As we close the door on another week with the weather set to stay nice we wanted to share with you some tips from Rightmove and Ideal Home whether your garden is large or small there are some amazing ideas.
Mirrors
Using a mirror in your garden can help transform a space, great to be used on rooftop terraces, small courtyard gardens and balconies alike. A mirror can help by adding a new dimension to your garden by increasing a sense of space and reflecting light into shady areas. There are some do’s and don’ts with mirrors that should be observed:
- Do consider where to place your mirror you don’t want to look at a reflection of some downpipes or wires
- Do use full length mirrors which help create an illusion of a garden beyond
- Do consider using a hardy frame mirror outdoors, you don’t want to use plastic or polished metal as there is a risk you could make your adult garden look like a child’s soft play area.
- Don’t hang your mirror too high, we don’t want to risk bird injuring themselves
- Don’t use mirrors where they can get too hot, where they are likely to become a fire hazard
Upcycling
Perfect if you like to get the paint brush out or a hammer and some nails (be careful when using power tools). Pallets can be used for most things from creating seating area’s to planting. Consider upcycling things prior to throwing them out, boxes could be used for planters or a ladder used with shelving can create a lovely feature.
Adding Levels
A great idea if you don’t have a large space. Think about adding height by way of shelves or hanging plants to draw your eye line upwards to the sky, vertical space is a great way of utilising an area – the likes of using a fence panel to add metal plant pots to with flowers in them or repurposing the likes of an old watering can you could hang. Fix planters underneath your windows to help with growing herbs a lovely way to bring the outside in. Low walls can also be used as seating areas, perfect if you only have a small space but like to entertain. Another way to create the illusion of a larger space is to use natural/neutral colours rather than darker tones, think about your outside as if it was your home.
Growing a Garden that gives back
With having more time on our hands now how about looking at what you can grow to help by way of being more self-sustainable. A veg or fruit patch is a great way to do this, look first at where is the best spot and what you plan to grow. By using planters and raised beds you can use every inch of your garden, tubs can be moveable and trellis is handy for growing peas. Greenhouses can also be bought from as little as £20.00 and allow you to start the season early and are great for looking after those tender crops. Starting easy could be the way to get your hand in and give a great sense of achievement when you pick your first batch, the likes of raspberries require a little space but can need some help along the way whereas cucumbers and cherry tomatoes will thrive in a sunny spot.
Most of all your garden is an individual space and can be completely unique to you. Don’t follow the trend and sometimes do something a little different but also make sure you have fun.
