With a notable shift in homeowner priorities in recent years (due to fluctuating house prices and the complexities of moving), many people are choosing to enhance their home instead – but a common pitfall is failing to extend this into the garden.
'The garden should never be an afterthought in renovation plans; it's an integral component that enriches both lifestyle and property value,' award-winning garden designer Lucy Willcox tells House Beautiful. 'It's no longer a mere patch of green but a vital extension of the home. It's the ultimate outdoor room, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional space.'
So how exactly do you go about renovating a garden? Here are six essential steps to get started.
1. Rethink your outdoor space
Every garden holds potential, regardless of its size or current state. 'Begin by assessing its layout, sunlight exposure, and existing features,' says Lucy, who has appeared in ITV's Alan Titchmarsh's Gardening Club.
A garden design consultation could be an ideal first step if the mere thought of renovating your garden fills you with dread. 'Even without committing to full design fees, a professional can provide invaluable insights, ensuring every centimetre is utilised effectively to create a cohesive design,' Lucy explains. 'Define clear objectives for your garden. Whether it's a space for entertainment, relaxation, promoting biodiversity, or enhancing resale value, a well-designed garden can provide that coveted wow factor.'
Above all, planning from the outset is key, taking into account the garden's aspect and potential.
2. Utilise structural elements
Structural elements lay the foundation for a garden's flow and functionality. Think pathways, zoning, and the creation of outdoor rooms, with the addition of features like pergolas, decks and garden walls.
Lucy, who delved into best practices for tackling a new garden project at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Birmingham, says for smaller gardens, focus on vertical planting and clever storage solutions to maximise space. More generally, utilise large planting beds with well-thought-out schemes to delineate zones, break up the garden, and offer a sense of privacy.
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3. Focus on sustainable and eco-friendly garden design
Embracing sustainability in garden design shouldn't be an afterthought. For starters, choose drought-tolerant plants to reduce maintenance and conserve resources, and implement water-wise practices, such as rainwater collection and permeable surfaces.
'Opt for low-maintenance, high-impact planting by choosing perennials, native species, and pollinator-friendly options,' suggests Lucy. ' Integrate composting systems, wildflower zones, and edible gardens to promote biodiversity. Incorporating winter and spring flowers supports late-season pollinators, and adding small ponds can further enhance local ecosystems.'
4. Choose plants for year-round interest
Designing for year-round interest ensures your garden will always have an element of wow factor. Lucy suggests combining seasonal blooms with evergreen structures. Trees and shrubs provide long-term beauty while offering shade, privacy and habitats for wildlife. 'Implement bulb layers for succession planting — from late winter through to late summer — it guarantees a continuous display of colour and texture,' she adds.
5. Blur the boundaries
Aim for a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor space. To do this, extend design elements outdoors by using complementary materials, colours and textures, and select indoor-outdoor furniture for a unified look. And don't neglect the lighting. 'Strategic outdoor lighting not only adds ambiance but also improves security,' says Lucy.
6. Splurge for the best quality
Budget will significantly impact the scale of your renovation, but do invest in quality hard landscaping materials for longevity and timeless appeal. Lucy agrees: 'It's worth investing in the best possible quality paving so it stands the test of time — buy cheap, buy twice.'
• To visit a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you, claim your free tickets via www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/housebeautiful.
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