Nothing is more natural than creating a nest-like space out of nature's materials. The sights, sounds and textures of flowers, foliage and branches are wonderful tools for creating an inviting, restful space.

You can use trees, grasses and other plants to create protected nests, and build into a slope or carve out an area at the bottom of a hill for a cozy space. Inspired by a gorgeous nest at Longwood Gardens, ideas abound for creating cozy outdoor spots with help from nature all around you.

More: Creating Nests in Unexpected Places Cary Bernstein Architect If you have a large tree, you have an almost instant nest in your outside space. The line of most tree branches is an arcing curve — perfect to enclose a space as a ceiling. This tree creates an intimate setting for a dining area, gracefully providing shade and protection from above. The bench continues the line of the tree creating another place to rest. This space is also situated below grade, so it feels somewhat cave-like thanks to the surrounding berms of earth. I could spend hours in this nest! Carolyn Chadwick Your dining area doesn't have to be carved out of a hill to feel intimate though! The addition of a framework of medium-sized grasses make "walls" around this space to create a nest-like environment without losing the view of the pool.
Large grasses would have made the space feel claustrophobic, while shorter grasses wouldn't have given the same feeling of being "hidden away." This medium height is just right! Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture Here is another example of plantings that are the exact right height. They surround this nest without creating a cloistered feel. If the plants were any shorter though, they wouldn't give a feeling of protection. This particular nest is situated on the side of a slight slope or hill which gives an added feel of protection and opens up to a vista below.
In the midst of the quivering breezes of rosemary, salvia and lavender, with olive trees hovering in the background, I wish I was the dragon bathing in that fountain! Amy Renea Whether you are bathing in water or simply listening to it rushing by, this natural element is always welcome in or near a nest. Immersing yourself in a body of water is the ultimate in protection and is a natural calming element that hearkens back to life in the womb.
Surrounding water with plants and creating areas that feel safe and protected is a double whammy. Notice in this photo how the people are all standing in little carved out spaces under greenery, or surrounded by greenery, while still accessing the view of the water. Amy Renea Perhaps the best nest in this particular space is from the watch tower. Like cats, humans have an instinct to create spaces for themselves that are high and tucked away. The ability to look down on anything that might "harm" you is a natural instinct and this tower provides the perfect safe space. Windows allow the occupant to view the gorgeous vista of Longwood Gardens and the plantings around the tower soften its harshness. Daryl Toby - AguaFina Gardens International While you may not have a stone tower in your backyard, you might have a slope. Situating a nest at the top, bottom or within a slope are all great ideas! You simply have to use plantings to enclose the nest without blocking the vista when it is at the top of the slope.
In this example, a small seating area is placed at the top of a set of stone steps, and enclosed with a stucco wall and various greenery. The height of the area gives this space a similar feel to the tower above while the plants keep it from feeling exposed. Think. Design Office So how will you update your yard to create nests? Have you already created a nesting space using plants or water? Do you have the perfect slope in your backyard for a wonderful little dining nook? Perhaps you have a big beautiful tree that beautifully arches to create a place for a table and chairs? Share your ideas and photos of the perfect nest below!

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