Reading is a wonderful pastime that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. While many people enjoy reading in their homes, it can be even more relaxing to read outdoors in the sun or shade. However, not all yards are conducive to reading, as they may be too sunny, have too many distractions, or be uncomfortable. If you want to read outside, then the best way to fully enjoy it is to create an area specifically designed for reading. Fortunately, you don't have to be an expert landscaper in order to create a garden perfect for reading.
1. Create Shade
One of the best ways to design your reading spot is by considering how much sun and shade the area gets. Before doing anything, consider the season and time of day your favorite reading spot would be, and how to bring some pleasant shade to it. While there are many options available for you to do that, installing a retractable awning might just be the way to go. That way, you can control how much shade you want at any given time, and it won't take up much space when it's not in use. Even if you enjoy a walk in the sun, you probably don't want to read during that period. You'll have more relaxing experiences with an area that has plenty of shade for those hot afternoons, as well as one that can protect you from the summer rain.2. Make It Your Own
Since you can't really have paintings and framed pictures of your loved ones outside because of the elements, it's easy for a garden to feel a bit foreign to you. In order to really be able to enjoy your reading time, it's important that you bring certain details to really make it your own. Doing something as simple as making your suspended decorations with tassels and chimes can not only bring a part of your indoors to your outdoor reading space but can also make it a lot more relaxing due to the kind of sounds they produce in the wind, not to mention they are visually appealing. You can also paint the area to reflect your personality - it can be in your favorite color, or you can even create your own pattern if painting is something you enjoy as well. This is definitely a great place to let your creative side shine.3. Create Comfort
Another important factor to consider is how comfortable you will be while reading in your garden. If you're like most people, you'll want to be able to sit down and relax without having to worry about the ground being too hard or the chair being too wobbly. Choosing a comfy reading chair that's made out of materials that can withstand the outdoor weather is a great place to start. Adding some comfortable cushions and pillows to your space will do just the trick, and it won't take up too much space. In addition, make sure you have a nice place to rest your drink or book - either by having a small table next to you or by creating a mini-bar of sorts. This way, you can spend more time enjoying your reading spot and less time looking for where to put something down. You might also want to consider a nice outdoor area rug to really make your space feel like home.4. Add Some Light
It's no surprise that many people have trouble concentrating on what they're reading when it is too dark or the area has bad lighting. You don't want to strain yourself and read outside in the dark, especially if you're reading something more complex that requires your full attention. Instead, try adding some light sources to brighten up the area and make it feel even better for reading. This could be as simple as placing a lantern next to you or using solar-powered lights - both are great ways to keep your outdoor space lit up, especially if you're not able to install electric lights. There are plenty of different styles out there, from faux candles and lanterns to string lights and more, so be sure to explore your options and find what you like best. Just keep in mind not to use real candles, or more specifically, don't leave them out during the day, since the wax will likely melt during the summer heat, and they can pose a fire hazard as well. That said, just like with interior decoration, it's always better to have a couple of lighting options rather than just one. That way, you can always find the perfect way to light up your space, no matter what time of day it is.5. Bring In The Nature
One of the best things about reading outdoors is that you're able to enjoy the natural surroundings as well. If you have a garden that's filled with plants and flowers, it can definitely add to the experience, but if you want to take it one step further, creating a small reading nook where you can sit surrounded by nature is another great option. Some people construct mini-gardens next to their chairs or near their garden path, while others simply bring everything inside the space they create for themselves. Either way, this kind of scenery can be really calming. When choosing the plants, it's important to look into not only what they need to thrive, but also how they work in a space. Lavender looks amazing and likes the Sun, for example, but it also attracts a lot of bees which is something you may, or may not want to avoid. Opting for low-maintenance plants that don't require a lot of pruning is always a good idea, and if you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of online resources that can help.6. Privacy Fence
Last but not least, you need to think about how comfortable you are about who can see inside your garden. Some bookworms like to people-watch when they're taking a break from reading, but a lot of them prefer to be completely alone while they're in their special space. If you're in the latter group, adding a privacy fence is definitely something you should consider. You could also opt for climbing plants to help make your reading space feel like its own place. While it's not necessary, this kind of addition can make all the difference when it comes to finding your perfect garden. If an entire privacy fence seems like too much - some strategically placed potted plants can do the trick while leaving the place open otherwise.
All in all, the perfect garden for reading is definitely achievable and there are plenty of options out there to help you create it. Whether you want to go with a simple floor rug or something more complex like an outdoor space full of greenery, just keep in mind what your personal preferences are and choose accordingly. Also, just like with the lighting and plants, it's always better to have a few options rather than just one. This way you can explore your different options and make changes as you please.
.jpg)
.jpg)
