Outdoors: Quick Fixes to Pretty Up Your Garden
You don’t need green fingers to create an outstanding outside space. Our easy, speedy ideas will make your garden great, come rain or shine
’Tis the season to make the most of your garden. From rooftop terraces to grand green spaces, there’s always room for improvement, so if your outdoor space needs a refresh, try these simple suggestions to turn your outside space into a welcoming leafy haven.
Showerproof your sofa
Few pleasures eclipse the joy of lounging around in the great outdoors, but the unpredictable British weather can mean a mad dash to get those comfy cushions out of the rain. Erect a simple shelter – it could be as simple as a sail shade – and allow your relaxation levels to reach new heights.
Check out more garden furniture
Few pleasures eclipse the joy of lounging around in the great outdoors, but the unpredictable British weather can mean a mad dash to get those comfy cushions out of the rain. Erect a simple shelter – it could be as simple as a sail shade – and allow your relaxation levels to reach new heights.
Check out more garden furniture
Conceal, then reveal
Lots of us have gardens that lead a double life: a place of child-led mayhem by day and sophisticated cocktail sipping by night. Putting a cover on your sandpit is a no-brainer, but hiding it under the decking is pure genius, meaning they get to play, but you don’t lose a square inch of space when it’s grown-up time.
Lots of us have gardens that lead a double life: a place of child-led mayhem by day and sophisticated cocktail sipping by night. Putting a cover on your sandpit is a no-brainer, but hiding it under the decking is pure genius, meaning they get to play, but you don’t lose a square inch of space when it’s grown-up time.
Go tropical
Evergreen gardens needn’t be limited to repatriated Christmas trees and domineering Laylandii. With their bold forms and lush colour, tropical palms are a handsome addition, either potted or planted into borders. And when the sun’s out, it’s easy to convince yourself you’re in the Caribbean…
Evergreen gardens needn’t be limited to repatriated Christmas trees and domineering Laylandii. With their bold forms and lush colour, tropical palms are a handsome addition, either potted or planted into borders. And when the sun’s out, it’s easy to convince yourself you’re in the Caribbean…
Be dramatic
Outdoor lighting should be about more than illuminating the path to the shed. Set a dramatic mood with uplighters that draw attention to specific features, plants and trees. They will create some splendid shadowy effects and appealing pools of light. There are lots of good-quality solar designs available for an instant effect.
Outdoor lighting should be about more than illuminating the path to the shed. Set a dramatic mood with uplighters that draw attention to specific features, plants and trees. They will create some splendid shadowy effects and appealing pools of light. There are lots of good-quality solar designs available for an instant effect.
Be quirky
Turning your garden into an outside room can be as simple as hanging junk shop mirrors on a hedge. This incredibly effective little dining area also has an outdoor chandelier and a ready-for-action table and stools.
Turning your garden into an outside room can be as simple as hanging junk shop mirrors on a hedge. This incredibly effective little dining area also has an outdoor chandelier and a ready-for-action table and stools.
Add colour
If your planting scheme is on the minimalist side, you can still enjoy some welcome colour with garden furniture. Why not upcycle wooden chairs with a lick of paint? Try the kind of head-turning shades you might shy away from indoors and you’ll add visual interest to any area.
See how to use paint in your garden
If your planting scheme is on the minimalist side, you can still enjoy some welcome colour with garden furniture. Why not upcycle wooden chairs with a lick of paint? Try the kind of head-turning shades you might shy away from indoors and you’ll add visual interest to any area.
See how to use paint in your garden
Plant a tree (or three)
If my memory of science lessons serves me correctly, trees absorb CO2 and convert it to oxygen. Oh, and they look pretty fabulous, too. Start your own little ecosystem on a manageable scale with some spindly silver birch trees that seem to have stepped straight out of a fairy tale.
If my memory of science lessons serves me correctly, trees absorb CO2 and convert it to oxygen. Oh, and they look pretty fabulous, too. Start your own little ecosystem on a manageable scale with some spindly silver birch trees that seem to have stepped straight out of a fairy tale.
Get seating for eating
Outdoor dining should be a spontaneous affair. Make sure you’re set up for alfresco meals with a durable table and chairs set in pride of place. A parasol and cushions can be whipped out in a flash for a lazy afternoon.
Outdoor dining should be a spontaneous affair. Make sure you’re set up for alfresco meals with a durable table and chairs set in pride of place. A parasol and cushions can be whipped out in a flash for a lazy afternoon.
Create a play area
If your kids are into football, consider surrendering your lawn for a few years. As well as being awarded ‘parent of the year’, you’ll get to relax while they are entertained. Consider laying artificial grass: there are some pretty convincing options out there, and it means no more mowing, and no more muddy carpets when rain stops play.
If your kids are into football, consider surrendering your lawn for a few years. As well as being awarded ‘parent of the year’, you’ll get to relax while they are entertained. Consider laying artificial grass: there are some pretty convincing options out there, and it means no more mowing, and no more muddy carpets when rain stops play.
Clear summer skies can mean chilly nights, but there’s no need to head indoors. Make an evening of it and cosy up around a fire pit – available to suit most budgets. The paper lanterns above this seating area are an easy and inexpensive way to add to the chilled-out party mood.