Ahhhh yes, the English Summer. Time for picnics in parks, Pimms and Strawberries and cream. Endless sun-filled hours (stay with me here), lazing about in our gardens and for just a moment remembering that an Englishman’s home, is their castle.
And boy, do we love our gardens. From quaint country patches to balcony potting in the cities, to the grand estates of England’s green and pleasant lands, all over these fair British Isles, Summertime signals the start of the garden season. So we’re going to give you 5 wonderful ideas to revitalise your patch, no matter the size.
#1 BRING YOUR GARDEN INDOORS
A trend that’s becoming increasingly popular, especially in space-limited and urban situations. Just because you don’t live in Buckingham Palace, doesn’t mean you can’t get fabulously creative and make good use of the space you’re in. Think about “wall gardens” for hallways or entrance spaces, if you have a bigger space then small water features with water-loving plants in atriums and if you have the type of home that opens up onto your garden from the back of your home, you can really go to town. Find some beautiful ideas for smaller spaces, here.
#2 BRING OUT THAT LAWNMOWER
Just like any master artwork, you need to start with a good canvas, so get your lawn into shape before doing anything else. This will show you what you’re working with. Remove all garden furniture and remove as much of the “stuff” as you can and where it’s feasible. Nothing smells like summer, like the scent of freshly cut grass and this on its own has the power to inspire you.
#3 PLAN YOUR PLANTING
Before you start thinking about all the beautiful and luxurious features you want to add to your garden, think about the type of garden you envision at the end of this mission. Do you want a lush, full, busy garden? A minimalist Asian-inspired space or a clear lawn with special “spaces” all around?
#4 IT’S TIME TO SHINE
Once you have a good idea about planting, layout and landscaping desires, now you can go to town on accessorising with pathway lighting, uplighting on walls, corner lighting in unique and special spaces. Have a look at Poplar Nurseries for some inspiration and professional guidance.
#5 TAKE YOUR TIME AND LOVE THE SPACE YOU’RE IN
We often see the desired result of the vision and lose sight of the journey to get there. A garden is literally a living extension of your home and your living space and even if you’re just starting as a gardener, take the time to get to know your plants, grasses, spaces. The work you invest in this summer will reward you beautifully by the time next summer comes around and what you’ll soon discover are the hidden benefits of gardening.
We all wish we had endless space and limitless budgets to build and plot to our heart’s desire, but until that day comes, some smart repurposing of existing spaces and creative thinking can transform even the smallest of patches into a beautiful, calm and fresh area.
*This is a collaborative post
Some great ideas here, I think we have all learned to value our outdoor space even more over the last 2years!
Great ideas – we have used our garden so much recently!
I cannot believe summer has come back for a week now the children are going back to school today!! It makes me all excited about my garden again. Great article. I do love looking after the garden, well to a point, im not really green fingered haha.
Some really lovely ideas!! I love spending time in my garden!
Been putting more evergreen and shrubs in for beauty al year round