Turn your Garden into a Living Space
All it takes is a little planning and you can turn your garden into a living space. We all want a lot from our gardens. As well as growing a range of wonderful plants, many of us would also like our outdoor plots to be versatile outdoor living spaces – somewhere to relax, cook and entertain.
There is an increasing range of well-designed products on the market (many that won’t break the bank) that will help you to make the most of your garden and give a desirable look. It’s all about planning and making the most of the available space.
We have compiled a list of things you may want to consider and discuss with your landscaper as part of your project.
Garden Furniture
If you have room for two sitting areas, you could choose one for dining and one for lounging.
In a small space, flexibility is key; opt for a relaxed feel, perhaps with lower loungers rather than a dining table.
Comfort is key!
Rattan-effect furniture is popular as it is lightweight and comes in a wide range of modular sets. L-shaped sets are good for making use of terrace and garden corners, while folding patio sets are inexpensive and take up little space when folded. A few outdoor cushions on a low wall can make a comfy seat, or how about wipeable outdoor beanbags?
Outdoor Entertaining
There’s nothing better than eating alfresco. From one-use barbecues, simple camping stoves, tables with build in grills or firepits, to fancy pizza ovens and outdoor kitchens, there is a huge range of choice.
We suggest going for something that can be moved, especially if they are in full view from the house.
Technology
Technology can change the way we use our gardens. Pretty much every item found indoors now has an outdoor equivalent – TV’s, sound systems and fridges are all available. All you need is an outdoor power socket and you are good to go. Remember to ensure that an outdoor power socket is installed by a professional electrician.
Always remember to consider your neighbours when using outdoor speakers and TV’s.
There are also robotic lawn mowers and computerised irrigation systems to reduce maintenance and give you more time to relax in the garden.
Landscaping Materials
A classic way to make a garden feel like an extension of the home is to use similar materials to those indoors. A wooden floor inside could mean having a deck outside. With stone or tiles you could have the same outdoors, but make sure it is frost proof with a rough surface for grip.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting makes a garden look more inviting.
For a great outdoor room effect, highlight hard landscaping, especially boundaries, to bring tall elements into play and increase the sense if intimacy. Set some lights low to wash up on the walls to achieve this and have a few lights shining down, where needed, for cooking or pouring drinks.
There are also great products that look just like indoor lamps. With lights, there’s a price for everyone, from candle lighting (all you need is jam jars) to increasingly popular and affordable solar lights, and more permanent installations.
Privacy
It’s difficult to relax if you are being overlooked, and shelter structures such as shade sails, can provide privacy.
From a design perspective, there are plenty of simple solutions without turning your garden into a fortress.
Think about where you want to sit, and which view you want to block. It may only take a large shrub or some trellis with a climber to do the job.
A canopy of small trees can work too, as can a big parasol.
Some garden furniture also comes with screening, such as trellis or an awning.
