As we finally say goodbye to winter, and the sun is starting to make an appearance, you might be thinking about spending some time in the garden.
Whether you are thinking of selling, your garden could simply benefit from a bit of TLC after a long cold winter, or you have just moved into a new home and are looking for ideas on how to improve the enjoyment of your garden, here are our tips guaranteed to make your garden a tranquil and fun space this Spring.
Tidy, Trim and Refresh
Tidying, trimming and refreshing are small and simple initial steps following the long winter months. Clearing away debris, and really looking at the space you have, is the first step towards optimising your garden.
Making the Most of a Small Garden
It is a common misconception that you need to have a large garden in order to enjoy many popular garden features such as trees, ponds and even growing your own fruit and vegetables.
- There are a variety of trees and plants that thrive in smaller garden spaces and will compliment your garden no matter the size. Creating a “green wall” or “living wall” is also a clever use of space and there are kits available to purchase from a variety of retailers or you can find tips online on how to DIY;
- If you have always dreamt of having a pond in your garden but worry that you don’t have the space, there is the option to create a pond in a pot which can be a charming little feature and a fun activity to create and afterwards observe any wildlife which this may attract;
- Growing your own fresh fruit and vegetables surprisingly does not require that much space. For example, you can grow lovely fresh strawberries in planters or even in hanging baskets. This not only looks attractive but also gives you a fresh garnish that you hand-picked from your own garden for a refreshing Spring cocktail– guaranteed to impress friends and family!
Harmonise your Home and Garden
Despite being outdoors your garden can still feel cosy and homely. Treat your garden like an extension of your home – simply adding some soft furnishings to your garden furniture and arranging these around a cosy fire pit or in a section of your garden which attracts the most sunlight can create a warm space that is just as welcoming as the inside of your home. Another tip to bring elements of your home into your garden is to add some plant pots or features in your garden that match the colour schemes and décor inside your home.
Get Creative with Lighting
Clever use of lighting across the garden can make all the difference and it does not have to be expensive. Many retailers offer a wide variety of affordable garden lighting in all different styles. Why should you have to stop enjoying your garden after it gets dark? Enjoy seeing your garden at its full potential even after sunset with cleverly positioned lighting which should illuminate the garden’s best features.
Summer House
With the weather in Scotland being unpredictable at times a Summer House, if you have the space, is a great addition to your garden. Although a bit on the pricey side to have professionally installed, it is worth bearing in mind that there is always the option to DIY. During the Covid lockdowns many people embarked upon new DIY projects such as building their own summer houses and there is a lot of cost cutting tips and ideas readily available online for those thinking of doing it themselves.
Attract Wildlife
Hanging some bird feeders on fences or trees or adding a water bath in your garden not only is a nice decorative feature but it is also great for wildlife. Enjoy sitting outside on a warm Spring morning with a steaming cup of coffee whilst you listen to birds chirping. Insects are also an integral part to any garden as they fertilise plants so consider incorporating plants in your garden that are filled with nectar and then sit back and watch your garden bloom as nature takes its course.
Whatever you decide to do with your garden this Spring the most important thing is to have fun! If you don’t have the time for a full garden makeover, even just a lick of paint to bring an old wooden fence to life and some hanging fairy lights can make a huge difference. After that simply give the BBQ a good clean and service; fire it up, get cooking and enjoy with family, friends and four-legged friends!