Having an inviting outdoor space can be transformative for your quality of life. Mental health charity Mind reports that spending time in nature can have many benefits for your physical and mental wellbeing, such as improved mood, reduced stress and exercise. It could also add serious value to your home, especially in more built-up areas.
Planning a successful garden project can be no mean feat, however. Unless you have proven creative vision, serious practical knowhow and a team of willing helpers, it might be difficult to know where to start. But breaking it down into key steps and considerations will help you achieve the end result you’re dreaming of. Below, read practical tips on how to design your ideal garden!
Assess your space and goals
First, take stock of what you have to work with. You might have an expansive backyard, a cosy front garden or just a balcony. You’ll want to take measurements of everything, while noting key characteristics including sunlight and sloping.
Next, define one or more realistic goals you want to achieve with your garden project. You might need room for kids to play, a social area for gatherings or perhaps space to grow your own produce in fruit and veg cages, pots or a greenhouse.
Plan Different Zones
To save your garden from becoming one boring area or having too much going on it makes sense to start sketching and split your garden up into zones based on your priorities.
For example, you could plot different areas for relaxation, dining, planting and playing. Borders, transitional ground materials and other features can then help you mark out the different spaces both visually and physically.
Incorporate softscape and hardscape elements
With your outlines defined, you can begin to fill in the details with soft and hardscape elements. That could include pathways, patios or decks, for example, with different materials lending themselves to alternative aesthetics. In terms of planting, you’ll want to think about creating balance and choosing plants that suit your taste, garden conditions, area zone and maintenance needs.
Create a Budget
With all of the above covered, you can put together a project budget and start shopping! Start with working out what you want (or can realistically afford) to spend based on your regular income and outgoings and any savings. You can then start to draw up a list of the various costs involved with your project.
Materials might include waste disposal, cement or soil, decking or turf, a shed, furniture and of course plants. Don’t forget about labour if any of the work is beyond you too; collecting quotes from local landscapers can give you a better idea. Working through these steps should help you create a feasible garden plan that’s ready to put into action. Happy gardening!
Having an inviting outdoor space can be transformative for your quality of life. Mental health charity Mind reports that spending time in nature can have many benefits for your physical and mental wellbeing, such as improved mood, reduced stress and exercise. It could also add serious value to your home, especially in more built-up areas.
Planning a successful garden project can be no mean feat, however. Unless you have proven creative vision, serious practical knowhow and a team of willing helpers, it might be difficult to know where to start. But breaking it down into key steps and considerations will help you achieve the end result you’re dreaming of. Below, read practical tips on how to design your ideal garden!
Assess your space and goals
First, take stock of what you have to work with. You might have an expansive backyard, a cosy front garden or just a balcony. You’ll want to take measurements of everything, while noting key characteristics including sunlight and sloping.
Next, define one or more realistic goals you want to achieve with your garden project. You might need room for kids to play, a social area for gatherings or perhaps space to grow your own produce in fruit and veg cages, pots or a greenhouse.
Plan Different Zones
To save your garden from becoming one boring area or having too much going on it makes sense to start sketching and split your garden up into zones based on your priorities.
For example, you could plot different areas for relaxation, dining, planting and playing. Borders, transitional ground materials and other features can then help you mark out the different spaces both visually and physically.
Incorporate softscape and hardscape elements
With your outlines defined, you can begin to fill in the details with soft and hardscape elements. That could include pathways, patios or decks, for example, with different materials lending themselves to alternative aesthetics. In terms of planting, you’ll want to think about creating balance and choosing plants that suit your taste, garden conditions, area zone and maintenance needs.
Create a Budget
With all of the above covered, you can put together a project budget and start shopping! Start with working out what you want (or can realistically afford) to spend based on your regular income and outgoings and any savings. You can then start to draw up a list of the various costs involved with your project.
Materials might include waste disposal, cement or soil, decking or turf, a shed, furniture and of course plants. Don’t forget about labour if any of the work is beyond you too; collecting quotes from local landscapers can give you a better idea. Working through these steps should help you create a feasible garden plan that’s ready to put into action. Happy gardening!
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