With the tough economic climate forcing people to cut back on dinners out and nights on the town, it's more important than ever to find peace in your own home.

“;It makes sense to create a place of respite in the home,”; said Layla Dedrick, owner of Bella Pietra and Geobunga. “;People have so many demands—they work, take care of kids, sit in traffic. The home should be a place where you can relax.”;

Simple projects can transform a garden, she said. Planting some foliage, incorporating a water feature or even adding a relaxing bench in your yard can help to create a tranquil spot.

“;It's hard to be stressed out when looking at beautiful things or listening to trickling water. The sound of running water is so peaceful and calming,”; Dedrick said. A large area is not needed, either, she added. A lanai or one corner of the yard can metamorphose into a peaceful garden, “;a place where you can just sit down and read a book.”;

Unlike home repairs that are typically costly and permanent, garden upgrades don't cost much and are easily changed, Dedrick said. If people add a lily pot or plant and end up not liking it, they can replace it with something new.

Steppingstones are another affordable change that usually cost between $5 and $25, depending on size, shape and the material used.

Here are some other things to consider when creating your own retreat:

Getting started: Tackling an overgrown or bare garden can be a daunting experience, so start slow and think about what you want. Choose an area and map out a design, which can be simple or elaborate depending on your do-it-yourself skill level and budget. Another way to get started: cut out photographs of gardens that seem inviting and create a board of ideas.

Foliage: Consider choosing plants with soothing colors or flowers with tantalizing scents.

Tranquil additions: Water features, such as fountains, offer the sound of trickling water, which can enhance relaxation. Ponds can also be installed, depending on space.

Enhanced walkways: Add pizazz by incorporating steppingstones into the design. Flat stones in various shapes and sizes are options. If you are feeling creative, molds are available, but you will need to pour concrete and perhaps add embellishment. Crushed-rock pathways are another option.

Dressed-up walls: Consider using stone or rock veneers to create a backsplash on a retainer wall or one chosen area. Mortar (a mixture of sand, cement and water) is used to affix the veneers. Other ideas include creating a decorative mailbox post or embellishing the archway of an entry door using the veneers.

Garden furnishings: Benches can add a relaxing and quaint element to any garden. Bamboo, metal and stone options are available at home and garden stores. Consider a portable hammock or arbors and trellises where plants and vines can grow to create an element of charm.

Finishing touches: It all comes down to taste. Lanterns and lighting fixtures ensure that a garden can be used any time of day. Birdhouses encourage visitors to your tranquil spot. Consider adding a couple of host plants, like crown flower, if you'd like butterflies to frequent the area as well. Wind chimes, candles, fire pits, flags or even a splash of paint can add allure.