Spruce up your garden, it is easy

The weather has been warming up and the sun coming out, although this week it has not been showing that! However, getting your garden prepped and sorted for the summer is worth doing before the summer gatherings start.

A garden should feel like a safe haven, a place to enjoy and relax. People have differing opinions on what their garden should be used for: wildlife, entertaining, seclusion, extra storage. Whether people want patio, grass, water features or flowers, a garden should feel like a smooth transition from the home. No one wants a dishevelled abandoned garden at the end of their property. It is then wasted space. Homes in London can feel rather small anyway, so why wouldn’t you extend that liveable space into the garden?

When getting back into using the garden, it may feel daunting after a winter of neglect, or possibly even longer. Gardeners and designers are the quick route, and they will produce something specific to the space. Garden designers work on London gardens, country gardens, patios and roof terraces.

It is entirely possible to do it yourself, without green fingers. Here is where to start.

For individuals that prefer the low maintenance upkeep of a garden, there are many solutions. The main change that has been increasing in popularity over the last few years is artificial grass. It is not maintenance free, but close to it. The current products look convincing and let water through, and a dog cannot stain them or dig them up. In addition, there is no need for a lawnmower which is great if your home lacks storage space.

Artificial does not stop at grass. Where a spot gets no sun and no rain, under a porch for instance, an artificial plant is the only thing that will survive there.

On the subject of plants, one has got to think about the maintenance that they must provide specific plants with. Some plants require water, others require shade and others sunlight. Think about the flowers and shrubs that you would like to place into your space. Flowers are worth having in season, and they will go over once the season ends. If you can maintain this change of flower and upkeep with the changing seasons then that is great. If not, pick a plant that does not require much maintenance.

Succulents, sedum, petunia, and yuccas all are great preferences for low maintenance plants. Bamboo is another plant that can be left entirely to its own devices in order to survive as well as attracting wildlife such as butterflies. It also spreads faster than almost anything else you can plant, so check what you are buying before you put it in.

Paint changes a garden more than anything else you can do in a weekend. Re-varnish or re-stain the furniture, and paint the fence and the shed. A painted shed reads as a deliberate part of the garden rather than something left at the end of it.

Another easy action to undertake is power-hosing the patio. Taking the grime off the top layer of the stone or tile brings the colour back.

If your garden space is small, it can make it feel dark, cold and uninviting. Paint the walls a bright white and add mirrors to have the light reflect off and make it more welcoming.

The final piece of advice is to add a seating area if you have the space. The summer is coming (hopefully) so bring the inside out and buy some garden sofas and cushions. Those late evenings when you can sit outside watching the sun go down with friends and a glass of rose are times to cherish.

You can update a garden without hard landscaping, and make it read as part of the house rather than the end of it. Where the work does need landscaping, paving or drainage, tell us what you are planning or call 020 7731 6841.