New Year, new, erm…….garden? It may not have been the first proclamation you made as you opened your bleary eyes on the 1st of January and pledged to be a better person, and neither was it ours. Nope, top of our list was to watch less Dinner Date, naturally. And it’s understandable that as January bumbles along, the prospect of bumbling about in the frosty garden has become no more pressing.
But, when Spring finally arrives (hurry up!) and the first warm rays break through the clouds, you’ll want your patch to be barbeque, rosé and sunbathe ready. Why not get a headstart on making your garden a hospitable space by getting on it early? By doing so, you’ll free up valuable sunshine time later down the line. Perfect, and a good rhyme. So, here are 7 ways to give your garden a makeover in 2023.
Lights Up
We all coo and swoon over a garden space illuminated with twinkling fairy lights or the flicker of real candles, yet never have the volition to do it ourselves. You’ll need a fully weathered transformer plug to ensure safety, the fairy lights themselves, and that’s about it. Use trees to hang your lights on, retaining a natural shape and feel to the lighting and highlighting features already present, or even run them along a washing line or fence.
If you want to hang candles, simply lay some small pebbles in the bottom of a kilner jar and place a tealight inside. Then use a basic chain or even twine to hang them off branches in the garden.
Fanciful Fencing
Fencing needn’t be viewed as that thing rotting on the peripheries in need of good a treatment. A decent, spruced up fence can do much more than just keep the neighbour’s prying eyes off whatever debauchery your new garden causes. It can bring structure, framing (we see a theme emerging here), and in some cases, added vibrancy.
Consider a fence which needs very little maintenance and is guaranteed to last. Composite fencing is often a great option for gardens as it both looks neat and smart, is incredibly durable, and is good for the environment. Then, you should look at the different types of composite fence that are offered online. This will allow you to find one that is right for your garden.
Picnic Benches
You know those pub benches you’ve spent many a happy afternoon on, warm pint in hand and British summer sun on your face? Well, installing one or two of these can bring a really convivial atmosphere to your garden and provide a much needed focal point which draws people outside and into socialising. You’ll find them at carboot or pub renovation/closing down sales, so keep your eyes peeled and drive a hard bargain!
A Pristine Path
Paths are an often neglected feature of even a well-groomed garden; left to their own devices and viewed purely from a place of functionality. But 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.
Create A Chill Out Area
Everyone needs somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of life, preferably somewhere with lots of natural light and fresh air. So why not allocate a little part of your garden to create a chill out area? Much better for indulging in an afternoon of reading or a post-barbeque nap, this style of seating is perfect in encouraging spending long summer days enjoying your beautiful garden. Even if you have a small garden you can create a chill-out haven’t by putting a hammock or a garden swing set in the corner.
Add A Vegetable Patch
Most people think that you need a huge garden to have a vegetable patch, but this isn’t the case. On a relatively small plot of land (20×20 feet) you can grow an array of mouthwatering vegetables, herbs and fruits. Not only will a vegetable patch give your garden a new look, but growing your own vegetables and fruit could makeover your diet too. There really is nothing more satisfying then enjoying freshly picked produce from the garden.
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. 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.
And on that note, do check out these 4 interesting zoning ideas for your garden. We can’t wait for your next garden party (we assume our invite’s in the post?).