Having an outside space of which you can be proud is a fantastic feeling. We often spend too much time, effort and money on the interiors of our homes, neglecting the outside somewhat. Why not flip that idea on its head and focus on the garden for a change? Continue reading to discover our top tips for making the most of this space.

For entertaining in…

Picture yourself sitting in your back garden with a glass of wine in one hand and a hot dog in the other. Whether you enjoy late-night summer soirees or family get-togethers with a barbecue, or both perhaps, ensuring there is an area in your garden specifically for this is imperative. A patio would be ideal. Be sure to spend time cleaning them thoroughly using a pressure washer. Unless you enjoy sitting in the dark and shivering a little, you may also wish to consider buying some lights and a source of heat.

We are huge fans of coloured solar-powered strings of lights draped from fencing or attached to walls. As for heat, try a chiminea or invest a little more in a versatile fire pit. Not only will they prevent you from feeling the summer evening chill, but you can also toast marshmallows on them. If you are lucky enough to have a large wall, consider transforming it from a blank canvas by painting it in a neutral colour. You could then project your favourite films onto it and watch with your family.

For relaxing in…

A garden can be the ideal place in which to relax, but it is essential to create the right ambience. Overgrown hedges, broken fence panels and dead flowers would be off-putting. Tidying everything up should be one of your top priorities. Spending a little time taking weeds out of your borders will be well worth your while and can be therapeutic.

Replacing broken wood or giving it a fresh lick of paint will also make a big impact. Don’t neglect your grass either. Following the advice from Lawnstarter will ensure you avoid making any common mistakes when it comes to lawn care. Nature can be relaxing too. Choosing plants which attract bees, for example, can support your vision. Lavender can look great as well as smelling good. It is also a top choice in essential oils because of its calming properties.

For playing in…

As much as it would be lovely to maintain all the outside space just for us adults, ensuring it is a safe space for the children to play in is another critical consideration. Ponds should be avoided as they can be dangerous despite vigilance. Be sure to pick your plants and flowers carefully, avoiding ones which might result in injury or skin reactions, for example.

Sand and water pits can be great fun for the children, but they can also cause a lot of mess. We advise having some form of storage within the garden to allow you to put toys away. This allows the space to be versatile and prevents the grass from dying if an item of equipment is left out for an extended period.

Sources

Lighting Direct
David Domoney
Lawnstarter
Real Gardeners
RHS