Transforming Your Outside Space for Summer

For many months over the last two years, the only things you could do were stand in a queue in a supermarket car park and have a gin in the garden. Home improvements shot up in popularity and people spent more time within the same four walls and wanted to change their surroundings and use their spare time to catch up on the list of jobs they needed to do. Also subject to great improvement and enhancement were gardens. Gardening and outside work has been proven to be of great benefit to people’s mental health too, providing an escape from the stresses of life and a way of connecting with nature on your doorstep.

If you didn’t get around to fixing up the garden or fancy changing up the space that you have, what can you do to transform your outside area? Perhaps the few ideas listed below will get your creative juices flowing…

Sharpen the edges but soften the hardscape.

Create sharp edges to frame flower beds and borders, creating a refined and cared-for look to the landscape. Small spaces look clean and organised with straight lines. On the other hand, you can soften the hardscape of patios and steps that would otherwise look cold and harsh with the addition of some small-leaved green plants. Groundcovers along rock edges or between stones add a contrast in colour and texture that lends itself to any encroaching curves or natural bends and arcs. 

Think up!

Even if your garden is small in surface area, the potential to grow upwards is limitless. Blend buildings into the landscape with creeping and climbing plants and trees. By planting plants and trees that can reach far up walls and into the endless sky above, you can connect just one small space with the great wide world and open up a small garden to be a borderless jungle.  

Install a patio or deck.

Adding a patio or deck can prove to be quite a transformative addition to an outdoor space. With some furniture and potted plants, you will create a cosy and inviting area for entertaining and relaxing. With the right contractor, the correct joist material and some 4×2 treated timber to support it all, you can design and create a fantastic space to create a perfect addition to your home. 

Layer the lushness. 

It takes some planning when it comes to planting flower beds, it’s not just a case of throwing things into the soil without care or thought. Plan flower beds that are preferably 4 or 5 feet deep and work from the back with the tallest plants, and towards the front with the shortest plants. This effect will create a layered profusion of foliage and flowers. This setup will also make deadheading a lot easier, and the density of the planting crowds out any weeds trying to sneak through. 

Add somewhere comfortable to sit and relax.

With the addition of a comfy hammock or bench, you can create a great space to relax while adding a focal point and a great aesthetic element to your space. Even if you can’t fit in a large bench, a few smaller ones spread out throughout the space will be a great alternative. Hammocks can be hung from poles, walls or trees and make for the perfect reading spot on a sunny afternoon. 

Illuminate!

With the simple addition of some twinkling string lights, you will create a cosy and whimsical ambience to your outdoor space, a warm and inviting environment for relaxing as a family or hosting visitors.