5 Things You Never Knew You Needed in Your Garden
Make the most of precious time outside with these above-and-beyond garden features to enhance your patch
Days in the garden are something to be savoured, so make sure yours is ready for when the warmer days (finally) arrive with these suggestions for adding personality, colour and comfort to your outdoor space.
A water feature
Good for the garden and good for the soul, a water feature will enhance any outdoor space. Whether a tiny fountain or a full-scale pond, the local wildlife will thank you for adding one, too, so have a look around your patch to see if you can fit one in.
If you can include a flowing element into the design it will help to keep the water fresh, while also providing a soothing aural backdrop.
Good for the garden and good for the soul, a water feature will enhance any outdoor space. Whether a tiny fountain or a full-scale pond, the local wildlife will thank you for adding one, too, so have a look around your patch to see if you can fit one in.
If you can include a flowing element into the design it will help to keep the water fresh, while also providing a soothing aural backdrop.
An outdoor sofa
All the comfort of lounging in the living room… but outside! If space allows, ditch the deckchairs and opt for an outdoor sofa instead. Choose one with removable cushions that can be whipped off and stored away when it’s wet. Then layer it up with a few blankets and throws and you can relax outside for hours on those long summer evenings.
Check out more garden seating ideas
All the comfort of lounging in the living room… but outside! If space allows, ditch the deckchairs and opt for an outdoor sofa instead. Choose one with removable cushions that can be whipped off and stored away when it’s wet. Then layer it up with a few blankets and throws and you can relax outside for hours on those long summer evenings.
Check out more garden seating ideas
Mood lighting
Another way to get the most out of your garden is with the addition of atmospheric lighting, as its effect can be enjoyed from both inside and out.
Here, simple solar-powered uplighters along the pathway illuminate the plants, creating interesting shadows and contrasts. Alternatively, go for strings of outdoor fairy lights on the patio or around a tree. For a more ambitious scheme, always consult an electrician.
Another way to get the most out of your garden is with the addition of atmospheric lighting, as its effect can be enjoyed from both inside and out.
Here, simple solar-powered uplighters along the pathway illuminate the plants, creating interesting shadows and contrasts. Alternatively, go for strings of outdoor fairy lights on the patio or around a tree. For a more ambitious scheme, always consult an electrician.
An ornamental tree
A beautiful tree can transform a garden, and there are many varieties that are suitable for small plots, too – visit a nursery for advice on what would work in your space.
This Chinese dogwood gives gorgeous autumnal colour, and in the spring produces lovely white flowers as well. Or try an ornamental fruit tree, such as a small apple or cherry, and enjoy a profusion of blissful blossom in the spring.
Tell us…
What additions have you put in your garden? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
A beautiful tree can transform a garden, and there are many varieties that are suitable for small plots, too – visit a nursery for advice on what would work in your space.
This Chinese dogwood gives gorgeous autumnal colour, and in the spring produces lovely white flowers as well. Or try an ornamental fruit tree, such as a small apple or cherry, and enjoy a profusion of blissful blossom in the spring.
Tell us…
What additions have you put in your garden? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
Extend your garden’s usability with a firepit. Whether built-in or freestanding, like the one seen here, a firepit means you can stay outside when the sun’s gone down and the evening has chilled off – pretty useful in our less-than-balmy climate.
In a small garden, a built-in option can become a central feature of the overall design. If there’s more space to play with, a freestanding pit has the advantage of being portable, so it can be moved to where it’s needed most. They’re also multi-functional – in many cases they can be used as a barbecue, too.
Fancy taking the idea further? Check out these firepit tables