When you think about improving your home, immediate thoughts often turn to the interior. Landscaping is an overlooked and underappreciated change that can improve your whole exterior.
Having a space that is functional and beautiful is the dream. Here are some tips to help you strike the right balance for any budget.
Start with a clear vision
Before you begin digging or ripping plants out, take some time to think about what you want to achieve.
Consider the shape of your garden as well as the size. This will impact the design you have in mind as some elements may not fit, or the space may feel too crowded.
Think about functionality as well. A family garden with kids will look very different from one that adults only use. You could create zones for different areas if you have the space, though.
Having a plan will also allow you to stick to one idea and budget, as landscaping can get expensive the more ambitious you are.
Creating functional pathways and patios
Pathways and patios are essential for creating flow and structure in a garden. Being able to access all areas of your garden is an important step to future-proof your garden into old age.
Different pathways will add a different feel to your garden. For a more casual and whimsical feel, gravel is a good choice. To be more cost-effective and low maintenance, opt for gravel bags which are easy to install yourself.
Paving slabs are another popular choice for both paths and patios and come in many different colours and sizes which are great for customisation. They are a sturdy material to use and can be used to create structures such as hedges, walls or fences.
Incorporating plants and greenery: Maximising visual appeal
Gardens often feel incomplete without some greenery and foliage. You will need to be clever about which plants you choose as they all have different requirements for them to thrive.
A combination of perennial plants, shrubs and seasonal flowers will ensure your garden always looks healthy and interesting. Use larger plants to create natural privacy screens or area dividers if you need different zones.
You can also use plants to showcase your style and personality. Colour lovers can add pops of colour all over the place and use them to brighten your garden. If you are more of a structure or architecture fan then use sturdy hedges to create shape.
Low-maintenance landscaping solutions for busy homeowners
Busy family life can often mean looking after a high-maintenance garden is impossible. If you want an easy space to maintain there are some tricks you can use.
Why not use artificial grass instead of the real stuff? Not only does it look convincing, but you never have to mow it!
When it comes to plant care, putting the work in every now and then means you can relax at the weekends. Mulch will be a good tool in your garden arsenal as it helps to prevent weeds from growing as well as trap moisture to make regular watering a thing of the past.
