For four years I’ve worked on the interior of my formerly run-down bungalow, but I’ve finally shifted my attention to the exterior and garden – and after years of city living with only a tiny outdoor space, I plan to make the most of it. After all, we have to squeeze every moment of pleasure out of the warmer months and that means as much outdoor living as possible.
I learn by doing, which often means making mistakes. But I believe a garden – as with the home – is never done and will continue to evolve through life’s seasons. And I've learned that creating and working on a garden over time can be as pleasurable as lounging in it.
Here are three ways I took my garden's glow-up into my own hands.
1. Creating kerb appeal
Tired of returning to a newly renovated home that still looked grim and unwelcoming on the outside, but fresh out of funds, I decided to clean and re-paint the masonry and windows myself. I chose a fresh white for the masonry, with a pop of colour on the windows and trim. Sandtex Microseal paint has excellent coverage and durability.
It quickly went from the sad, scary house to the cutest cottage on the street. If yours doesn’t need a paint job, it might still benefit from a wash – cobwebs, debris and mould build up over winter and a simple clean can bring it back to life. And potted plants by the door add instant joy.
Sandtex Microseal Pure White Masonry paint
2. Styling the outside room
Styling an interior is second nature to me, but I’m still an amateur gardener, learning on the job.
It helps with planning to think of my outside space as a series of rooms. I consider their use in the same way I do for my interiors. Is it for morning coffee, weekend reading, evening dining or must it work for all of the above?
Source furnishings accordingly, considering comfort, style, shelter, durability and practically in equal measure. Graham & Green's vintage-style Salcombe parasol is also water-resistant – handy for the UK!
3. Shopping secondhand for weathered style
Search online for ideas on repurposing old things for the garden and you’ll find images of plants in old wheelbarrows and chipped teapots. Nothing wrong with that, but twee isn’t your only option.
Ebay and Facebook Marketplace are brimming with secondhand garden furniture, terracotta pots, wood planks and hardscaping to design and furnish your outside rooms.
My flower bed edging is made of old ceiling joists, treated with non-toxic sealant. Brand new shiny furniture and materials will quickly weather outdoors so why not start with characterful, aged pieces in the first place?
• See more from Emily on her website emilyhensonstudio.com
