However big or small, our gardens have so much potential: a place to relax and embrace nature, play, grow produce, and provide an extension of living space.
The garden is no longer a second thought when it comes to our home. For those of us lucky enough to have one, especially in urban areas, there are so many reasons to invest in our our outdoor spaces and create endless enjoyment all year round. And don't forget, a well-designed garden will also add value to your property. Before you embark on a garden project, here's some useful advice to help when planning:
1. Research and choose your style
It seems obvious, but researching – and taking your time to do so – is key. 'Discovering what it is you ultimately want out of your garden and how you would want it to look is the first stage,' says landscape gardener Wayne from Devon-based business South Hams Fencing & Landscaping. 'Once you are clear on your vision, the rest of the planning will flow much easier from this. You don't necessarily have to choose a set style as these can be combined but it will impact on your overall design.'
There are so many designs to choose from that it can often be overwhelming, but as Wayne suggests: 'It can often help to be guided by the overall look and style of your property. Minimalist gardens work best with clean structural lines whist cottage country gardens will have a focus on home growing, with soft curved edges and a range of raised beds and plots for fruit and veg.'
In need of some inspiration? Browse Pinterest where you can build up an online moodboard to help create a fuller picture of the style you want to achieve.
2. Start making plans and seek advice
'The conditions of your garden will heavily depend on various factors including where you are in the country, how much shelter is provided, general weather and how close you are to the coast,' explains Wayne. Ultimately, this will affect what you can and cannot grow with different soil types and pH levels affecting what will thrive etc. It's always a good idea to seek professional advice early as you'll avoid disappointments further down the line and it'll save you having to undo or redo any work that has already been completed.
3. Get creative if you're short on space
We don't all have big gardens – but that shouldn't stop you from transforming your outdoor space. Wayne says: 'The most common misconception is that you need a large space to be able to grow your own plants or produce. If you are short in ground space, grow up!'
Vertical or green gardening has really grown in recent years with many of us creating living walls even in the smallest of places, and it's something that's actually being introduced inside the home too. 'Petite patches will benefit from vertical climbers, covering walls and fences,' continues Wayne.
'Choosing a set palette of a few colours will help to keep your space looking clutter-free. You can also incorporate fruit growing into borders of your garden. Espalier fences encourage fruit to grow outward rather than upward so are perfect for people who want to grow their own produce but are limited on ground space.'
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Garden mirrors: 13 outdoor mirrors to suit every space
Dibor Large Gold Arch Window Mirror
If you're big on metallic accents inside your home, then there's no reason why you can't apply this decorating choice to your garden too. This gold-framed mirror has made our list because it's effortlessly chic and will elevate your outdoor space in an instant.
Boasting a sophisticated and contemporary style with a sleek black frame, this is a square version of the previously mentioned Fulbrook garden mirror. It features a distinctive window pane that will suit any outdoor space.
With an Art Deco-inspired design, this round outdoor mirror with sectioned panels will make a rather beautiful addition to your garden. It's made from a durable steel and glass construction and features a waterproof backing. Position near a seating area, or an outdoor kitchen or garden bar if you've got space for entertaining.
Not all garden mirrors have to be fancy. This Moroccan-inspired design features delicate curves and pointed edges, but everything else is pared-back for a minimalist look.
We love the large panes on this Fulbrook rectangular mirror from Garden Trading. Made from 100 per cent steel and with a powder-coated finish, position it on your wall to reflect the gorgeous greenery from a hedge or trailing plant.
Is this a mirror or a piece of art? Well, you get the best of both worlds with this contemporary design. It features five stylish half-circle mirrors and metal line designs, and would work perfectly in any contemporary garden.
Decorate your outside space with this rectangular mirror from Perch & Parrow. Finished in a vintage-inspired white colourway, it features an on-trend window pane design, and at £70, it's a steal!
Add a rustic feel to your space with this outdoor mirror, boasting a traditional quatrefoil grill pattern. It's perfect if you're looking for a longer mirror to fill large walls.
Outdoor mirrors can be decorative wall art too, as is proven with this utterly charming round mirror from Dunelm. In a neutral colourway, the outer iron frame extends to form a delicate depiction of the much-loved orchid flower.
Not keen on decorative styles? Keep it simple with this pared-back round outdoor mirror. It has a nature-inspired green rim and a nod to vintage design with its distressed finish.
This large arched garden mirror is frost-protected to withstand any weather. We love the black metal frame that's lightly distressed in gold leaf for a statement look.
Dunelm has got a great range of garden mirrors this year, and we've included this one on our list because it's perfect if you just want something small. The frame adds plenty of interest with an overlapping circular detail in a luxurious gold finish.
Looking like a window to a secret garden, this traditional-style garden mirror gives the illusion of an open pair of windows – ideal if you want to add depth to your outdoor space and make it appear bigger than it is.
