From summerhouses to fountains: Top trends that will transform your garden
Let’s face it, we all want our garden to stand out from the crowd. Yes, gardens require a fair bit of maintenance and upkeep, but it can be a fun experience to create your very own little outdoor paradise. And of course, you’ll get to enjoy the sight of the finished product every day.
Even without professional gardening and landscaping help, there’s plenty you can do to transform your garden yourself. If you’re simply stuck for ideas on how to update its appearance this summer, we’re here to help. Read on for a list of simple (yet effective) ideas to give your garden a facelift and hopefully leave both you and your neighbours in awe.
First things first though, start by tidying up. You’d be surprised how much a thorough clean can completely transform the appearance of your garden. Once you’ve decluttered and cleaned, you’ll have a clear working area and a better idea of how much space you have to work with.
Move around your garden furniture
Giving your garden a new look could simply be about moving some things around. If you already have outdoor seating, try moving it to a different location for an easy and instant update.
You could also add more potted plants around your seating area as that’s where you’re likely to spend the bulk of your time. Opt for your favourite scented flowers so you can bask in the smell as you lounge around on a balmy summer’s eve.
Invest in a garden summerhouse
This is one simple change that could make a huge difference to the look of your garden. Garden buildings such as outdoor sheds and summerhouses are a great way to maximise your outdoor space. You can still enjoy the sight of nature from the comfort of your summerhouse, but it can provide shelter when you need it. It’s also great for additional storage space.
The best part? You don’t need to get planning permission to get a garden summerhouse installed.
Revive fences and wooden garden furniture with a fresh lick of paint
Updating your garden doesn’t just have to be about investing in brand new installations. You could simply update what you have. If your fences are looking old and tired, consider painting them a bright colour to add a bit of life. You could also paint different strips in complementary colours rather than using one block colour.
Don’t be afraid to be bold and express your creativity. Painting fences isn’t a hugely time-consuming task so these can be repainted to transform the appearance of your outdoor space whenever you feel like it.
Add a water feature
Is there anything more peaceful than relaxing in nature with the soothing background noise of water? There are plenty of different styles to choose from to match your budget. Whether you get a small stone fountain or a pond installation, water features add tranquillity and an instant wow factor. Best of all, they’re very easy to maintain.
Go eco-friendly by opting for a solar-powered water feature.
Introduce a mirror (or three) into the mix
Mirrors aren’t just great for adding the illusion of space inside your home. They can also work really well in an outdoor space. Open up any enclosed areas in your garden by getting a mirror installed in one of the corners. Check out Pinterest for creative ideas on how to use mirrors to their best effect in outdoor areas.
Consider getting artificial grass
While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, artificial grass can be a great way of improving the appearance of your garden with just one update. Imagine this: a garden that looks lush and green throughout the year and requires minimal maintenance. You can now buy artificial glass that looks extremely realistic. In fact, you may be surprised at just how many of your neighbours have decided to opt for it!
If you’re not a huge fan of gardening, we’d highly recommend taking a look at some of the fantastic artificial lawn options out there. All it needs is an occasional brush every now and then.
Add a vegetable garden
One of the biggest gardening trends at the moment is the rise of ‘edible’ gardens. As more and more people turn to veganism and vegetarianism, veg gardens are popping up in gardens throughout the UK.
Now, this doesn’t have to be a huge operation! Start small by planting a herb garden. This can be done vertically too. Take things to the next level by adding in some raised veggie beds.
Not only will you love the feeling of getting fresh produce straight from your back garden, a well-designed vegetable patch or herb garden can also look incredible in any outdoor space.
Create an attractive seating area
While it isn’t always possible to have the additional living space we need inside our homes, you can use your outdoor areas to create a relaxing zone to chill in. If you can’t afford to splurge on garden furniture, you could simply dress up an old bench with attractive cushions, seat pads and throws. You could also add a rug for some colour and to amp up the cosiness levels.
Find some quirky containers for your plants
There’s no need to spend a fortune on new pots and planters. For a budget-friendly option, upcycle old jam jars and colourful tins to plant your favourites in. Don’t forget to add some holes at the bottom for drainage.
You can also use old buckets. Paint them if you’re feeling creative, or you can just rely on the blooms within to add some colour. Consider quirky items such as old birdcages or patterned wellington boots to add plants to and create points of interest in your garden.
Create ambience with lighting
Don’t underestimate the importance of good lighting in a garden! The better the lighting, the better the summer evening vibes. You don’t want all the hard work that you’ve done making your garden look good to disappear with the sun. Enhance your favourite features of the garden with carefully selected outdoor lighting. Think beyond fairy lights!
Add some hanging plants
Hanging plants look great and they don’t take up any of your valuable floor space. Try spider plants for their interesting appearance and low maintenance nature. Ivy leaves also look beautiful trickling down from hanging planters. If you’re looking for something a little more dramatic, string of hearts are easy to care for and can grow and grow into a very long trail.
Paint any garden buildings
Already have an outdoor shed or another type of garden cabin that’s looking a little tired? Spruce it up with a fresh lick of paint. There’s nothing worse than a shabby garden building bringing the rest of the area down.
Even if your garden summerhouse looks fine, consider sprucing it up with a new paint colour to update its appearance and create a focal point for your outdoor space. It’s a fun DIY job for when you’re feeling creative – be bold with your colour choices to make a real statement!
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At Kirton Sectional Buildings, we have a wide range of high-quality wooden buildings on offer, including summerhouses and outdoor sheds. Get in touch with us to discuss your storage needs today. We’d be happy to create something bespoke for your specific requirements.