Having access to a garden or patio is wonderful. But while we’ve seen some fantastic gardens… we’ve also seen some not-so-great ones. Outdoor spaces create a whole different set of benefits and challenges. There are things that really work, and some that just don’t.
We’re here to talk you through some interesting and exciting ways of getting the most out of your outdoor space. Read on to find out more.
Preserve Nature
Try to preserve nature when you can. If you’re blessed with trees, shrubs, and grass then by all means tidy it up. But try not to erase all touches of natural wonder.
Use landscaping to balance hardscapes like concrete paths, pathways, and wooden decks with trees and plants.
Secure Your Construction
When altering your natural environment outside, it’s very important to do so safely. Use landscaping to ensure that loose soil and walls are safely constructed. For example, if your garden is on a hill, make sure retaining walls are used to stop soil and rocks from eroding and falling - especially if you have little ones!
Planning Makes Perfect
Changing your garden is a significant job. To ensure that you don’t make any costly mistakes, it’s wise to plan ahead as much as you can. Take a look at your garden and think about your final goals and how you’re going to get there. Draw out a plan of your yard and put your ideas to paper. Be aware of costs and how much you’re willing to spend. When estimating, remember, it’s always better to overestimate rather than underestimate.
Limit Your Lot
Use your design prowess to mark out your patch of land. Make it easy for others to determine which is part’s yours and which isn’t. Patios are a great way of achieving a good separation between your space and the wild, as well as the pathways that connect them.
Art’s Not Just For Indoors
Outside might not be the first place you think of hanging art, but it’s definitely an option. Adding paintings and canvases to covered areas like porches or balconies can be a fantastic way of showing off your unique taste. Art doesn’t have to stay locked indoors!
Furnish Your Outdoors
Your outdoor space might not feel liveable until you add some well-chosen furniture. Allocate seating areas, an outdoor dining area, or even a kitchen! Try adding benches, tables, a BBQ, lights, and more.
Achieve Balance
Your outdoor space should strive to achieve a sense of harmony between man made and natural elements. To do this, we recommend limiting the use of materials like concrete and metal. Instead, you can use materials that are closer to nature such as wood, bamboo, stone, and foliage. Break up man made features with natural ones to avoid either becoming too dominant.
Use What You Have
It can be tempting to get rid of everything and start again. But you should always try to keep what could be of use for your new design. Plants, for example, can be uprooted and moved quite easily. This means you can achieve a very different look with minimal cost. Try to save plants when you can and use them in new ways.
Use Outdoor Lighting
You wouldn’t want to be shrouded in darkness in your garden when night falls. Invest in good lighting to not only keep things visible, but add a whole layer of character to the space. Use lamps and light to give your landscape an attractive, dramatic effect that adds intrigue and personality. You could even use spotlights to highlight particular areas of interest like sculptures. Don’t forget to light up your pathways.
Time Your Plant Purchases
If you know you’re going to be buying a lot of plants, it’s a good idea to wait until the end of summer. This is because home improvement stores and nurseries are eager to clear out all their remaining summer plants like trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs to make way for their autumn and Christmas stock. So time your purchases and grab some bargains!
Ensure Regular Maintenance
You might create the most wonderful garden, but if you don’t maintain it properly it will be doomed to deteriorate. When designing your space, make sure you understand the time commitment associated with maintaining each plant and feature.
Remember, concrete and stone may not give you the pleasing natural feel of grass, but it’s a lot easier to maintain. Keep these considerations in mind. If you’re short on time but have enough money, consider hiring a gardener to water your plants, weed, and prune.
Get Gardening!
We hope this guide helps you create your perfect outdoor space. Let your imagination guide you, good luck!
