A garden is an extension of the home. It adds value to your property, and is there to be used or enjoyed. Read on for tips and ideas on how to create a beautiful garden this summer, and beyond.
Whatever size garden you have, whether it is a small courtyard, patch of grass or acres of land, it is worth spending some time planning out what features you want, and where to place them. This way you can work out how best to utilise your garden and maximise the space you have to get the most out of it.
Think about what you want from your garden, how you use it, and how it fits into your lifestyle. Concentrate on the things that matter to you most. There are plenty of options when it comes to garden design ideas. Even a small space can be totally transformed and given a new lease of life.
One way to plan your garden landscape could be to split it into zones or areas designed to suit a specific purpose. This way you can create both an attractive and practical space that fits your requirements.
Growing, Flowers and Plants
When choosing plants and flowers, remember to think about how much work is involved in maintaining them.
A flower bed filled with an array of colourful blooms will look beautiful. However, if you are not a keen gardener then opt for hardy perennials or small trees that will thrive well with little tending to. You could even leave a designated area to grow wild. This would need little maintenance and encourage wildlife and nature to flourish.
If gardening is a hobby or interest and you are particularly knowledgeable on the subject, then you can afford to be a little more ambitious and exotic with your flower choices.
How about growing your own produce. If you like the idea of sustainable living or enjoy preparing and cooking your own meals, then you could always include a vegetable patch, fruit trees or herb garden. It would be like having a mini allotment right on your doorstep, full of fresh ingredients.
If you are limited on space, then the perfect solution is to grow plants, flowers and vegetation in hanging baskets, plant pots or planters. Carefully planned layers of different height plants can help to create the illusion of depth. Another great idea would be to add a Pergola to your garden. This type of structure is ideal for entwining with vines, climbing plants or even fairy lights. It would certainly make an attractive centrepiece or interesting Arch over a pathway.
View Dunster House Pergola range.
Space to Relax
A paved or decked patio area always makes a useful space. Install some seating or a decorative Arbour Bench to create a tranquil spot for you to sit out surrounded by the beauty of nature. Let your stresses fade away as you relax alongside the soothing sounds of a water feature. Furnish it with garden chairs and a table, and you have a great place for outdoor dining when the weather allows.
The addition of a Gazebo would enable you to get better use of your garden all year round. It would provide shade from the sun and some shelter from light rain. You could opt for Gazebos with fully open sides to really benefit from being out in the fresh air. Or for a more enclosed feel with added privacy or weather protection, try opting for something with walls or glazed panels.
A hot tub out in the garden would create a fantastic place to unwind in the evening after a hard day’s work, or as a treat to yourself. Covering the hot tub with some kind of Garden Shelter or Gazebo would be beneficial in helping you to optimise the use you get from it.
View Dunster House Wooden Garden Gazebo range.
Space to Entertain
You have spent time planning and creating the ideal space, so make sure you find time to get out and enjoy it. If you like entertaining, or often have garden parties for friends or family, create a larger patio area to accommodate more people. Ensure you have plenty of seating space for you and your guests.
How about going that step further by setting up your own BBQ Hut and alfresco dining area, Garden Bar or Pub Shed. This would be a great place for everyone to gather together and socialise or party the night away. You can meet in the comfort of your own garden in your own personal bar. Enjoy a drink or two without having to worry about how you are going to get home.
To keep your outdoor entertaining area contained to the garden, consider including an outside toilet to prevent people traipsing in and out of your home. An Eco Composting Toilet offers ecological sanitation, and is easy to install with no need to plumb in or connect to water pipes, sewer systems or mains electricity.
View Dunster House Eco Composting Toilets and Log Bars.
Garden Room
A garden building makes a great addition to any outdoor area, especially if you are short of space inside the house and need/want an extra room. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including a summerhouse, outdoor living room, home office, home gym, games room, man cave, or den for the teenagers or kids etc.
A Log Cabin building has a robust structure and as it is made from natural wood, will be pleasing to the eye. As well as being highly useful, it would make a terrific focal point. They come in a variety of designs depending on whether you want a traditional look or something with a more modern style. With a range of sizes available, you should easily be able to find something to fit the shape of your garden or space you are putting it in.
Maybe you run your own business or work from home a lot. In which case, a purpose built Garden Office building would be ideal for you. You could set up your own beauty salon, photography studio, meeting rooms, arts and crafts centre etc.
If you are going to be spending a lot of time in your garden room, then think about a garden building that includes insulation and double glazing. This will help you to maintain the temperature inside the building, so it is warm enough in the winter and cool enough in the summer.
A garden cabin enables you to get good use out of your outdoor space all year round, not just in the sunny summer weather.
View Dunster House Log Cabins, Summerhouses and Garden Offices.
Children’s Play Area
If you have children, try giving them a space of their own, where they can play without trampling all over your flowers.
Make it more exciting by adding play equipment, goal posts, a sand pit, swings, slides, etc. A Climbing Frame is like having the park at home. Children can play safely outdoors under your watchful eye, but it still allows you to get on and do things around the house. It is a great way for children to have fun whilst they play actively and exercise.
A wooden Climbing Frame would blend in nicely to the natural beauty of your garden.
View Dunster House Pressure Treated Wooden Climbing Frames.
Outdoor Storage Space
The chances are you will need some kind of outdoor storage space. Somewhere to keep your tools, gardening equipment, lawn mower, garden furniture, outdoor toys etc.
Sheds come in all shapes and sizes, from small Tool Sheds or Bike Sheds, to larger Workshops. You don’t have to let it take over your whole garden though, if you don’t want it to. A Corner Shed, as the name suggests, can be tucked away neatly into the corner, giving you plenty of space for other things.
View Dunster House Wooden Garden Sheds and Garages.
Make your garden space work for you, to create the peaceful haven or hive activity that you have always wanted. Every garden has potential. All it takes is a little planning and imagination to create the perfect place tailored to you.
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