Gardens are a huge part of our homes and our lives but many of us only really get to use the space during the summer months. Carry on reading to find out how you can get more use out of your back garden no matter the weather and enjoy the many benefits of spending time in the fresh air.
Create a plan for your plants
Everyone knows that plants are a very important part of our gardens, so it’s essential to think carefully about what you want to plant and see at different times of the year. A good way of maintaining colour throughout the year is to plant evergreen shrubs. These can be planted in pots or borders, many of them also grow berries and flowers to help feed the local birds in the winter.
For the plants which won’t survive harsh wintery weather, use a greenhouse to keep them alive. A greenhouse is also very useful for growing plants and vegetables from seed, such as tomatoes, salad leaves and cucumbers.
During these colder months, you can plant bulbs to flower which also prevents you from having a baren garden in the winter. In the spring, plant perennials like dahlias and cosmos in your borders – these will bloom every year and provide lots of colour.
In the summer, you can mix flowers with salad leaves in your beds and borders. This is a great way of making the most of your garden but still growing your own food too. Most flowers look their best in the summer so make sure you are keeping them well fed and watered – don’t forget to deadhead too.
Many plants in the summer will last until the middle of autumn, you can also plant up pots for some colour during the winter too. Autumn is also the ideal time to plant trees too, these add dimension and provide shade from the sun too. Some will even blossom and fruit too.
Make your space wildlife-friendly
By introducing wildlife to your space you can make it a more enjoyable area all year round. Different species will visit in different seasons, so there’s always something to see throughout the months. Plant wildflowers and pollinator plants to encourage insects during the spring and summer and installing bird feeders to encourage a range of birds to your garden.
By planting trees and hedges you can offer shelter to smaller animals from the weather and also predators. Woodpiles, compost and long grass are ideal for animals to breed, feed and hibernate. A clean water source is another key element to supporting your local wildlife, this can be done with a pond, birdbath or even a small dish. Don’t forget to get your children involved too, you could make your own bird feeders and bug hotels.
Enjoy your hobbies outside
Another fantastic way of making the most of your garden is to take your hobbies outdoors. You could install some outdoor gym equipment pieces if you’re into working out. There are also many games you can play in your garden too, such as padel tennis or badminton.
If you’re a fan of a more relaxing hobby, then you can also create a painting or sculpturing area in your garden, or a quiet corner for reading and writing. By adding a shade sail you can get outside come rain or shine and keep your little ones safe from the sun too. The shade sail uk range at A&S Landscape has a range of options to suit every space and can be made from waterproof fabrics. They also block dangerous UV rays so are a great option for those hot, sunny days.
Create a Relaxing Area
Lastly, create a space in your garden for your family to relax in together. You can create an inviting spot with some comfortable furniture in a quiet corner. A fire pit or outdoor heater also allows you to stay outside for longer during the evenings and cooler months. If you have a larger garden, you could install a summer house or wooden gazebo to create an enclosed space.
Outdoor fairy lights and lanterns are a great addition to your decking or trees and will brighten up your space in the winter. They are also an effective way of creating an inviting atmosphere in the evening when you’re hosting a get together.
Hopefully, some of these tips will help you to get out in your garden more regularly throughout the seasons. Whether you have green fingers or want a space to relax in, a few simple steps are all that’s needed to get outdoors.