Making the most of your outdoor space can be a challenging process, especially if you are starting from scratch with an overgrown or poorly laid out garden. Here are some tips to help you achieve your dream outdoor space, whatever your budget.
Make an assessment of the space
First, it’s important to make an assessment of the ground. For example, if it is an overgrown or rubbish-strewn site, you may need to hire a skip to get it cleared up and ready for further works. Decide if existing features or structures, such as sheds, patios, paths, and fences, need removing altogether, or if they can be integrated into the new design.
If you remove any existing planting, such as trees or hedges, consider if this will affect the drainage of the site. Ideally, check the conditions after a heavy downpour, to see if the soil and any grassed areas become waterlogged.
Consider the layout
If the garden is very sloping, or the ground is generally uneven, then it might be worth investing in the services of a professional landscaping company to create some steps or terraces. This will create a much more usable garden that feels more spacious.
Even if the land is already level, you will want to consider where to put features such as patios, paths, and flower beds. Check out the position of the sun at different times of day, to decide where your patio might be best placed. You may want the evening sun for summer socialising, for example, or you may like to enjoy your morning coffee outdoors.
Choose your materials
There is a wide choice of garden feature materials, from decking to patio paving in a range of natural stone, porcelain or concrete. When making your decision, take into account the overall style of your house, and your budget.
For example, if you have wooden flooring inside the area of your house which will lead directly onto the outside space, it can be continued with decking. If you have stone or porcelain tiles indoors, then a similar sense of continuity can be created by using the same or similar materials outdoors.
Create harmony with plants and hard surfaces
The type of planting you choose will depend on your soil type, garden aspect, and local climate. Include plenty of native species to encourage pollination and biodiversity. Also make sure that you have a good mixture of evergreens, to avoid the garden looking too bare and barren during the winter months.
Use different plants, such as grasses, shrubs, and trees, to create height and texture, and balance out the areas of hard landscaping. Even if you have a small space, colour and interest can be added with planters, containers, and hanging baskets. Climbing plants and trellises can also be used to create green walls.
Living walls are also good for creating privacy, if your garden is overlooked. You could also consider installing a permanent structure, such as a gazebo or arbour, to provide both shelter and privacy to dining and seating areas.
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