After the heady days of summer, a new season is an ideal time to consider a new project, aim or challenge. Holidays give us the chance to reflect and, despite colder days ahead, now is a great time to look at changes to your garden. Our houses get more attention, quite rightly, than our outside space as we inhabit them constantly, whereas many gardens are unloved and woefully under-used. We believe that a beautiful garden enhances your life in so many ways.
Having been in our gardens over the summer months; it’s a good time to review if it’s working for you.
- Does it provide enough flexible entertaining space?
- Is the view good from the kitchen window?
- Is it easy to care for or are your daunted by the maintenance ?
- Does your garden complement your home?
- Do you wish you had more wildlife to enjoy in the garden?
Many will think that it’s the worst time to be approaching a project in the garden, but it’s actually the ideal time as it will be ready to enjoy come the spring sunshine. Autumn months enjoy more stable weather than spring and the soil temperatures are warm, still promoting good root growth helped by the added moisture in the evenings. It’s the optimum time to get hedging, topiary and large trees in the ground, along with spring bulbs.
Often it’s the simplest of reasons that we don’t use our outdoor space more. You have no seating area – we all have sofas inside. You are a sun lover and your existing terrace sits in deep shade – so you are never going to feel inclined to step outside. We all have plants we love or hate; it’s what gives our gardens personality. If you don’t like the plants in your garden; change them. Friends and family may be happy to take them off your hands. We don’t tend to keep items in our house once we fall out of love with them. Plants are no different. It can be expensive and frustrating however, to choose plants that will not thrive. Research thoroughly so you are sure they suit the soil type, aspect and complement your existing plants.
The solution to many of these problems is simpler than you think. As designers, this is our job and we thrive on it – often seeing the options available immediately on viewing a garden.
So, resolve to make a change that will benefit your life. It’s easier than you think; no matter how large or small your plot. Give Outside a call today and start making that change in September.
