Many of us look forward to getting out in the garden during the summer months, but what about when it’s cold, grey or wet outside? The UK might not always lend itself to al fresco living, but there are many ways to get more out of your garden. Creating a more versatile space can help you enjoy a diverse range of outdoor activities while making the most of your garden come rain or shine. In this handy guide, we’ll share some top tips to help you design a family-friendly, functional outdoor area that works all year round.
Add warmth during winter
Winter weather can make it difficult to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. When it’s cold and miserable and the sun fades in the middle of the afternoon, it’s tempting to hibernate indoors, but spending time outside is beneficial for your mental and physical health. Even short spells can give you a lift and help lower stress levels. One of the best ways to maximise versatility in your garden and make your outdoor space work harder throughout the year is to add warmth. There are various ways to do this, including buying patio heaters, installing a fire pit or chiminea and layering cosy blankets, throws, cushions and outdoor rugs. If you can stay warm while you’re outside, this will enable you to make playing, hanging out, socialising or chilling out with a good book or a cup of tea more enjoyable during the autumn and winter months.
Explore low-maintenance options
For most people, life is hectic. If you work long hours, you have kids or pets to tend to, or you have a packed social diary, it’s hard to find the time to keep on top of garden maintenance. You may find that your outdoor space looks neglected or dishevelled, making it a less appealing place to spend time. If this scenario sounds familiar, you could hire a gardener, but there are alternatives. One avenue to consider is creating a low-maintenance garden. This way, you can reap the rewards of spending time outside without sacrificing your downtime or days off. Artificial grass installation has become more popular, as people look for ways to design attractive, practical gardens that require minimal care and upkeep. An artificial lawn will look pristine all year round and it also makes a great surface for exercise and children’s playtime and games. From a mini football pitch to an even, flat surface for al fresco yoga, you can embrace outdoor living while saving time on garden maintenance.
Other options to explore include paving your garden, creating gravelled areas, choosing low-maintenance plants and trees including wildflowers, and adding raised beds and oversized planters to create beautiful aesthetics.
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Add structures to provide shelter and shade
It’s no secret that the British weather keeps us on our toes. One minute it’s bright sunshine, the next it could be raining, hailing or blowing a gale. Even during the summer, you may find that the weather throws everything at you in a single afternoon. To combat changeable conditions and make the most of your garden during every season, it’s a brilliant idea to add structures to provide shelter and shade. Gazebos, cabins, summerhouses, covered patios, awnings, pergolas and garden rooms offer shelter from chilly conditions, showers and snow while also offering respite from the midday sun and stifling summer heat. Adding a structure to your garden will also provide a new focal point to help you create a space that is not only dynamic and functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Before you decide what to do with your garden in terms of adding shade and shelter, research options online, measure the area to check how much space you have available, compare prices and visit garden centres, home stores and showrooms. Think about how you’d like to use your outdoor space and consider your budget. It’s worth considering more expensive investments, such as log cabins, summerhouses and garden rooms, if you need more space indoors or you’re looking to add value to your home. If you work from home, for example, you could free up space inside by relocating to a garden room.
Create zones that cater to your requirements
There are myriad ways to use outdoor spaces. Some people love gardening and growing produce while others enjoy entertaining and socialising. Some live for relaxing evenings and curling up with a magazine while others look forward to the kids getting home and going straight into the garden to play, chat and spend quality time together. Creating zones that cater to your requirements is a fantastic way to ensure your outdoor space works for your family. Consider how you want to spend your time, what you want to do and who uses the space. Design areas for different activities and people. Even in a compact space, you can set up zones for children, adults and pets while also creating shared areas.
There are multiple ways to create sections and zones in your garden. Examples include using different colours or materials, adding structures or furniture to create boundaries and installing fences, gates or walkways. Get creative with planting, channel different trends or themes, or use outdoor structures, entry and exit points or visible borders to divide your garden.
Install outdoor lighting
There’s nothing better than being out in the garden on a hazy, warm evening when the sun doesn’t set until 9pm, but a lack of natural light doesn’t have to mean you can’t enjoy being outside in autumn and winter. Installing outdoor lighting will enhance versatility, increase usability and add ambience. You can choose from a vast array of styles, including contemporary lanterns, romantic fairy lights, smart, modern wall lamps and playful, coloured hanging bulbs. Adding lights to your outdoor area will also improve safety, especially if you have children.
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Many of us love spending time in our gardens, but it’s not always easy to make the most of outdoor spaces when the weather’s unpredictable or maintenance is time-consuming. Creating a more versatile space is a brilliant way to enhance functionality and make the most of your garden. Simple steps can make a big difference when it comes to enjoying al fresco living. Examples include adding warmth during the winter, using structures to provide shelter and shade, exploring low-maintenance options, designing different zones and installing outdoor lighting.
Featured Image Courtesy of Pexels
