Summer keeps on keeping on, with another heatwave forecast for next week. This likely means you’ll soon be making the most of every second of sunshine and good times. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden or even simple outdoor space, the aforementioned positive vibes are most likely going to be spent here.
As such, with the season starts to heat up, our thoughts naturally turn to transforming our gardens into a place where we actually want to spend time, rather than an overgrown plot with all sorts of creepy crawlies lurking in its depths and sharp, abrasive edges waiting to have us scattering back inside.
Fortunately, a beautiful, blooming garden doesn’t have to cost the world or require some serious thought and time. With that in mind, here are 7 great DIY landscape gardening ideas to try at home this summer.
Get Some Bones
No we don’t mean actual bones. You wouldn’t want a pack of hungry, feral dogs descending on your garden, now would you?
Nope, in landscaping lingo, the term ‘bones’ means a type of architectural framework that defines the structure of a garden. It can be a singular focal point standing proudly on its own or different features around the garden, used to move the eye from one corner of the garden to another. These can be ‘hardscape’ elements such as a lovely arbor, a swing or even a water piece shrubs. Even paths, an oft neglected feature of even a well-groomed garden, can form the bones of a garden.
By giving the garden path a good sweep, trim and clean you’ll create another focal point, as well as creating more borders. That all important definition and framing is the key to garden success, we think.
Dwarf Evergreens & Small Shrubs Everywhere
A what now? Yes dwarf evergreen gardens are actually a thing. Indeed, we like to think of them as garden stalwarts. They are ideal for planting in beds and borders and although this type of plant bed takes a little while to establish itself, once they’ve grown into their own, they require only a little maintenance.
Just go into your gardening centre and ask to see ‘dwarf selections such as bird’s nest spruce’; that’s Picea abies ‘Nidiformis to those terminology minded. If you’re after a garden with lots of structure and a particularly well-groomed look, consider planting box (Buxus). This is a compact and versatile evergreen shrub that many landscape gardeners rely on to give that manicured look.
Though this might all be a common language for gardening enthusiasts who are as dictionary-fingered as they are green, if you find yourself totally perplexed by all the different varieties and latin names, then just admit that it might be time to call in a professional landscape gardener.
Read: How to design a garden you genuinely want to spend time in
Light One Up
We all coo and swoon over a garden space illuminated with twinkling fairy lights and ambient lighting, yet never have the volition to do it ourselves. To really bring your garden’s design scheme to life after dark, amp up your outdoor space with some great lighting. Running with a theme, a well lit path is both welcoming, functional and oh-so pretty, and the same goes for step lighting.
Consider highlighting focal points like trees and those aforementioned shrubs for an absolute orgy of illumination. We love stringing fairy lights from a tree – there is something magical in their simplicity – and you can never go wrong with some cleverly placed lanterns.
Define Your Lawn
‘Minimal spend, maximum results’ should be the mantra when giving your garden a makeover, and redefining your lawn only takes a bit of manpower and a borrowed mower to stay true to that ethos.
A clearly defined shape for the grass in your garden – for instance, in a circle or rectangle with straight, clean lines – may sound like a basic step, but is one which completely reinvigorates the space. Further frame the space by digging a shallow rim around it, and consider surrounding the area with plants for truly maximum results.
Add Vertical Interest With Container Magic
Sometimes the best garden transformations happen when you think outside the traditional flower bed box. Container gardening isn’t just for those with tiny balconies – it’s a brilliant way to add instant colour and height to any outdoor space. Stack different sized planters to create tiered displays, or use tall containers to frame doorways and garden entrances.
The beauty of this approach is its flexibility; you can move containers around until you find the perfect arrangement, and swap out seasonal plants as the mood takes you. Large ceramic pots filled with ornamental grasses create drama, whilst a collection of smaller containers bursting with herbs near your kitchen door adds both practicality and charm. As noted at this year’s GroundsFest landscaping show, “Container gardening allows you to experiment with colour combinations and plant partnerships without the commitment – it’s like having a constantly evolving garden gallery.”
Water Your Way To Tranquillity
Nothing transforms a garden quite like the gentle sound of trickling water, and you don’t need to hire a team of specialists to achieve it. A simple water feature can become the crown jewel of your outdoor space, drawing both wildlife and admiring glances from visitors.
Consider a small solar-powered fountain that requires no complicated wiring, or create a DIY bird bath using an attractive large shallow dish elevated on a plant stand. For the more ambitious, a small pond using a pre-formed liner can be installed over a weekend. The key is choosing a feature that suits both your space and maintenance preferences. Even something as simple as a large glazed pot filled with water and floating plants can create that coveted zen-like atmosphere we all crave after a long day.
Create A Designated Chill-Out Area
Add a touch of style to your garden with a chill-out area. This style of seating creates a focal point that you can design the rest of your garden around, helping you to figure out where to place your pots and hang those whimsical fairy lights. Creating such a space will also encourage you to spend more time in your newly landscaped garden, which is the whole point of making it nice, right?
For more on that final, crucial point, check out our dedicated guide on creating the ultimate garden chill out area. We can’t wait to do see what you do with the space!
