Buying a new home is one of the most exciting purchases you can make. Finally, you have a place to call your own that you can design and decorate however you please.
New builds are the perfect blank canvas, so you’ll soon find yourself making a list of things to do. Gardens are an important feature in any house, allowing you to spend time outdoors and enjoy your property. Here are some tips to help it feel like a welcoming retreat.
Start with a solid plan for your blank canvas
Before you can begin planting flowers and shrubs, create a plan for your outdoor area. Think about what you want to get from your garden. Families, for example, will likely need space for play equipment for kids as well as a seating area. Adding simple touches like outdoor seating, cosy lighting, or even hammocks can instantly make your garden feel more relaxed and welcoming, giving you a space where you can properly unwind.
Assess the space you have and make a rough sketch of what areas you want where. This will help avoid making costly mistakes and wasting time. When it comes to foliage, consider factors such as shelter, sunlight and soil quality, too.
Improve soil and structure before planting
When a home is built, the soil in the gardens can be disturbed, compacted, removed and replaced, and even filled with odd debris. Ahead of picking up your trowel, have a look at what your soil is actually telling you.
Complete a soil analysis to discover the soil type, pH level and texture. This information will give you a solid foundation to work from.
If you notice a lot of compaction, double-digging is the best way to break it up and remove any debris along the way. Although it is hard work, it will be worth the payoff in the end when your garden plants are thriving.
Add a good-quality topsoil if needed, as this is great for injecting nutrients into the existing soil.
Plant with purpose – layering and wildlife-friendly options
Flowers look pretty, but they are very much a seasonal plant. Think about how you want your space to look all year round. Structural shrubs combined with perennials and groundcovers create layers, texture and year-long greenery.
If you want something natural yet intentional, why not embark on mosaic planting? This is where you use three to five different plants and arrange them in a living quilt display. The effect is stunning yet easy.
Consider introducing some wildlife-friendly elements too. Flowers with attractive pollen are great for bees, and bushes with berries will help the local bird population thrive in the winter months.
Blend function and style
Creating zones within your garden helps break up the space and maximise your usage. Having a dedicated seating area allows you to transition to relaxing or eating outdoors without the faff of setting up tables and chairs. This can be edged with floral borders to encapsulate the space and make it feel intimate and private.
Garden storage is essential for every homeowner. Keeping tools, equipment and pots tidy yet out of sight allows you to relax when outdoors. Think about sheds, storage boxes, workbenches and log stores to ensure your needs are met.