1. Family-friendly garden
For families with young children, you’ll want an outdoor space that works for the kids as well as the grown-ups. You can do this by creating a dedicated zone for the little ones.
This should be close to the house so you can easily keep an eye on them while they play. You could add equipment such as a climbing frame or a tyre swing, or you could incorporate DIY creations like a homemade fort. Make sure you consider safety by removing any water features and placing grass or other soft, cushioned material beneath climbing frames and swings.
Then, create another space where the adults can spend time, such as a seating area with a table and comfortable chairs.
2. Garden makeover on a budget
If you want to overhaul your garden or balcony on a budget, there are plenty of options.
For balconies:
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Adding vertical hanging planters is a cost-effective way to bring your space to life. Grab a couple of planters and attach hooks and chains so you can hang them on your balcony. Then, fill them with your favourite flowers to infuse a splash of colour!
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Hang fairy lights and add an outdoor rug to create a cosy feel.
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Install a hammock for a comfortable place to relax.
For gardens:
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One of the most dramatic changes you can make is shaping your lawn into a circle or square. This will create a defined grassy area separate from your patio space and flower beds.
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Painting your fences is a budget-friendly way to add personality to your garden.
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Add low-cost outdoor lighting, such as solar lamps, to create a tranquil ambience.
3. A space for socialising
If you enjoy hosting barbecues, family parties and get-togethers with friends, you’ll want to create an inviting space for everyone to relax. One of the most important elements is a seating zone, complete with chairs and a table for al fresco dining. It’s also a good idea to add shade to your garden – particularly if it’s exposed. This could be in the form of a gazebo or pergola, for example.
A firepit adds a central focal point, helping you extend your outdoor socialising into the cooler evening hours. You could also build your very own outdoor grill using bricks or treated timber, along with storage for garden games like croquet and giant versions of Jenga and Connect 4.
4. Maximising a small garden
Looking for small garden ideas? For compact gardens or balconies, there are plenty of ways to maximise your space. If you don’t have room for flower beds, use pots to plant everything from herbs to perennials and even dwarf trees.
Garden dividers, such as a small hedge or tree, can break up your outdoor space into distinct areas. This is especially useful if you want your small garden to cater for both youngsters and adults.
You can create the illusion of more space in your garden by:
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Adding plants of different colours, sizes and textures
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Painting fences and furniture in light colours
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Installing lights in the furthest points of your garden to draw the eye into the distance
5. A garden for wildlife
If you’d like your garden to be a haven for wildlife, there are several things you can do. This includes creating a pond, building an insect hotel, or hanging a bird box. Bushes, flowering plants and shrubs can provide shelter and food for different species, so fill your garden with plenty of these. You could also let your grass grow long in some areas to create a wildlife habitat.
Some of the best plants for attracting wildlife include:
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Lavender
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Honeysuckle
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Hawthorn
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Catmint
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Foxglove
Love these garden ideas? Explore our guide to looking after your new garden to keep it in tip-top condition.
Browse our range of brand-new homes across the UK and kickstart your homebuying journey today. Discover unique offers to help you move, including Deposit Boost and Deposit Unlock.
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