Spending time outdoors can be beneficial for our mental and physical health. While there is nothing wrong with spending time inside, your outdoor space can provide you with a variety of options to maximise your time outdoors. It may be helpful to think of the exterior as an extension to the interior where your family can spread out. Here we have compiled a list of easy and simple techniques suitable for novice gardeners looking to create an inviting and comfortable outdoor space.
11 Tips to Improve Your Outdoor Space for Novice Gardeners
Add Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is a great way to increase your home’s appeal. Light fixtures will provide your family gatherings and parties with a beautiful glow. You will be pleased to know that you do not necessarily need an electrician to achieve maximum impact.
Try installing some solar lights around your garden or adding string lights to make your outdoor space more exciting. As a result, you can turn any meal into a special occasion. Also, you can make use of trees by wrapping lights around their branches. This will ensure they remain focal points instead of fading into obscurity after dark.
Provide Effective Coverage
Instead of allowing the weather to dictate how much time you can spend outside, you can implement coverage such as an awning. This will enable you and your family to spend more time outdoors relaxing and dining. Nationwide Home Innovations offer a range of different awnings tailor-made to your needs. A team of experienced installers will ensure installation takes place as smoothly as possible.
Awnings can provide a variety of benefits to your property. They can block the sun’s UV harmful rays, reduce energy costs and enhance your home and lifestyle. Moreover, once they are fitted, awnings are easy to use and maintain.
Create A Comfortable Sitting Area
It is important to provide an inviting sitting area where your guests can enjoy their time outside. There are plenty of techniques you can explore. For example, you can look for used outdoor furniture such as sun loungers, picnic tables and garden benches. It may be best to try them out before you purchase to guarantee the highest level of comfort.
Another interesting option is to hang hammocks for some rest and relaxation. Be sure to determine how you want the space to function and choose furniture accordingly. If your property faces some wonderful views, ensure the arrangement of furniture takes advantage of them.
Install A Water Feature
To enhance your outdoor landscape, consider installing a water feature. This can introduce a bit of nature and even attract wildlife to your exterior background. Keep in mind that garden water features are available in all types of shapes and sizes designed to suit various budgets and tastes. Both still and moving water features can add a sense of tranquillity and peace. There are many options to choose from. Ensure you read this comprehensive guidance to help you choose a feature which compliments your garden the best.
Choose Suitable Outdoor Rugs
You can add textiles to soften the look and feel of areas where you would like to sit and relax. Once you have your furniture in place, you can have a look at introducing outdoor rugs. Make sure you select rugs with vivid colours and patterns. This will ensure you can disguise any dirt which may appear. In contrast, brighter colours will make the rug look dirty more quickly.
It is also important to find an outdoor rug which is large enough to cover your furniture. If you are unsure, you can buy a slightly larger one than you think you need.
Incorporate Plants And Herbs
Growing your garden will help you transform your outdoor area into a cleaner and greener space. In addition, this can provide for a healthy environment. It is recommended to take your time and select the perfect spot in your outdoor area. Throughout the day make sure you observe which parts receive full sun. Next, remove any weeds and determine the type of soil you have.
You can do this by arranging a soil test to find out what plants you can grow. If you have a busy schedule and you are finding gardening challenging, be sure to check out these tips on low maintenance gardening.
Maintain Your Lawn
Be sure to follow proper lawn care guidelines if you are mowing the lawn yourself. Remember that there is nothing worse than having wilted or overgrown grass right next to a well-designed outdoor living area. Your lawn needs plenty of attention and loving care as well. This involves a few simple steps such as providing enough sunlight, drainage and moisture.
Moreover, mowing your lawn regularly will prevent weeds from taking over. It is also recommended to give your lawn some fertiliser during spring and autumn. Make sure you select a good fertiliser that contains essential micronutrients along with nitrogen, phosphate and potassium.
Include Entertainment Options
Apart from sitting outside and having dinner, you may want to include a space for entertainment. There are many creative options you can experiment with. For instance, you can try adding a fire pit for lazy summer nights. It can become a night-time ritual and create wonderful memories if it is conveniently situated.
Roasting marshmallows or sitting around the fire can be a fun experience for the whole family. You can also incorporate a playhouse or swing set for your children. Likewise, sports-related equipment such as a basketball court can be another exciting option to encourage movement.
Select A Quality Patio Heater
Just because summer is not here yet, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy long nights out in your garden. Outdoor heating will make it easier to enjoy the fresh air throughout any season. By providing you with radiant heat, an outdoor heater can keep everyone warm and comfortable.
In addition, they are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, meaning they can be the perfect addition to your outdoor space. Patio heaters come in a variety of shapes and fuel types. You can browse this selection of the best patio heaters for more information and guidance.
Integrate Technology
If you work from home, it may be beneficial to set up places for your electronics. For example, you might want to use a Wi-Fi antenna to increase your range or try solar chargers. To help you relax at the end of the day, wireless outdoor speakers can do wonders. Instead of dealing with unruly wires, you can enjoy listening to music without any hassles.
Also, you can install security cameras to keep an eye on your property. Some new systems now include features such as motion detection which will ensure you are only notified when there is something actually happening.
Ensure Strategic Privacy
In an ideal world, our gardens would be private spaces where can relax and enjoy our time without the occasional passer-by. Although it may not be possible to make your entire garden private, you can choose certain areas where you can be strategic.
Some useful ideas include growing taller plants and flowers around benches and tables, using standard or modular fencing and adding a stylish divider. This can help you achieve a sense of privacy and make your garden feel secure and tucked away from neighbours.
