If your house is lucky enough to come with a garden, you probably get some basic use out of it at the very least. It might, for instance, provide the perfect playground and football pitch for the kids, or be used as an impromptu sunbathing and outside dining space during the warmer summer months. However, with a few simple improvements, your garden could be used for so much more, becoming an additional well-used living area in your property. From multi level patios that you can spend chilly nights on as you look up at the stars, to a small pond which you can sit by in summer as you watch it come to life, there is a lot that you can do in your garden that you may not realise. To give you some ideas, here are some gifts you could give to yourself to improve your garden.
A deck
Another fantastic way to enhance your garden is by adding a deck. A deck can create a versatile outdoor living area, perfect for relaxing, dining, or entertaining guests. Place your deck in a spot that offers the best views of your garden, whether it’s overlooking a pond, flower bed, or simply a scenic part of your
By building a deck, you can also add a touch of elegance and structure to your garden, making it a focal point of your outdoor space. Choose materials like wood or stone that complement your garden’s design. And, to elevate the visual appeal of your deck, you might even incorporate a glass decking balustrade around the deck. This modern touch can not only provide a sleek, unobstructed view of your garden but can also add a touch of sophistication to your space.
Garden furniture
You won’t be encouraged to spend a lot of time outside if your existing garden furniture is dirty and falling to pieces. Look for replacement investment pieces that are the best you can afford to give your garden space a luxury feel that makes you want to spend time
A rattan outside sofa set complete with upholstered cushions, for instance, brings the comfort of your living room outside. Or, if you want an option that’s a bit more adventurous and fun, why not channel a bit of 70s glamour with a rattan egg chair, or a swing chair? To prolong the life of your garden furniture investment, make sure you look after it by covering it from the elements when not in use – no one wants to sit on soggy cushions!
A pond
Tired of looking at the same patch of scruffy grass and bedraggled shrubs? Why not shake your garden up by getting some pond planting socks and adding a pond? In addition to providing visual interest, a pond will encourage wildlife to visit your garden – you might spot some creatures you’ve not seen before, such as dragonflies and newts, and you can also introduce some goldfish to your
Although water lilies are a standard pond favourite, make sure that you choose a wide variety of aquatic shrubs when planting up your pond, such as hornwort and willow moss: these will help to clean and oxygenate your pond water. However, make sure that you include pond pumps in your design to ensure that your pond remains a healthy and attractive ecosystem for you and the wildlife in your garden.
Outside heaters and covered areas
One of the main reasons why people don’t get the most use out of their gardens can perhaps be put down to the weather. Sunshine one minute, raining the next, you simply can’t rely on the great British weather. With higher temperatures seeming to occur only for a handful of weeks each year, it’s no wonder that most people would rather spend their relaxation time in the warmth and shelter of their house. Plan for this weather instability by adding a few outside heaters and a gazebo to your garden – many bars and restaurants do this to great success.
Adding a sheltered building such as a summer house or a gazebo to your outdoor space can be a game-changer. Buildings like these provide a sheltered and comfortable area where you can relax and entertain even when the weather is less than ideal. By investing in a high-quality structure for your garden from a reputed company such as the Scotts of Thrapston, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that allows you to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather. Thus, by combining the shelter of a summer house or gazebo with the warmth of outside heaters, you can plan for the weather instability and make the most of your outdoor living space throughout the year.
You could even further invest in your outside shelter by building a heated summer house to which you can retreat when the rain starts, while still having the feel of being outside.
