Spring is here, and it’s time to start thinking about how to transform your outdoor space into an oasis that provides both function and style. From adding tall greenery to creating new flower beds, there are several changes you can make to turn your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional area that results in being the envy of your neighbourhood, creating your own version of Kew Gardens.
But, before we dive into the specifics, we want you in on a little secret: the benefits to adding an outdoor space are not just for aesthetic or seasonal reasons. Adding outdoor living to your property gives you an instant boost to your physical and mental health, adds as much as 20% to the value of your home, gets more viewings booked and offers on the table (if you’re selling your property), helps nature thrive, and ensures you do your bit in fighting climate change.
According to the UK Government, nearly half of adults in England are spending more time outdoors than before the pandemic. That is a lot and it is easy to see why. Mind, the UK mental health charity reports that “spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life plays a big part in your mental and physical wellbeing.” So, let’s get started on how you can do just that.
One of the easiest ways is to add tall greenery. Trees and large plants provide shade, privacy, and add a touch of natural beauty to your space. Consider adding tall grasses, ferns, or even bamboo to your outdoor area. These plants are not only beautiful but also low maintenance, making them an excellent addition.
Another key change is to add new grass. If your lawn is looking a little worse for wear after the winter months, consider laying new turf or sowing new grass seeds. Here at Charters, we tend to add 50% more lawn seeds than we think we need. That way if the birds get to them, which they will, the lawn still gets a good portion to create a lush, green lawn for those summer outings and Bank Holiday weekends!
Creating a vegetable patch takes some planning and additional time for care, but it adds a nice touch to the back garden, and it is a healthy option for your meals. Growing your own fresh produce means you know what goes into it (no pesticides, no preservatives). Also, it gives you an immediate sense of satisfaction and pride to see the results of the seeds you sow.
While England has a relatively mild climate, some vegetables do better than others. For instance, carrots are a hardy root vegetable that can be grown throughout the year. They can be sown directly into the ground or in containers, and they prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Potatoes are another hardy vegetable that grows all year in containers or raised beds, and require well-draining soil and regular watering. A rainbow Swiss chard is a highly nutritious, leafy green showing-off vibrant colours and leaves, which add a pop of colour to your vegetable patch. It’s also a hardy vegetable that survives in cooler temperatures, making it a great option for England because, as you know, you can experience all 4 seasons in one day.
Flower beds are another great way to add a touch of natural beauty to your outdoor space. Consider adding tulips, daffodils, and roses. One of our team members swears that catnip or catmint plants trump all flowers for thriving, looking beautiful, attracting bees, and works exceptionally well in English weather. The leaves also have the most intoxicating aroma when in bloom. According to BBC Gardners’ World Magazine, “The flower clusters, made up of many tiny blooms, are violet spotted with white and are borne through summer. The blooms are rich in nectar and entice bees along with a wide selection of pollinating insects.” Catnip is available to buy and plant any time of the year. They must be kept in a well-drained soil or a large pot.
Landscaping is another effective way to transform your garden. Consider adding paths, retaining walls, or even a water feature to your outdoor area. These additions not only add visual appeal, but, also functionality, such as creating separate areas within your outdoor space. To decide where to begin with landscaping design, consider how to use the space. Do you need a quiet corner to read and another part for the kids to have a swing or a slide? Would you like a water feature or a concrete pathway? If you have young kids, some of these ideas might be a dangerous idea, but, if you’re retired then creating a serene place to sit and listen to a water feature might be ideal.
Strat by writing out a list of must-haves. Ask everyone in the house to contribute. Then narrow this list down and ensure realistic expectations are met. Having a unicorn stable for the youngest (trust us. This always comes up) in the family might not make the cut, so, be prepared to explain why. Also, consider the size of the space. You cannot put a large greenhouse, a kids’ play area, and a dog agility training area that would even make Crufts proud if your space isn’t big enough. That is what we mean by double checking for realistic expectations. This step must be done before you start digging anything up.
Outdoor seating, a patio or deck area complete with comfortable seating and a table for outdoor dining is a great way to have indoor and outdoor living space. Think of it as an extension of your home without it physically being something structural. It adds a comfortable, and relaxing space to entertain family and friends. Whenever we sit outside together eating and laughing, it transports us to being on holiday somewhere. It instantly lowers our shoulders, relaxes our muscles, and lets us breathe and forget about life’s every day stresses. Once we reset, then we all go back into the office and continue with our work day.
Adding an outdoor fireplace is another excellent way to transform your garden. Whether you choose a traditional wood-burning fireplace or a modern gas-powered option, an outdoor fireplace adds warmth and ambiance to your outdoor area, making it a perfect spot for outdoor gatherings and entertaining. This also is a nice bonus when living in England. Warmer months don’t always do as an England tourist brochure promises. It gives you the chance to stay warm, yet, still enjoy the outdoors.
Lighting is a fabulous way to transform your garden too. It gives you the flexibility to use it anytime of the night, illuminating the space so you, family and friends can enjoy your time without feeling rushed. It also adds security by lighting up a normally dark area in your back or front garden. It deters unwanted guests from lurking in the shadows.
If you need any advice, we at Charters love our gardens and outdoor space. We all have different tastes, styles, and outdoor purposes (one of us has an outdoor gym); thus, contact us and we can help you out. We can come by and offer some tips. We could even sit with you in your garden, share a cuppa, and help you get a feel for what you will be using it for. Contact us anytime!
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