Taking care of your garden requires time and effort, but when it comes to creating a beautiful outdoor space to be proud of, the results are most certainly worth it. And, as we spend more time at home than ever before, never has it been more important to ensure that your garden is a place you truly love, and the perfect space in which to entertain guests this summer as social distancing rules finally ease.
That touch of luxury doesn’t have to be limited to inside your home, and by carefully considering the design of your garden you can tell a story of style and sophistication through your choice of plants, flowers and additional features. By approaching the project in a holistic sense, you can create a synergy that will steal the show, with each element complementing to create a seamless and beautiful flow.
Whether you’re entirely new to gardening or are looking to revamp your space for the summer, giving your garden the facelift it deserves couldn’t be easier – and with a few simple tips and tricks from the experts, you’ll soon have yours transformed.
Allow your patio to take centre-stage
When it comes to hosting visitors in your garden – whether for a garden party or a simple and low-key afternoon tea – it’s important to have a welcoming space on which to gather, and this is a role that is most commonly fulfilled by your patio or deck. Placing yours at the centre of your garden will ensure that it remains a focal point that the eye is naturally drawn to, and place your guests in prime position to admire all of the surrounding blossoms or blooms – but if it isn’t possible to create yours at the physical centre then there are some other ways to place it at the heart of your garden.
A pretty pathway lined with plants and flowers will ensure the natural flow from your garden gate or patio doors to the patio itself, and by furnishing yours with a comfortable and stylish outdoors suite and surrounding it with more beautiful blooms – all whilst making sure that it’s in the path of natural daily sunlight – it’s certain to become a space you’ll love spending time in, whether you’re entertaining, or not. Following the Chinese principles that were utilised in ancient oriental gardens is a great place to start. In China, patio areas are often walled and are connected by horizontal paths that link to other parts of the garden.
Decking is a fantastic way to transform any outdoor living area and has become a popular choice for luxury homeowners. Building or remodelling a patio using grey composite decking will help to ensure a soft but contemporary look for the outdoor space.
Make water a feature
A pond or water fountain can make for a luxurious addition to any garden, adding an air of style and tranquillity and all-round opulence. Following Zen garden principles – which emerged in 14th century Kyoto and are still widely used the world over – is a great way to go, incorporating elements such as rocks, sand, gravel, plants and grasses in a cohesive style that will help to create a well-put-together look and feel.
Adding fish to your pond can make for a relaxing feature to sit and watch when you need a little time out from a hectic or stressful day, while adding the right pond plants will ensure the right aesthetic as well as supporting wildlife. If you plan on adding some Koi carp to your pond, for example, then some Asian-style pond plants will work well – but there are plenty of other options to choose from. Find a minimalistic pond with Western-style plants that can create the desired impact, too.
Add a pagoda or summer house
A pagoda or summer house is a great choice for any UK garden, adding an additional feature that draws the eye to it as well as a pretty spot in which to relax with a cup of tea and a good book.
Pagodas offer a great chance to incorporate some climbing or hanging plants, such as wisteria, which will add a distinctly romantic feel to your garden – while a summer house will provide you with shelter on those windier summer days when you still want to enjoy the feeling of being outside.
Furniture, of course, is everything, so choose your suite carefully and accentuate it with some carefully chosen accessories and ambient lighting. A string of lanterns can go a long way when it comes to creating a warm and welcoming feel, while stake lights can help to illuminate the path to your pagoda or summer house.
The bottom line
It couldn’t be easier to give your garden a luxury upgrade for the summer, and a few key features can make all the difference. If you’re new to gardening, then don’t be afraid to hire professionals, as this can make the entire process smoother and hassle-free.
