Do you love spending time outdoors surrounded by nature, but find your garden is lacking that certain oomph for a truly relaxing experience? Don’t like your current arrangement, but aren’t sure how to change it? While we can’t all have the gardens of our dreams, there are some easy ways to make even the most average outdoor space into a pleasant and inviting one for everyone to enjoy.
How Can You Make Your Garden Look More Attractive?
We all have different ideas of what makes a garden attractive, as well as the size and scope of our backyards. What we deem as necessary or superfluous changes as our needs and tastes do. However, there are some general things you can do to make your space more appealing and peaceful.
Provide Some Illumination
Who says you need to put a stop to your outdoor fun when the sun goes down? Many people enjoy spending time outside in the evenings and at night, especially when the stars and moon are particularly bright and beautiful.
If you want to be able to use your space after dark, then you need bright and durable outdoor garden lights to see and move around. You can place them strategically around your garden to light the way and create a lovely ambience. Some people like hanging string lights, while others prefer a more centred and focused light source.
For instance, dome outdoor garden lights are a splendid way to light up pathways, steps and other features without being too harsh or overbearing. Their spherical shape and soft illumination create a subtle yet effective lighting solution for any backyard.
On the other hand, spike garden lighting can be used to accentuate certain areas or objects that you want to draw attention to. This can be anything from a statue or water feature to a flower bed or tree. They’re placed directly into the ground using a spike, which makes them very sturdy, as well as highly versatile.
Finally, bollard fixtures have a similar function to spike lights, but they’re larger in size and usually made from metal or other durable materials. They provide a more robust solution for lighting up driveways, walkways and other areas where you need more light to see. They feature a wide, downward-facing light that illuminates a large area at once.
Install a Fire Pit
As much as summer days are glorious, there’s something about spending time outside when it’s cooler that just feels magical. Maybe it’s the crisp air or the way the leaves change colour, but there’s definitely something special about autumn and winter evenings.
If you want to extend your outdoor time into these cooler months, then you need to purchase a fire pit for your garden. It’s a truly majestic addition, with the soft flickering flames and inviting warmth. This will make your garden the perfect place to gather with friends and family to chat, laugh and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Not only does a fire pit provide warmth, but it also creates a wonderful focal point. Its presence demands attention and naturally draws people in, making it the perfect addition for social gatherings. And when you’re not using it, it can act as a handsome decoration that ties your outdoor space together.
When you decide to purchase a fire pit, you’ll need to decide on the material, size, shape and design that you want. In terms of materials, the most popular options are metal, stone and concrete. As for size, it really depends on how large your outdoor area is and how many people you want to be able to accommodate around the pit.
When it comes to shape and design, the sky really is the limit. Some have a more traditional look with clean lines and a simple bowl shape, while others are more elaborate, with patterns or even geometric shapes. It really depends on your personal taste and the overall aesthetic you’re going for.
Decorate with Plants
No matter what your idea of a perfect garden looks like, it’s sure to include plants of some sort. After all, what would a garden be without greenery? They add colour, texture and life to any outdoor space, which is why they’re an integral element of this type of design.
If you want your garden to look its best, then you need to carefully select the plants that you’ll use. Consider the climate, the amount of sunlight that the area gets, the soil type and drainage, and any other conditions that might affect plant growth.
If you’re not sure where to start, then consider adding some easy-to-care-for shrubs or small trees. They’ll provide your space with structure and a sense of stability, while also being low maintenance. Once they’re established, they won’t need much watering or pruning, so you can sit back and enjoy their beauty.
Of course, you can also add annuals and perennials to inject some colour. Be sure to choose varieties that will bloom at different times of the year, so that there’s always something in bloom. This will give your space a constant feeling of new life and growth.
Those with super busy lives and packed schedules may benefit from self-watering planters. These nifty devices do the work for you by slowly releasing water into the soil, so your plants can stay hydrated even when you’re not around.
Add Comfortable Seating Arrangements
Not many people put much thought into their outdoor furniture, but it’s actually a very important part of your garden design. After all, what good is a beautiful space if you don’t have anywhere comfortable to sit and enjoy it?
When choosing furniture, you should first consider the material. Wicker and rattan are quite the statement pieces, while metal and wood have a more classic look. You should also think about the colour of the furniture and whether you want it to blend in with its surroundings or stand out.
Once you’ve selected the material and colour, it’s time to start thinking about the actual pieces that you’ll need. If you entertain often, then you’ll want to have plenty of seating for your guests. A dining table and chairs are a must, as well as some additional lounge chairs or sofas.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, then consider adding an outdoor daybed or hammock. These pieces are not only visually appealing, but they’re also extremely cosy and charming. They’re perfect for lazy days spent lounging in the garden with a good book.
