Having a garden is a true blessing. It allows you to get in touch with nature and peace in only a few steps, away from the outside problems and noise.
However, it’s not enough to just have a garden and enjoy it during warm days. Why not create a beautiful garden that you can spend your time in, regardless of the season, and still feel like you are anywhere near the urban madness? Here’s how to do it.
Pay attention to the lighting
Lighting is important not only for those who are in the garden but also for creating a stunning view from the house. If it’s a winter afternoon, you still want your garden to look amazing when you watch it from your window like it is summer noon.
The trick is to layer the lighting. The first layer is for practical purposes – shedding some light to the stairs, paths and the sitting area. The next step is to use the lighting to highlight your garden’s features, such as small trees, a fountain or interesting wall surface. The third layer should be really subtle, reaching only the ankle level – it will make the whole space look like it’s glowing.
Plants suitable for the whole year round
Of course, the essential part of every garden is the plants and flowers. The point is to choose the ones that will look great regardless of the season.
If your garden is visible from the outside, then you should definitely use a lot of winter plants that will give your house an elegant and cozy look no matter how cold is the month. It’s really true what some people say – if you can make a garden look amazing in winter, then making it look amazing in spring and summer will be a piece of cake. That’s why you should go for bushes and other sturdy, evergreen plants to give your garden the edge and the right shape. The rest will be just a bonus. Another striking plant that looks great for a long period of time is lavender – it blooms beautifully in the summer and if you cut it back in autumn, it will serve as a great decoration in winter months, too.
When it comes to fences, opt for evergreen climbers that will provide you thick cover all year round, while you can also plant some roses among them to add more color over the summer months.
Appropriate furniture
Garden isn’t completely all about the plants. Pay attention to the furniture in it – it will not only provide you with comfort but it can also add to the attractiveness of the garden. Why not make an outdoor living room? A big comfy sofa and a couple of armchairs are perfect for lazy days in the garden. Don’t forget a cute coffee table, or even two, for the coffee, cookies, and sweets to be at your reach.
Just don’t forget to look for weatherproof furniture – it may be a bit expensive in the short run, but it will allow you to enjoy your garden no matter what the season is and it will stay in good condition for a long time.
The perfect patio
Furniture is just one part of the garden patio. Another thing to bear in mind is the floor – in order for it to be usable during snowy and rainy months, choose the flooring that won’t be slippery in case of any precipitation – there are different tiles that are very safe to walk on even after a heavy rain. Just think about gardens in the UK or Australia – rain is a normal thing on daily basis in the UK, while Australia’s weather varies throughout regions – people there are no strangers to sudden rainstorms.
Next, your patio needs to be sheltered from above – whether from heavy rains or bright direct sunlight in hot summer months – that way, you’ll be able to have your coffee outside even at summer noon or a rainy afternoon. Just follow the example of some Australian regions – it’s important to have a big awning shade in Sydney and other nearby places to be prepared for any type of weather.
Another thing about having a great patio is to have a few perks in it. Consider having a grill so that you can even enjoy meals in your garden with your family and friends when the weather is nice. On the other hand, a fireplace as a centerpiece will give you the ultimate relaxation – a view of the fire and the evergreen plants in the background is everything you need to get cozy on a wintery night. A couple of blankets on the chairs will add to the atmosphere.
The secret of having a garden suitable for any season is to have the elements that are perfect for almost any weather. After all, the point of a garden is to provide you with peace and comfort whenever you need it.
About the Author:
Jessie is a passionate blogger and home designer. She loves writing about tips and tricks that make every home a better place, inside and outside. Besides this, she loves sports, outdoor activities and spending time with her close ones. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
