For many of us, our gardens often feel like a separate outdoor space that doesn’t get used to its full potential. However, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can transform your garden into a useful and comfortable extension of your home that you’ll want to spend time enjoying all year round. Here are a few ideas.
Start with a Plan
First, take a look at your garden space and think about how you actually want to use it. Make a plan of different zones – for example, you might want a cosy seating area, space for kids to play, as well as practical growing areas for plants and vegetables. Consider which parts of the garden get the most sun at different times of day and take this into account when deciding where to position key areas.
Adding a Summer House
A great way to make your garden feel like another room is to install a summer house with an open canopy on one side. Look for sturdy wooden summer houses that have large windows and double doors, as this will allow plenty of natural light inside. Position it facing the canopy side out onto a patio area so you can fully appreciate the outdoor views.
The open canopy provides shelter so you can enjoy sitting outside even in light rain. Add some comfy outdoor seating and tables underneath, perhaps even a fire pit so you can hang out in the evening with family and friends. You’ll soon find this becomes a hub of activity – a perfect hybrid between indoors and out.
Zone Areas for Different Uses
Once you have your summer house in place, think about zoning the rest of your outdoor space into areas designed for different purposes.
Create a dedicated play area for kids, with a grassy section, playhouse and blackboard. Add some planters at a height they can tend to grow easy foods like lettuce and radishes.
Have a relaxing adult area with elegant garden furniture, colourful planting borders and water features to enjoy some peace with a book on a sunny afternoon.
Don’t forget to include a productive area for growing vegetables, herbs and fruits. Include raised beds for easy access and have a handy potting shed alongside to store all your gardening tools and equipment.
The possibilities are endless – carve out spaces for crafts, fitness, entertaining and more. Get creative with garden structures, surfaces, planting and accessories until you have all the amenities you need just steps away from your home.
With good planning and design, your garden has the potential to offer you so much more than just an area of grass. Transform it into diverse, functional zones tailored to your interests and needs. The addition of a sociable summer house creates a seamless link with your interior rooms. With the right attention, your garden can become an invaluable extension of your living space rather than just an outside area that gets overlooked.