EVERYTHING IS COMING UP ROSES

An attractive and functional garden has never been more in vogue at the moment, not only because it’s summer, but because it’s a place where we can now meet safely with friends and family as Covid19 restrictions ease. So how do you make it look as good as possible, whilst also providing a comfortable and sheltered place to sit? If you have children you want it to be fun and practical for them, with some play areas, maybe a sandpit, but also with adult spaces too.

If you’re planning your garden from scratch and have just bare earth to start with, or a lawned area, you will have to decide if you want a paved patio, or a decked area, both of which are still very popular. Both require regular cleaning and maintenance though, with the decking edging out in front in that regard. Wet decking can be slippery for young children and the elderly, so take that into account.

In deciding on the overall garden design, and where to site your patio, look at where is sunniest and where gets the shade. This can help in choosing the correct planting too. Whether paved or decked, the area can be linked to bi-fold doors from your home so that you can just fling them open and step straight into your wonderful outdoor haven. Shade can be provided with pergolas, or contemporary sail style awnings.

At Ochilview Developments we offer innovative garden pods as an optional extra. We’ll install these useful little buildings, which can be used for home offices, play rooms, fitness studios, games rooms… the list is endless.. for you, so that they are all ready for you moving in. This will be a central feature of your garden, so it might be nice to have some little paths leading from the pod and linking up to the patio or decked area.

If you’re using the pod simply as a garden room it’s the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by, but if you want to sit outside, you’ll have to have an additional seating area on the patio. What garden furniture to consider? There’s lots of choice – from striped deckchairs, to bright benches, to rattan love seats. You might not be buying new but want to give existing wooden furniture a new look. Try hot pink, bright orange or even aqua blue. Just make sure you use a formula designed for outdoor use. Swap traditional recliners for a large garden seating area with an outdoor corner sofa.

Lighting creates atmosphere in the garden, whilst a water feature can be very calming. Adding both will create an oasis of tranquillity surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. A large table and plenty of potted plants make any patio feel welcoming.

Even if you’ve only got a tiny terrace for a garden, you can still create an amazing space. Bistro tables are perfect for compact gardens – add some potted plants for colour and greenery and, if possible, squeeze in a few flowerbeds. Wishing you all a happy summer in the garden!