For those of us that may not be blessed with green fingers, creating an outdoor space that is neat, tidy and appealing to spend time in can seem like a daunting task.
For our developments Fernleigh Park and Cala at Kingsmere, we’ve worked with renowned gardener and horticulturalist Bev Rodway-Smith from Benchmark, to create special outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Bev Rodway-Smith leading a workshop at our Kingsmere nectar garden, teaching local school children how they can support local wildlife and the importance of maintaining ecosystems
We asked Bev what easy steps can be taken to create a gorgeous green space to enjoy this summer.
Bev says: “It seems obvious but just painting your fence or garden shed can really brighten and lift your whole garden or yard.
“There is a huge range of outdoor paint available in a variety of colours to choose from so have fun with it. Using grey or black will give a garden a contemporary feel or you could opt for natural colours like sage or willow green for a more traditional look.
“Installing plants to introduce form and colour through foliage and flowers will not only lift the garden but also provide food and shelter for wildlife. If gardening isn’t your forte perhaps you can start with some plant pots with some flowering plants and expand from there.
“A lot of people make the mistake of planting too many varieties or colours of flowering plants – if you stick to a warm (pinks, reds, oranges) or cool (blues, greens, purples) colour palette this will bring a more structured, coordinated feel to the space.”
Bev also says that it’s key to change the way you perceive your outdoor space – thinking of it as another room of your home or a series of rooms depending on the size of the garden.
“Adding features to decorate or enhance your ability to use the space as you would a room indoors can be very effective. Mirrors, trellis, pots, outdoor rugs, outdoor cushions and water features will all enhance the enjoyment you get from your outdoor space.
“Don’t forget furniture. There is a huge selection on the market at this time of year. Having comfortable dinning and lounging furniture on your balcony, yard or garden will entice you out into the garden whenever the sun comes out!”
For a finishing touch, lighting is also essential when it comes to creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Bev continues: “Since the pandemic first hit, we’ve all been spending a lot more time outdoors socialising and, to add style and extend the time you spend in your outdoor space in the evening, think about adding effective lighting. Again, there is a huge range of easy to install solar lights and lighting systems available online or from garden centres.”
In the last year and a half in particular, our outdoor space has become a real sanctuary, so it’s worth spending some time and effort to maximise your garden’s potential and create a space you love to spend time in with loved ones.
Be sure to share your garden inspiration pictures with us on social at @calahomes, and show us how you’ve made the most out of your outdoor space!
