How to make the most of your garden in lock down
Lucky enough to have a garden while in lockdown? Why not take the extra time you’ll be spending at home and spend it outside. Whether you have a sprawling garden, a small back yard or a balcony, you can enjoy your space even in the drizzling British rain. It’s time to make the most of your garden in lockdown.
Tidy up your garden in lockdown
Like any project, the most important part is planning out the various steps. Once you have that, it’s all about the action. Put the work in and you’ll have a gorgeous place to relax at the end of it.
Take note of your outdoor space
First things first, you need to roll up your sleeves and make your space welcoming to be in. With busy lives all around, it is often the garden that gets forgotten about when it comes to spring cleaning. Depending on your space this could be an hour’s work or a full weekend job. Take a seat in your space, preferably on a sunny day, and have a good look. If something has been hanging around for a long time then you can become blind to it. Taking the time to review your outdoors will make you realise what is out of place in your space. Make a list of all the things that need putting away, throwing out, cleaning up and redecorating. Make a note of anything you’d like to add to your space. Now you’ve got a plan in place it’s time to action it.
Clean up
Take your list and do it! Put away anything that does not need to be outside at this time or can be stored elsewhere. Most gardening equipment should be stored inside or covered especially in Winter months to improve its lifetime use. If you have things that need to be put in the bin or taken to the recycling centre, then get them out of your space. Once you’ve moved on some of the big tasks, it’s time to do a general tidy of your space. Many gardens become a wind trap for rubbish so clear up any items that have blown in. If there are particularly weedy areas, now is the time to tackle them.
Decoration and refurb
Once your outdoor area is tidy, you can then move on to improve your structural features. Your existing list may already have covered these but you may notice some other areas that need attention now your site is nice and clean. Fences, brickwork, furniture and structures can all do with a lick of paint or protection on a yearly basis. If you want to know how to make the most of your garden in lockdown, then a fresh lick of paint really is key to refresh your space. Fixing a broken fence or outdoor seating can also save you money while also reviving the garden. Once you’ve done all your tidying up and refurbing your outdoor space, you can revisit your list and see if there is now extra space for other plants, furniture or decoration in your garden.
Make your garden beautiful in lockdown
Now you are fully refurbed its time to add in those extra finishing touches to make it the ultimate place to spend lockdown. There are three key things that make a stunning garden that you can enjoy; plants, decorations and seating.
Plants for wildlife
There are too many plant arrangement and designs to cover here, so we are going to keep it simple. Choose plants that you love and will suit your gardening skill. If you are an experienced gardener then you can go wild with your combinations, but if you are a newbie stick to local plants that are easy to care for. Herbs such as lavender and rosemary are easy to care for, and bedding plants from a garden centre will give you an instant pop of colour with minimal effort. Don’t forget about the bees! Include a few plants that pollinators love and you will have not only beautiful blooms but fascinating insects to keep you occupied.
Decorate in style
There are so many garden accessories available now that you are sure to find a style that suits you no matter your budget. Some great extras to add to your garden include throw pillows, outdoor rugs, lights, ornaments and water features. You don’t need to go overboard but a few extra decorations around the garden can draw the eye and make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home.
A seating area
Nothing will make you want to stay in the garden more than a beautiful and comfortable seating space. Whether you bring some of your indoor furniture outside or make a dedicated seating area, make sure it’s the best place in the garden. Cushions, throws and seating pads will make any seating warm and inviting. If possible, including an awning or canopy which will allow you to spend time outside even when it’s raining. A parasol can also come in handy not just for rain, but for sunny days where avoiding sunburn is a must. Making your seating area protected and comfortable will ensure you make the most of your garden in lockdown come rain or shine.
Plan a party (even if it’s just for yourself)
Just because you’re in lockdown doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. Whether you are able to see family and friends or you’re still self-isolating, planning a party can give you something to look forward to and break up the monotony of the weeks. We find it’s always easy to start with a theme (Hawaiian is our go-to for BBQs) and from there pick your food, drinks, decorations and music. Don’t forget to dress up. It may seem silly planning a garden party just for your household but it’s little things like this that will keep us going in 2020!
Want to get your garden looking amazing?
If you’ve spent too long looking at a screen this year, it’s time to get out of the house. Start your garden restoration today and you may get the chance to enjoy the occasional British sun! We are specialists in contemporary garden design, offering both pre-made products as well as completely bespoke design and build services. You can call us on the following number 0114303052 or email us at info@contemporarygarden.co.uk. You can also visit our FAQ page for further information.