How to create the perfect outdoor space
Your back garden isn’t just a space to hang your washing in. Designed properly, your outdoor space can actually become a useful extension of your indoor living quarters, perfect for family fun, summer entertaining and impromptu barbeques! If you’re anything like us, you’d like to make the most of it- so read on to find out how to create the perfect outdoor space.
First, recognise that your garden evolves over time:
Like any room in your house, your garden will inevitably change in pace with our lifestyle. Older occupiers, for example, might get to enjoy a garden that focuses on relaxation areas, bird feeders and flower beds. Younger occupiers, on the other hand, might need a low-maintenance yard that simply provides room for informal gatherings, sporadic sunbathing and summer lounging.
All you have to do right now, therefore, is design a garden that’s right for your current situation… If you have inquisitive young children and rambunctious puppies occupying your back yard, don’t expect your garden to be flower-show-ready. Instead, create a family garden that can grow a little wild, and be sure to add a shed to store the toys in… otherwise, expect to trip over the plastic paraphernalia that’s littered across your lawn!
Then, identify the three key things you garden needs do to:
Due to limitations in plot sizes, our gardens rarely achieve everything we want them to. The key to creating a perfect outdoor space, therefore, is to ensure it caters for your top priorities. For instance, if you’re determined to cut down on your grocery shopping, section yourself off a vegetable patch somewhere sunny with good drainage, and get your hands on some must have garden supplies. Similarly, if encouraging wildlife is something you’re passionate about, plant flowers and hedges that encourage pollinators and leave a pile of dead wood in a shady spot for bugs.
If somewhere to sit outside is another major need, build yourself a patio or decking area, complete with comfortable furniture, outdoor pillows, perhaps a bar cart, beverage stand and and a screen for privacy.
Also, add lighting – it will mean that you can enjoy your garden well into the night, so consider installing solar lamps, string lengths of fairy lights and pepper your borders with an arrangement of candle holders.
It’s worth putting your entertaining area close to your dining or kitchen room, or other back-door entrance, as this will reduce the distance you have to walk and directs traffic around your garden in an efficient way. Don’t forget to add your barbecue or fire pit, and drape one or two blankets on the chairs to cuddle up in once the sun goes down!
Finally, add some personal touches to your garden:
Ultimately, including your personal belongings will create your perfect garden. So, if you’re a country girl (or guy!) with a love for wild meadows, welly walks and flasks of hot tea add some details that reflect your passions – a tartan seat cushion or an abandoned wheelbarrow planter might be precisely the kind of thing that makes your outdoor space just right.
We love the outdoor living must-haves below:
