Garden Spaces

As soon as the sun comes out, it’s natural that we want to be outside in our garden space. Whatever their shape or size, garden spaces can be hubs of tranquillity, a place for you to unwind, reconnect with nature, play, and soak up some vitamin D.

Unfortunately, winter can take its toll on outdoor spaces, so come spring, the question of what to do with the garden comes to our minds. The same might be true if you move into a new property. You might want to revamp the furniture, add a splash of colour or create a planting space. While all this sounds exciting, it’s always important, before you start, to check if it’s ok with your landlord. Let’s look at this in more detail.

Where to start

Plan

There are plenty of ways to change your garden space, and the first step is to go out, look, think, and make a plan. Answer questions such as: Where does the sun hit, and at what time of day? What views do you have, and where would be nice to sit? How is your garden laid out, and are there any themes or inspiration you can draw from?

Consider your budget

It’s also very important to consider your budget. Creating an outdoor space does not need to cost the Earth, and plenty of nifty and thrifty ideas are out there to save. Knowing what that is beforehand will help you understand where and how you can shop.

Clearing

Weeding and removing any broken and old items that have accumulated in your garden space is a great place to start. Visualising an overgrown area is often tricky, so find those old clothes and start clearing.

Choose a colour palette

For many, a garden makeover isn’t complete without additional colour. Before you buy, think about how you’d like the final look to feel: bright and with colour bursts, clean and white, or darker shades. If you’re unsure which colours work well together, some research will soon help you decide.

Alternatively, you might prefer to avoid using a scheme and let the natural flora and fauna guide you with shades of green and brown to calm your soul.

Know your soil

If shrubs and flowers are high on your priority list, checking your soil type before purchase means you’re more likely to buy some that thrive. This is also true if you want to grow your own fruits and vegetables. It might seem like a faff, but it will save you time, money and the heartache of watching them struggle. Remember, though, if growing in the ground isn’t an option, you can grow most things in a well-organised pot.

Don’t forget your landlord

Before you start splashing your cash, make a plan of your intentions and then check that it’s okay. The last thing you want is to create your dream garden space but be told it needs reversing.

1. Check your agreement

Your tenancy agreement should outline your garden space and what your landlord expects you to maintain while you live there. It might also highlight things you can or cannot do.

2. Think reversible

If the changes you make are reversible, then they’re likely to be fine; furniture and plant pots can easily be removed, but a fixed structure can’t.

3. Ask

If you need clarification on your plans, check with your landlord. If the answer is no, you can move forward and rethink. But you never know; it might be a yes!

Small changes can make big differences

Sometimes, updating your garden space is a huge job, but the truth is, you can make the job as big or as little as you would like. In many instances, smaller changes can make the biggest differences. Here are a few ideas for bringing your garden space to life.

Add a splash of colour

You can add colour in more ways than you think. Paint might be at the forefront of your mind to update some furniture or brighten a wall (with permission, of course), but don’t forget you can add vibrant splashes through soft furnishings like cushions and rugs. 

Furniture

The furniture you choose will likely become the hub of your outdoor space and where you eat, rest and socialise. Shop for outdoor dining options and find something that works for you and your space.

Storage

Storage is often an overlooked area of garden sprucing, but if you have children with lots of toys or are big into gardening, thinking about where you can put everything is wise. Sheds and outdoor storage containers come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re bound to find something that works for you, and it’ll keep your garden looking ship-shape

Lighting

Adding lighting to your garden space can be a great safety precaution in case you need to go out at night, but it is also an excellent way to add ambience. Festoon lighting works well for evening socialising; small solar lights are perfect for lighting a path. Consider adding some dim lighting to create a cosy evening area.

Ornaments

If you like garden ornaments, they’re a great way to add interest and intrigue to your space. They’re also a novel way to express your personality and interests. Ornaments come in many varieties, like animals and gnomes. Still, you might prefer a fountain ornament that will add the calming sound of water to your garden while creating a drinking source for birds and other creatures during the summer months.

There’s no doubt about it: updating your garden space is exciting, and the end result can be the difference between enjoying your outdoor area and avoiding it. This will be your space to relax and unwind, play with your children or hold social gatherings; getting it right is vital. So remember, plan first, and where needed, consult your landlord. Then, begin transforming it into a functional and wondrous place that works for you and your family.

Author: Hannah Harding