Winter is fading and the first signs of spring are with us, as green shoots begin to appear in the garden and the days begin to lengthen slowly but surely. It’s an ideal time to refresh your outdoor space so you can enjoy it to the fullest when the weather is warmer and the flowers are in full bloom. Here are some simple ideas to inspire you.
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Naturalistic planting schemes
There has been a shift towards more naturalistic planting schemes, which help to support native wildlife and local ecosystems. They are also low-maintenance and look attractive, with a mixture of meadow flowers, grasses, and flowering shrubs. These plants are often self-seeding, so your garden will evolve naturally over time.
Choose hardy native plants that are suited to the soil type and local climate. Keep it informal, but aim to create an underlying structure and sense of rhythm so that the overall effect is flowing but not overly messy or random. Good species to include are helebores, salvia, lavender, wild poppies, aster, red clover, geraniums, bluebells, crocus, and forget-me-nots.
Outdoor living spaces
As we trend towards warmer summers, there has been more focus on outdoor living spaces, even in traditionally rainy Lancashire. Gazebos or even garden rooms with a canopy and patio area are a useful way to enjoy the benefits of fresh air even when the weather is not so reliable.
If you have a patio, it’s likely to be in need of some TLC after the long winter. Choose a dry day to give it a wash: you don’t need expensive pressure hoses or chemical cleaners to do this. In fact, harsh cleaning methods can damage your patio, particularly if you have natural flagstones, which may be prone to cracking, erosion or discolouration.
In most cases, a brush with a stiff-bristled broom and warm soapy water will be enough to remove debris and lift surface dirt. For more stubborn areas of grime or algae, mix a bucket with equal parts white vinegar and water, and use a spray nozzle to apply it to the patio. Leave it for about 20 minutes to soak in, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse.
Water features
Water features add beauty and interest to your garden, and also help to support a range of wildlife including frogs, toads, dragonflies, birds and butterflies. Consider building a small wildlife pond in an area that has partial sun and partial shade, and is not directly underneath overhanging deciduous trees or shrubs.
Plant a mixture of submerged oxygenating plants to keep the water healthy, and marginal plants around the edges to attract pollinators and add visual interest. Surface plants such as water lilies and frogbit will provide shade and shelter for wildlife, and help to control the growth of nuisance algae.
