5 Top Tips for a Tantalising Outside Space
With summer around the corner, now is the perfect time to think about giving your garden an upgrade – we show you how!
Spring is here! And as the days lengthen and the weather grows warmer, we start to look forward to summer and spending time outdoors.
If you’re planning on spending long lazy days in the garden this summer, you want to make sure you’re doing it in pleasant surroundings. We’ve put together some top tips to help you design the perfect garden.
Choosing your surface
The surface you choose will influence the whole look of your garden, whether you go for a patio, decking, grass or a combination. Laying a patio or constructing a decking area can provide you with an elegant and practical dining and entertaining area. Use materials such as limestone or slate for a patio with a cool, contemporary look. Meanwhile, a lush lawn adds colour, softness and a natural feel. If maintaining a perfect lawn is too much effort, artificial grass is a good option, as it offers an easier, yet still effective, option.
Garden Furniture
Choosing the right furniture is key to achieving the perfect garden. Gone are the days of wobbly tables and chairs made of plastic – now garden owners have a wealth of furniture to choose from, whether you’re looking for a smart outdoor dining set, a chill-out seating area or a hammock in which you can laze away the summer days. Rattan furniture gives a sophisticated yet relaxed feel to your garden and looks great on a lawn. It’s also pretty hardy and, if it’s placed on artificial grass, can be left outside all year round.
Use Colour
Injecting some colour is an easy and inexpensive way of giving your garden an upgrade. Flowers are an obvious way of adding colour – perennials such as delphiniums and cottage pinks provide bright blooms from spring through autumn, while summer favourites such as marigolds and gladioli offer beautiful vibrant hues. Alternatively, make a feature of a wall, fence or garden shed with bright paint, or introduce splashes of colour (lime-green is particularly on-trend this year) through your furniture and accessories.
Pick the Right Path
Garden paths are a feature that many people overlook, but upgrading your pathway can be an easy and effective way of giving your garden a stylish new look. Quality, stone paving such as granite or slate is both hardwearing and versatile, making it a great choice for most gardens. Alternatively, opt for a path made of bark or wood chips for a more natural look, gravel for a more traditional feel, or use stepping stones for a path that’s both easy to lay and inexpensive. To make a feature of your path, try bordering it with colourful pots, interesting shrubs or garden lights.
Entertaining Space
During the summer months, our gardens come into their own as we head outside for BBQs, garden parties and long, lazy lunches. To create a garden that’s welcoming and sociable, use furniture and clever positioning to establish designated entertaining spaces. Outdoor heaters, log burners and fire pits can help protect against the infamous British weather, while attractive lighting options will keep you partying into the night.
Revamping your garden may sound like a lot of work but it’s easier than it sounds. With a bit of creativity and some clever touches you can design a garden that’s the envy of your friends. And if you get started now, it should be ready in time for BBQ season – providing you with the perfect opportunity to show off all your hard work.
Chloe Cotton is editor-in-chief at The Happiest Homes, a leading UK digital home magazine.
