Nothing is better to get away from the hassels of work and everyday life than having a backyard retreat. Grab a drink and head out back to just sit and relax. Listening to the sound of running water and watching the birds and butterflies has a soothing effect.

Here are some tips to make the backyard perfect for you if you are starting from scratch. If you already have a backyard theme, you can build on that by utilizing some of these tips.

First decide where you are most likely planning to be sitting and relaxing the most. If you have a deck, it's pretty obvious. If you don't, plan a place where you are likely to gather.

The first recommendation is to start with a pond. It can be small or large but, if you do plan to put in a pond, it will be the center of attraction upon which the rest of the landscape will be designed. A pond not only looks good, but the running water attracts butterflies and the water itself becomes a drinking area for birds and wildlife.

I would highly recommend you use a pond liner and not a preformed plastic liner. The look is much more natural. After you finish putting in rocks and plants, the pond may look like it has been there forever. It's not really that hard to build a nice looking pond, but if you are hand digging, you may want to spread the work out over a couple weekends. Dig different levels with at least one area being two feet deeper or more so the fish can get away from the heat and any predators. It will also be an area they go in the winter months.

You can go to construction sites and ask if you can haul away some of the rock to lay around the pond. Don't skimp here. Bring in more than you think you need. You can always use the leftovers to place in different areas of your yard. It seems you can never have too much rock.

In the pond itself you can add water lillies, iris and other plants to give it a colorful look and to cut down on the algae. Add goldfish. They are not only fun to watch but they also eat the mosquito larvae.

If you get nothing done the first year but a pond, it will be well worth it.

The easiest way to begin adding plants is to take sections of the yard and work that area, tilling it and adding plants. Look at this as a continuing process and it won't seem so daunting a task. Add a section or two every year.

When choosing plants and flowers, take into consideration color to add beauty and find out what type of plants attract butterflies and hummingbirds. In addition, read the labels and find out whether the plants need shade, abundant sunshine or a combination. This will help you determine which type of plants to plant in each section.

Each year you may decide to add more color or make some changes to a section. You can usually carefully dig up the plants and move them without causing harm. If you do, be certain to water the plants you move daily for a couple of weeks until they become established. Any new plants will require continual watering until they are established as well. Adding mulch around the plants can help keep the ground moist for longer periods and cut down on the amount of watering you need to do, not to mention cutting down on weeds.

As the plants bloom and the butterflies and the birds begin to visit your yard regularly, you will find you can't wait to get home and head out back to sit and relax. Lay your head back and listen to the water as you gaze at the sky.

You don't have to be rich to create a backyard haven. A little work, a yearly garden budget and some time and you will have a backyard you can be proud of.