Reconnect with Nature, Disconnect from Screens

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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Step Into Stillness—Right Outside Your Door

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 calmShop Now

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How to Prepare Your Site Before Your Shed Arrives

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Installing a new shed is an exciting project — but proper site preparation is key to a smooth installation and long-lasting durability. Whether you’re setting up a garden shed, workshop, or playhouse, following these steps before your shed arrives will save you time, effort, and costly mistakes.

✅ Step 1: Read Your Shed Assembly Manual

Before you start any work, carefully review your shed assembly instructions. Determine whether you’re comfortable tackling the build yourself or if you’d prefer to hire a professional contractor.

Pro Tip: Some regions require a building permit for shed installations. Always check with your local municipality or county for permitting requirements before you purchase your shed.


✅ Step 2: Clear and Prepare the Site

Make sure the area where your shed will go is clear of all debris — this includes grass, roots, rocks, and other obstacles. A clean site is essential for a level and stable foundation.

To ensure proper drainage:

  • The ground should slope away from the site in all directions (ideally 1/8″ per foot).

  • If needed, build up the soil in the center and grade it outwards.

  • Fill any low spots to avoid water pooling.

In areas with poor drainage, excavate 4–6 inches deep and lay down gravel or crushed rock to keep water from collecting beneath your shed.


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Choosing the Right Shed Foundation

The type of foundation you use will depend on your site conditions, budget, and shed model. Below are the three most common types of shed foundations we recommend at Outdoor Living Today.


🪨 1. Patio Stone Foundation

Ideal for well-draining, stable ground.

How to build it:

  • Excavate the area 4–6 inches deep and about 12 inches wider than your shed’s footprint.

  • Lay 1–2 inches of sand, then fill with 3–4 inches of gravel.

  • Use patio stones (round, square, or rectangular) placed under each floor runner — about 4–5 stones per runner.

  • Ensure everything is level before installation.

🔧 Most of our sheds come with built-in floors and runners, making patio stone foundations a quick and cost-effective solution.


🪵 2. 4×4 Pressure-Treated Beam Foundation

This is a more permanent option and works well for uneven or sloped yards.

Instructions:

  • Excavate and prepare the site as above.

  • Lay pressure-treated 4×4 beams perpendicular to the floor runners.

  • Use a long, straight 2×4 and a level to check your grade.

  • Drive ½” rebar through pre-drilled holes to anchor the beams into the ground.

  • Leave open ends for ventilation and cover with wire mesh to deter rodents.


🧱 3. Concrete Slab Foundation

Best for year-round durability and heavier structures like workshops or large storage sheds.

Basic steps:

  • Excavate the slab area to 6 inches deep.

  • Lay a 4-inch sub-base of crushed gravel.

  • Pour a 3–4 inch concrete slab over the gravel.

📐 For an 8’x12’ shed, you’ll need approximately 1 cubic yard of concrete.


Still Have Questions?

Whether you’re prepping for a DIY shed kit or a larger project, our team is here to help. For more details on shed foundations, building permits, or assembly tips:

📞 Call our Customer Support Line at 1-888-658-1658
🌐 Or visit www.outdoorlivingtoday.com for how-to guides, video tutorials, and inspiration.


Ready to Start Building?

Explore our full selection of Western Red Cedar Shed Kits — built to last, easy to assemble, and perfect for any backyard.

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