This is a collaborative post.
Whatever the size or shape of your outdoor space, there are always ways to make better use of it. Don’t feel limited because it is a small overlook patio area, or stressed because it is a large, wild, untamed forest. There are ways to make the garden feel a little bit more like part of the home. Here are some tips to help you:
Make a plan
First, walk around your outdoor space and make a list of all the things you like and do not like. You should see the garden as another room. The amount of effort you put into the interior design should be mirrored outside. There is absolutely no reason why an outdoor space should not be seen with as much pride. So make a plan, and once you know what you want, you can begin executing the design.
Start from the bottom up
So, think about the ground. Would it be better if it was partially paved, or fully paved? Usually, this is a good tip for those small overlooked city gardens, where the light just cannot penetrate that far. Another possibility for those small gardens is artificial grass as it looks good, but natural light is not needed to keep it alive. A lovely table and chair set also would be great for that small city space too. For a large garden, a paved area would be good to place some outdoor chairs and a table, a place to sit on those balmy nights with friends. There may even be some scope for decking, which can overlook the garden.
Borders
If you are in the city, you probably have walls on all sides. Therefore there is some scope for painting them. You may possibly want to go for a beautiful bright colour to make it come to life. Think about adding an image, perhaps a stencil, or a decal, or something more extravagant. In more extensive gardens, do you have walls, hedges, or fences? You may want to think about having old fencing removed and replaced with something less mouldy.
Lighting
If you have a nice big garden, you could have strategically placed lighting down a path, which would add the atmosphere at night. You may also want to add a 200w security light, so you feel more protected. In smaller gardens, you can add lighting to the walls. Some downlighting would add some ambiance, really making the place feel a little bit more welcoming. You could even have some lights on a string feature above. The world is your oyster.
Plants and features
A beautiful border on a large garden is always a fantastic feature if you are prepared for the upkeep. However, you may want to go for something a little easier, like a few potted plants and garden ornaments. You could even have a small pond and water feature installed. Watching the pond on a warm summer’s day is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon. In small gardens, you can add potted wallflowers that liven up the space too.
