Spring soon come. After what feels like a lifetime of cold, dark days, long nights, and evenings spent hunkered down beneath a vast swathe of blanket, winter is, at long last, on its way out.
The year’s most welcome seasonal shift is almost here, ready to grace us with an explosion of new life and optimism, all brought on by warmer weather and sunnier days – and it couldn’t have come soon enough.
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, then the weeks before spring’s arrival proper represent the perfect time to get your outdoor space warm weather ready. With that in mind, here are 6 ideas for turning your garden into a luxury oasis in time for spring.
For Soothing Sounds: Consider A Water Feature
Whether it’s a small fountain or a large pond, the sound of running water will add a touch of tranquillity to your garden. From a small tabletop fountain to a pond that runs into a stream, the sound of running water will transform your outdoor space not only visually but sonically, too.
With so many designs and placements to choose from, from the tasteful to the tacky, it’s prudent to opt for a water feature that accentuates your garden’s overall style and complements the space, rather than has a jarring effect. We particularly like those which are subtle on the eye and channel the soothing sounds of a trickle (as long as we’re not desperate for the loo, that is).
For A Pleasing Aroma: Plant Fragrant Flowers
Choose blooms that smell good so you can enjoy their scent while relaxing in your garden, and planting fragrant flowers is one of the most satisfying parts of gardening. Nothing makes a warm day feel more luxurious than taking a moment to smell some beautiful bloom, don’t you think?
Whether you’re choosing tuberose, lilies, jasmine or honeysuckle, each flower comes with its own special scent that will fill your garden with delightful aromas. Oh, and you might just attract some buzzing friends to your garden in the process!
Read: 10 ways to make your garden more wildlife friendly
For Added Shade: Introduce A Retractable Awning
For versatile shade coverage tailored to your surroundings, consider a retractable awning, which helps you optimise your shade coverage options, while also having the freedom to retract the awning if you do fancy a bit of sun.
Interestingly, awnings have gone through some pretty modern innovations recently, which makes them a great investment, boasting wind sensors that retract when the wind reaches a set level, and those that can adjust the strength of shade they cast using smart fabrics.
Wow!
Awnings can also add an extra layer of privacy to your garden space, should you have neighbours on the nosier side of the spectrum. Speaking of which…
For Extra Privacy: Use The Power Of Nature
It’s not only the sun you want to protect yourself from in the ultimate garden chill-out area, particularly if your outdoor space is in an urban setting and prone to prying eyes peering down into your garden.
Consider a few simple steps to more privacy in your garden space, which will be a welcome move from the perspective of both parties. Though it’s impossible to totally shroud your garden in secrecy (and let’s face it; that would look like you were up to no good), you can certainly protect your privacy and improve the natural feel of your chillout space with consciously positioned, tall shrubbery and free standing plants. This is far preferable to erecting clumsy fences we think, as there’s aesthetic beauty added to the mix, too.
The expert’s pick in this case is Umbrella Bamboo (Fargesia Murielae), which typically grows to a height of four metres and just needs a few strong canes for support. The dense shrubbery easily provides seclusion and shade and takes minimal maintenance; all that is needed is a cut every June or July and some sparing watering when the plant reemerges. Another wise choice is Magnolia Grandiflora, which, when permitted to grow, becomes a screening tree with its glossy, generous leaves.
Not only will they provide the desired shelter, but they also have the added bonus of being aesthetically pleasing. If you have the extra space and want to spruce up your outdoor area, consider adding hedges or fences as a way to embrace privacy – without walls!
For Expert Zoning & Even More Privacy: Hedges
Speaking of hedges, they’re not just perfectly suited for matters of privacy; hedges also offer great opportunities for truly expert zoning in larger gardens. Indeed, creating distinct zones in your garden not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also boosts privacy. Hedges are a classic and effective way to achieve this, offering a natural and attractive barrier that can be tailored to suit any garden style. In the UK, where privacy and the use of space are paramount, selecting the right type of hedge is crucial.
- Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a popular choice for formal hedges and topiary. Its dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round privacy and can be shaped to create crisp, clean lines in the garden. For more rapid growth, consider the Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), which, with its large, glossy leaves, can quickly form a dense screen and is tolerant of most soil types.
- Yew (Taxus baccata) is another traditional British hedge, valued for its thick foliage and classic appearance. It’s particularly suited for creating high hedges that offer substantial privacy. Yew is also known for its durability and can be cut back hard if necessary.
- For those who prefer a flowering hedge, the English Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a wonderful option. It provides a stunning display of white blossoms in spring, followed by red berries that attract wildlife. It’s a hardy native species that forms a dense and thorny barrier, ideal for increasing security as well as privacy.
- Beech (Fagus sylvatica) hedges are also a favourite in the UK. The green beech retains its leaves throughout the winter, which turn a beautiful copper hue, while the purple beech adds a splash of colour with its deep purple leaves that also transition to copper in the autumn.
- For a hedge that grows quickly and offers a more informal look, the Leyland Cypress (x Cuprocyparis leylandii) is a fast-growing conifer that can provide a high screen in a relatively short period. However, it’s important to manage its growth as it can become too large if not regularly maintained.
When planning your hedge, consider the height you desire for privacy and how much maintenance you are willing to undertake. Some hedges require more frequent trimming with specialised, powerful hedge trimmers to maintain their shape, while others can be left to grow more naturally.
For A Seamless Transition From Day To Night: Install Outdoor Lighting
It’s easy to overlook outdoor lighting when designing a garden worthy of relaxing in – after all, gardens are very much synonymous with the daytime – but if you’re keen to ensure a smooth transition from day to night, then it’s essential that your garden is properly illuminated.
From small spotlights highlighting certain plants to twinkling fairy lights designed to look a little whimsical, all the way to large-scale walk lights illuminating the entire yard, there are a wide variety of options for whatever lighting your night-time garden dreams might require.
Not only will these lights create an inviting atmosphere perfect for garden parties, romantic al fresco evenings, and stargazing, but they can also act as a deterrent against intruders.
For The Avoidance Of Visual Distraction: Get Rid Of Weeds
An overgrown garden will never look luxurious, so make sure to keep on top of the weeding. Pulling the weeds and keeping them out of the garden can be tedious, but it’s a step that shouldn’t be overlooked.
An overgrown garden is likely to suffer from poor drainage, and if left unchecked, could lead to an unhealthy plant population. Starting from the edge of the garden and working inward will help maximise efficiency and minimise the difficulty in getting rid of those pesky weeds. Remember – take pride in your garden, however big or small, and keep things healthy by keeping up with the weeding.
Read: 5 tips on how to maintain your lawn
For Comfort: Add Some Furniture
Comfortable chairs and tables are a must for any garden designed for chilling. When considering the perfect luxury garden furniture, prioritise items that are both stylish and comfortable.
However tempting it is to simply add as many seats as possible to accommodate family and friends, we recommend that you take a more considered approach. Instead, focus on creating a few different seating areas that serve to draw the focus to different areas of the garden, channelling the ‘chill out zones’ of Ibiza, perhaps.
Remember that although cushioned sofas may be great to sink into, you’ll have to take them in each night – curse the Great British weather!
The Bottom Line
Creating your own luxury garden does not have to be an intimidating task. Even if you don’t have a massive budget or a lifetime of experience, it’s still possible to turn your outdoor space into something special.
From the purely aesthetic elements like water features all the way to the mundane tasks of weeding and pruning, a relaxing garden fit for spring is well within reach. Now, when might we expect an invite?