Is your garden due to a major refresh? Has it turned into a space that has become more of a chore than a delight? Perhaps it simply requires a change or two for it to become perfect? Whatever situation you find yourself in, this guide is here to assist.
Ultimately, there are many points to consider when designing a garden. Plants, paths, maximizing your space, and so on – all of these have to be covered as you create an outdoor space with the comfort and visual quality you desire.
For more information, here are ten tips to remember when designing the perfect garden for your home.
1. Decide on its purpose
The first step in designing the perfect home garden is settling on its purpose. Will it be a tranquil space for enjoying meals and drinks with your family? Perhaps the intention is to create it into a dedicated area for growing fruit, vegetables, and plants? Maybe you want this outdoor space to be a thrilling, fun-filled one for the kids to enjoy?
Of course, a garden can have multiple functions. Yet knowing its overall purpose means you can divide up space accordingly if necessary.
2. Create a focal point
Whether you are working with a small or large garden, it is recommended to create a focal point. This focal point is a central destination in your garden, a showpiece for both the eyes and for you to enjoy.
There are many different routes you can take when creating a focal point. A few examples include a seating area, fountain, and an impressive plant arrangement. If your outdoor space is big enough, also don’t be scared to go with multiple focal points.
3. Stick with the perimeter for planting areas
For many gardens, lawn space is one of the most vital components. No other surface can quite match its comfort and resilience. A well-maintained lawn is also a treat for the eyes. Due to these benefits, you want to do all you can to maximize your garden’s lawn space.
As a result, if you plan on adding an assortment of plants – and this is suggested for numerous reasons – be cautious in where these are placed in your garden. It’s a traditional technique but using planting areas around the perimeter simply works. It still gives you the lawn space you desire, while the perimeter becomes a dynamic visual feast.
4. Avoid being too busy
It’s all too easy to become dazzled by numerous different ideas, trying to incorporate as many of these as possible and making your garden overly cluttered and busy as a result. This is particularly problematic if you’re only playing with a small amount of outdoor space.
With this in mind, keeping your garden simple can do a lot more than tossing out as many ideas as possible. You’re unlikely to win any landscaping awards, admittedly, but you are more likely to end up with an outdoor area you’re proud of and enjoy.
5. Integrate your home
For your garden to have maximum impact, it is advised you try and seamlessly integrate it into your home. What does this mean? Well, the intention is to bring the outdoors inside, where your garden feels like a natural extension of your living space.
One way to successfully link these areas together is by using French doors, using additional glazing to bring in additional natural light and provide more panoramic views of your garden.
6. Go for practicality
A garden should be more than just an aesthetically pleasing space. It’s also an area that should supply a nice dose of practicality. This could just be a relaxing seating area where you can chill with a drink and book. In addition, you may decide to grow vegetables and fruit in your garden.
7. Search for inspiration
If you’re struggling to think of ideas for your garden, there are various sources where you can find inspiration. Gardening magazines, local parks, social media platforms – all of these can supply you with ideas and ways to design your outdoor space.
As a starting point, Architectural Digest has 52 beautiful gardens to admire and take inspiration from.
8. Check with your neighbors
Before you make any wholesale changes to your garden, it makes sense to consult with your neighbors. Unless you’re happy to welcome years of spite and bitterness from your neighbors, this can save a lot of heartache and keep everything civil.
After all, something as simple as a tree’s placement can provoke rancor from those residing next door. Talk it through and at least try and make sure they’re content with your planned modifications.
9. Stay on top of maintenance
Once the perfect garden has been created, you might believe the work is done. In actuality, the work is an ongoing process. If you leave it untended, the garden’s appearance and overall quality will quickly deteriorate.
If you’re struggling to find the time to maintain your garden, or you don’t have the proficiency to do so, consider enlisting the services of an expert landscaping company.
For example, as highlighted by Grass Works, a specialist Horseshoe Bay lawn care business, regularly mowing your lawn is imperative for ensuring it remains healthy. So, if you cannot commit to cutting the grass every week or two, bring in a specialist to do the job for you.
10. Don’t forget about the front garden
As it’s the area that tends to feature the most space and potential for creativity, your main focus will likely be on your back garden. With that said, always avoid overlooking your other outdoor spaces – aka the front garden.
Ultimately, you cannot have the perfect garden if your front space is lacking. Even if you only have minimal space, where only a plant pot or two will fit, maximize this area as much as possible. For that added curb appeal, think of changing up your front door to match your garden’s fresh new look or adding some eye-catching external lighting.
