Sprucing up for summer

andscaping can be a fun and rewarding process, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for beginners. Here are Shire’s top tips to help you create a beautiful and functional outdoor space for summer entertaining:

Plan your space Start by making a plan of your garden area and sketch out the design. This can be done on paper or with design software. Take into consideration the existing features such as trees, together with the direction (where does the sun rise?), prevailing wind patterns and the overall topography.

Determine your style Choose whatever best fits your personal taste – a formal garden, a cottage garden or something more contemporary? This will help you select the right plants, materials and design elements to create a cohesive look.

Consider your climate Choose plants that are well-suited to the local climate. For example, if your garden faces south and you live in a particularly dry area, select drought-tolerant plants. On the other hand, if you live in a colder, wetter part of the country, select plants that can tolerate those conditions.

Make a plant list Create a list of the plants you’d like to include in your garden. Make sure to select plants that complement each other and that have similar water, light and soil requirements. Also, consider what size they are likely to reach when mature and make sure they have enough room to grow.

It won’t be long before we’re welcoming lighter, warmer evenings and the chance to socialise outdoors. So get your garden ready to party!

Use natural materials Consider using natural materials such as stone, wood, or bamboo for elements such as a retaining wall, fence or pergola. This will create a sense of harmony with the natural surroundings and add warmth to your garden.

Make a focal point Consider creating a focal point in your garden, such as a water feature or a statue, a large potted plant or a colourful flowerbed. This will give your garden a sense of direction and make it more interesting to look at.

Incorporate pathways Add pathways or stepping stones to access different areas and to create a sense of flow. Pathways can also be used to lead the eye to the focal point.

What’s your style – formal, contemporary or more relaxed?

Add lighting Garden lighting is another great way to highlight garden features and to create an inviting atmosphere. Consider using solar-powered or low-voltage lights to keep energy costs down.

Create privacy If you need privacy in your garden, consider using hedges or trees instead of stark fences. You can also use lattice panels or trellises with climbing plants to create a green wall.

Consider maintenance Consider the maintenance required for your garden when drawing up your plans. For example, if you have a large garden, you may want to add a lawn mower storage shed to keep your tools and equipment organised.

Be patient Garden landscaping can take time and effort, so be patient and enjoy the process. Remember that a garden is a living, growing entity that will evolve and change over time.

Get professional help If you need help with your garden landscaping, consider hiring a professional landscaper or garden designer. They can help you make the most of the space you have, and provide expert advice on plants, materials and design.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and functional garden landscape that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. Happy gardening!