With so many of us turning to our gardens and balconies for sanctuary during these uncertain times, it’s no wonder more and more people are reassessing the potential of their outdoor spaces. We all know how crucial the outdoors can be to our physical and mental wellbeing. Transforming back gardens or balconies can offer positive lifestyle changes and you can continue to enhance the space over time to suit your needs.
Early spring is the smartest time to bag yourself a bargain and there are plenty of things you can do besides digging and pruning. Check out these cosy garden ideas for creating an outdoor space for entertaining all year.
Cosy corner garden ideas
Make small changes to awkward unused corners that go to waste by creating a sociable space for conversation and eating. How about putting up a projector to watch a film? Add a cosy garden seating area with outdoor sofas and oversized cushions, surrounded by plants and flowers. What’s more inviting than a fire pit? A dry fire pit table will make your garden usable all year round.
As alfresco dining becomes more popular, sales of garden furniture, outdoor heating and lighting continue to soar. Making small changes to a terrace could provide you with additional dining space. Why not set up a bistro table and chairs, build a pizza oven or scrub down the barbeque. How about designing a corner of decking or painting a wall to improve your space visually and practically?
Channelling light
It’s not just plants and flowers that give life to a garden. Light adds charm, warmth and calming ambience, so top up the magic factor by hanging pretty lamps from a pergola. Sprinkle some romance by decorating with classic fairy lights.
Modest spaces
It’s all about maximising what you’ve got. If you don’t have a garden or a patio, herb boxes make great use of an empty wall. They are easy to build and practical, too. Hanging chairs are eye-catching and give the illusion of making space feel larger. A hammock is the ultimate place to chill out. You can find a variety of sizes online to fit the smallest balcony - or go big and swing a family-sized seat between trees.
Ideas for plants in small spaces
Make every inch of your space work. Pots dotted around or organised together will add vibrancy to a balcony. Declutter your shed and reuse old tubs to grow herbs or tasty veggies. Cherry or grape tomatoes do well in small spaces, as do leaf lettuces which you can harvest whenever you need them and grow back right in their place - so long as you don’t damage the crown. Bell peppers, peas and radishes grow up rather than out, are low-maintenance and great on patios. Veg and seed planting is a great way to keep minds busy and is equally a fun and educational activity to do with kids.
