weeding, watering, or harvesting encourage mindfulness, which research has shown helps reduce anxiety, improve focus, and elevate mood. Gardening literally reconnects you with the earth—what’s often called “earthing” or “grounding”—which is increasingly linked to lower stress levels and improved mental clarity.

Health Benefits Backed by Science

OLT RB88 Cedar OLT 1

Science supports what gardeners have long known in their hearts: getting your hands dirty is good for you. Studies show that:

  • Gardening can lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress.

  • Digging in the soil exposes you to Mycobacterium vaccae, a beneficial bacteria that can improve serotonin production and boost your mood.

  • Gardening burns calories—about 200 to 400 calories per hour depending on the activity.

  • It promotes better sleep, especially for those who garden in the early morning or early evening light.

It’s also a low-impact physical activity, making it ideal for older adults or those recovering from injuries. Gardening improves flexibility, strength, and motor skills, all while providing an uplifting sense of accomplishment.

Builds a Sense of Purpose and Belonging

RB88 DFO 10

Your garden isn’t just a place—it’s a personal ecosystem you’re responsible for nurturing. Watching something grow as a direct result of your care builds confidence and purpose. For seniors or people struggling with isolation, gardening can become a powerful emotional anchor.

Even children benefit from getting involved. Kids who participate in gardening tend to eat more fruits and vegetables and are more connected to where their food comes from. Gardening fosters patience, curiosity, and responsibility.

Your Garden, Your Therapy

rb 88 2

A backyard garden can be your sanctuary. Want a quiet place to meditate? Design a peaceful healing garden with soft grasses, lavender, and a comfortable bench. Need to blow off steam? Grab a shovel and get to work on a new bed. It’s surprisingly cathartic.

Many people now incorporate therapeutic elements into their outdoor spaces:

  • Raised garden beds for easy access

  • Greenhouses for year-round plant nurturing

  • Water features for calming ambient sound

  • Herb gardens for fragrance, flavor, and functional health benefits

Outdoor Living Today offers a wide selection of cedar garden structures—from urban raised garden beds to compact cedar greenhouses—designed to turn your backyard into a lush, restorative escape.

Start Small, Grow Something Meaningful

You don’t need acres of land or a huge budget to begin. Start with a couple of containers or a small raised bed. Even a few pots on a patio can bring surprising joy. The point isn’t perfection—it’s presence.

When you create a space to grow something, you grow, too.

Whether you’re nurturing tomatoes, tulips, or tranquility, gardening is a timeless ritual that feeds the body, soothes the mind, and uplifts the soul. And in a time when the world often feels chaotic, what could be more essential than that?

Read More

Backyard Inspirations, sheds

0

Create Your Own Backyard Retreat: A Space for Solitude and Reflection

Step Into Stillness—Right Outside Your Door

Sunshed Garden Shed 812 J. Benoit 8 scaled

Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can do is nothing at all.

In a world where busyness is worn like a badge of honor, carving out time to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Your backyard can be that place. Whether you need a quiet moment to sip your morning coffee, read a few chapters of a favorite book, or simply sit and watch the clouds, creating a peaceful outdoor retreat at home helps restore balance and clarity.

Why You Need a Backyard Sanctuary

Your outdoor space isn’t just a spot for entertaining or gardening—it can also be your personal escape. A backyard solitude zone gives you:

  • A place to de-stress and quiet your mind

  • A quiet corner for reflection, journaling, or prayer

  • A creative space for reading, drawing, or playing music

  • A mindful start or end to your day with intentional stillness

  • An opportunity to reconnect with nature

  • Sheds Sunshed 8x12 13 scaled

Simple Ways to Make It Your Own

You don’t need a massive garden or a big budget to create your own backyard retreat. Just a few intentional design choices and you can build a personal space that speaks to your soul.

1. Create a Secluded Corner

Choose a quiet spot in your yard—maybe near a flower bed or under a tree. You can use lattice walls, tall potted plants, or a Western Red Cedar privacy screen to block out distractions and create a feeling of enclosure.

2. Comfort Is Key

Sunshed Garden Shed D. Hooker 2 scaled 1 768x1024 1

Add a cozy bench, weatherproof armchair, or even a hammock. Top it with outdoor cushions, throws, and maybe even a small table to hold your tea, book, or sketchpad.

Looking for inspiration? Check out our Garden Bench Kits made from sustainable Western Red Cedar—perfect for both form and function.

3. Add Sensory Elements

This space is all about how you feel. Layer in elements that engage your senses:

  • Sound: Wind chimes, a small fountain, or a playlist of ambient nature sounds

  • Sight: Flowering plants, ornamental grasses, or even a trellis draped with vines

  • Smell: Lavender, rosemary, or a cedar planter full of mint and thyme

  • Touch: Natural wood textures, soft cushions, or smooth stepping stones

4. Light It Up

812 Sunshed Garden Shed OLT E. Ryan 2 scaled 1 225x300 1

If you plan to use your retreat during the evening or early morning, soft lighting is a must. Consider:

  • Battery-powered lanterns

  • Solar-powered path lights

  • Candle lanterns with citronella to keep bugs at bay

  • Warm white string lights for added ambiance

Backyard Creativity: More Than Just Relaxation

Some of our favorite moments of inspiration come when we finally slow down. This backyard escape isn’t just about rest—it’s a space where your creativity can flow. Bring your guitar, sketchbook, or journal, and let your thoughts take shape.

If you work from home, this space can also double as a mid-day recharge zone. Just 10 quiet minutes outside can reset your mindset and help you return to your tasks refreshed.

Make It Yours

However you choose to use your backyard retreat—whether for early morning meditation, late-night stargazing, or simply enjoying a moment of silence—it should reflect you. Add personal touches like a framed quote, a sculpture, or even a bird feeder to make the space feel meaningful.

Need Ideas? We’ve Got You Covered

Sheds Sunshed 12x12 6 2

Not sure where to start? Our customers have built some truly inspiring outdoor retreats, from cedar corner nooks to full garden studios. Browse through our photo gallery or contact our team to see how Outdoor Living Today can help you build your own space for solitude and serenity.

🔗 Explore structures and furniture made for backyard calm → Shop Now

Read More

Backyard Inspirations, playhouse kits

0

Backyard Playhouses: More Than Just a Structure—A Gateway to Lifelong Memories

A Backyard Playhouse Is More Than Just a Toy

Playhouse Cozy Cabin 7x9 3 2 1024x683 1

When we think of childhood, we often recall the simple joy of playing outside—running around the yard, building forts, or imagining distant lands. A backyard playhouse brings those memories to life and creates the perfect environment for your kids to form their own.

But this isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about empowering creativity, supporting independence, and encouraging healthy outdoor play. And in today’s tech-saturated world, that’s more important than ever.

Why Every Child Needs Their Own Outdoor Playhouse

OLT Western Red Cedar Product Cards Playhouse

A backyard playhouse offers far more than just a pretty addition to your garden. It becomes a sanctuary—a space where your child can:

  • Play independently and safely

  • Host tea parties, secret meetings, or read quietly

  • Develop their imagination and role-play skills

  • Enjoy screen-free time outdoors

  • Learn responsibility by maintaining “their own” space

You might find your yard has suddenly become the neighborhood’s most popular hangout—and that’s a good thing.

Inspiring Playhouse Ideas for Any Yard

At Outdoor Living Today, we believe every child deserves their own space to dream. Whether you have a small yard or a sprawling garden, we offer DIY cedar playhouse kits to match your needs. Made from sustainably harvested Western Red Cedar, our kits are naturally beautiful, resistant to rot and pests, and easy to assemble.

Browse our most popular styles:

You’ll find no shortage of inspiration in our customer photo gallery, where real families share their custom setups—from pirate ships and treehouse hideouts to flower-covered reading nooks.

Easy to Build, Built to Last

playhouse sophie.monssen 1 300x225 1

Worried about the complexity? Don’t be. Our kits are panelized for quick assembly, and each one comes with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware. No specialized tools are required.

And because we use durable cedar instead of cheap plastic or treated lumber, you can be sure your playhouse will stand up to the elements—and time.

Want to customize it? Add a coat of paint, hang string lights, install a mailbox, or even build a little garden in front. The possibilities are endless.

Beyond Fun: Developmental Benefits of a Backyard Playhouse

Aside from the joy and fun, there are developmental benefits too. A backyard playhouse can help children:

  • Improve social skills through group play and sharing

  • Enhance language skills through storytelling and roleplay

  • Develop a sense of independence and ownership

  • Explore emotional expression in a safe and imaginative space

It’s a small investment that pays dividends in your child’s growth.

Build Memories That Last a Lifetime

Playhouses Little Cedar with Sandbox 6x6 4 web 300x210 1

At the end of the day, what makes a playhouse truly special isn’t the roofline or the windows. It’s the memories your children create inside. The giggles, secrets, imaginative games, and even the quiet moments of reflection.

With Outdoor Living Today, you’re not just buying a structure—you’re building a foundation for creativity, connection, and joy.

🎈 Start your family’s next adventure today
Browse our full collection of playhouse kits and create a space your children will cherish for years to come.

Read More

backyard, Backyard Inspirations, pergolas

0

Backyard Romantic Retreat Ideas | Outdoor Living Today

 

Bring the Romance Home: How to Create a Backyard Getaway for Two

Western Red Cedar Pergola Canopy Outdoor Living Today

Who says you need Paris for a romantic escape? With the right setup, you can turn your own backyard into a private paradise built for connection, relaxation, and a little spark.

Why Build a Backyard Romantic Retreat?

Creating a cozy, intimate space right outside your door is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to reconnect with your partner. It eliminates travel stress and gives you a space to slow down, sip wine under the stars, and spend uninterrupted time together.

Whether it’s an anniversary, a staycation, or just a Friday night, your backyard can become a place to build memories.

Design Ideas for Your Outdoor Escape

1. Pergola or Gazebo Ambiance

1220 6

A cedar pergola or gazebo adds structure and privacy to your retreat. Drape it with sheer curtains, string up fairy lights, and add comfortable seating. For extra romance, include climbing vines or flower planters along the posts.

Browse our Western Red Cedar Gazebos to find the perfect fit.

2. Cozy Seating and Fire Features

Invest in a loveseat or hanging chair built for two. Surround the area with lanterns or solar lights. A fire table or chiminea makes a great focal point for chilly evenings.

3. Outdoor Dining Setup

Set up a small bistro table with candles, a charcuterie board, and your favorite bottle of wine. Bluetooth speakers can add music, or just enjoy the sounds of nature.

1220 17

4. Soothing Water and Privacy Touches

Consider a small fountain or water feature to elevate the atmosphere. Add privacy screens, tall planters, or climbing greenery to block views and create your own little hideaway.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Personal

A romantic backyard getaway doesn’t need to be expensive. It just needs intention. A cozy throw blanket, a playlist of your favorite songs, or an outdoor movie night can be just as meaningful as any 5-star vacation.

If you need inspiration, check out our customer photos or reach out to us for product suggestions. At Outdoor Living Today, we help homeowners build beautiful, intimate spaces with our Western Red Cedar kits—from pergolas to planter boxes.

Urban RB63 Widejpg

Ready to fall in love with your backyard?

Explore our full collection of outdoor structures and start creating your romantic retreat today.

BZ1216 BZ1212 Stafford 1

Read More