Spring has finally sprung, and if you are beginning to turn your attention to the outdoors, you might notice that your garden is in need of some TLC. Whether it’s an overgrown jungle or just a flat and uninspiring patch of lawn, your garden could be transformed into a haven for wildlife, or an outdoor ‘living room’ where you can relax and socialise all summer.
The thought of redesigning or landscaping your garden might seem to be rather overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting project that can really enhance your enjoyment of your home, and help you to appreciate nature or just have a great time with family and friends. Here are a few ideas to help you get digging!
Define what type of garden you want
First of all, think about how you primarily want to use and enjoy your garden. If you are a nature and wildlife lover, you may want to consider a pond and plenty of beds and borders to cultivate plants, shrubs and trees. If you have a young family, you will want a kid-proof garden with level areas for them to play.
If you enjoy outdoor dining and socialising, then you will want to prioritise decking or patio areas and maybe a barbecue or firepit, or even an outdoor kitchen. Of course, how you use the garden is also dependent on its size and shape. If you have a large outside space, you may be able to combine all of these features, should you wish to do so.
Gather some ideas
Once you have an idea of what features you want to include in your garden, take a look around for some inspiration. This could be by browsing websites such as Pinterest, lifestyle magazines, or even looking at the gardens of your neighbours, family and friends. Create a mood board, either digitally or by using images from magazines and newspapers.
Draw up plans
The next stage is to make some sketches of how you want your garden to look. You can just use paper and pencil, or even use computer aided design software if you have good digital skills. Take into account the size, shape and topography of your garden, and consider balance and proportion.
If you are planning to install a patio or decking, check which direction your garden is facing; north, south, east or west. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so take into account what time of day you like to sit out; morning coffee, afternoon tea, or evening tipple? Make sure the aspect of the sun is right for your preferred time frame!
If you are going in for a major replanting scheme, assess the soil type and the local climate to make sure that your chosen plants will thrive. For example, some plants prefer acidic soil, and others prefer lime soil that is alkaline. Remember that the soil type can vary within the same garden, so use a soil testing kit for accuracy.
If you live in a particularly exposed area that is prone to strong winds and high rainfall, look for hardy plants such as low-growing alpine species. Coastal areas can also be a challenge because of the salty air, so choose species that can tolerate saline conditions.
Set a budget
Before going any further you need to decide how much you want to spend. For example, if your garden is very sloping and you want to create level areas or tiers, it’s probably best to employ a professional landscaping company. The installation of paths, patios, or decking will also be significant costs to consider.
Select your materials
Ideally, your garden will include a mixture of hardscaping (patios, paths, etc) and soft landscaping (flower beds, lawns etc). When selecting materials, consider how the colours and textures will work together, and also if they will complement the existing environment, such as the style of your house and fixtures such as fencing and driveways.
Prep the space
Now that you have the design and materials nailed down, it is time to assess your outside space. Clear away any debris and unwanted structures or plants, and assess the soil to see if it needs to be cultivated with some additional compost or topsoil.
Now you are ready to begin to put all of your plans into action and create your dream garden in time for the summer!
