Most of us dream of having our own garden, whether it’s for the kids to run around in, to host garden parties, to grow our own vegetables, or simply to have an outdoor space to relax in. Spending time in nature and the sunshine is key for both our mental and physical health, so you want to make sure that your yard is a place that you love spending time in. If yours is in need of a bit of an upgrade, here are some ideas to get you inspired.
1.Set up a stunning seating area
The best way to ensure that you can enjoy your garden is to create a space where you can sit and relax. By investing in some comfortable and stylish garden furniture, you’ll be encouraging yourself to make more use of your yard. For example, you could get a table and chairs for a spot of al fresco dining on the patio or decking or a couple of sun loungers to go out on the lawn. Adding an umbrella or a structure such as a gazebo will enable you to sit outside even in light rain or bright sun. To help you enjoy your garden more in the evening, try stringing up some fairy lights or putting down some solar-powered lamps.
2.Stock up on accessories
These days, in addition to furniture and lighting, there are a whole bunch of different garden accessories you can get to level up your yard. Some of these are practical – for example, robot lawnmowers to cut the grass, weeding tools, and snowblowers to clear the snow from your driveway in winter – but others are purely for fun. Try getting some lawn games for entertainment when friends come over or encourage wildlife to explore your garden by hanging up a bird feeder. Garden mirrors, art sculptures, and quirky planters can all be great conversation starters, while foodies may want to consider investing in an outdoor pizza oven.
3.Incorporate all the elements and senses
To truly create an interesting and atmospheric garden, it can be helpful to mix up lots of different elements in the design and appeal to all of your senses. For example, you can plant lots of brightly colored flowers to contrast against the green of the lawn and include some species that have a strong scent, such as jasmine and lavender. Another great idea is to incorporate water by having a birdbath, water fountain, or pond. If you have the space and want to splash out, you could even get a hot tub!
To add an element of fire, you have the option of torches (including LED ones that safely mimic the flickering of flames), a BBQ, or – for those with larger backyards – a fire pit. Meanwhile, wind chimes are an atmospheric way to add sound to your garden – try mixing up wood, glass, and metal chimes for some variety. Finally, you can bring some movement to your yard with windmills. These come in all sorts of shapes, colors, and sizes, and spin prettily in the breeze