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A secluded spot perfect for a morning cuppa away from the kids<\/p>\nBy Mark Lane<\/p>\n
The summer is finally here, but how can we make the most of our gardens so that everyone, no matter their age or ability, can enjoy it? Thankfully the answer is easy. There are many ways to create a perfect outdoor living space so that you can sit back with your favourite tipple or cuppa and enjoy the company of friends and\/or family, or just find a great secluded area for some prime \u2018me time\u2019.<\/p>\n
A secluded spot perfect for a morning cuppa away from the kids<\/p>\n
I\u2019m here to tell you that with some planning and taking your time you can create the wonderful outdoor space of your dreams. Remember every garden is a reflection of the owner’s or gardener’s personality and this is why I love visiting gardens, because even if a garden style such as a cottage garden has been followed by three or even 100 people, each one will be completely different. That’s why gardening and gardens are so magical.<\/p>\n
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Water can bring a garden to life<\/p>\n
It doesn\u2019t matter if you have a large or small garden, the principles are just the same. The best designs keep materials, plants and decor simple and coordinated, for a cohesive look. ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall\u2026 and a garden full of symmetry’. Not quite the saying, but when designing outdoor , it\u2019s best to work to a concept of balance, which is achieved in three basic designs: symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Of course, a garden must have plants and depending on your budget and willingness to garden it is essential to select plants that will create the look you are after. In other words, if you want a tropical garden then keep to tropical plants, such as Cannas, tree ferns, gingers and large-leafed plants like Fatsia. On the hand, if you want a colourful cottage garden then fill your pots and borders with a cacophony of colourful plants, as well as edibles, from bedding plants to perennials, shrubs to trees. If you want to sit back and look at the garden, and be more of a passive gardener, as opposed to an active gardener, then look for low-maintenance plants such as flowering shrubs and low-growing plants that don\u2019t need staking and fussing over.<\/p>\n Do you like a particular style of gardening, such as cottage, prairie, sensory, seaside, tropical or modern? Understanding the look and feel of each is paramount for getting it right. There are thousands of images online showing different garden styles. Start collecting them and produce a mood board. Sometimes it might be the smallest detail of a handcrafted door handle that you like \u2013 the shape, the craftsmanship, the material. This, in turn, could steer you towards and Arts and Crafts-style-garden, for example.<\/p>\n Then think about the materials that you want to use. Natural materials, such as stone, gravel and wood lend themselves to traditional styles, whereas clean-cut, porcelain tiles, a monochrome palette or strong architectural features and modern sculpture are better for modern or contemporary gardens.<\/p>\n Remember, there are no rules other than your own. You may even like to mix up materials and aim for an eclectic look. January, February and even March are the perfect times to sit down with a cuppa, a blank piece of paper or your laptop and get your little grey cells working. Sometimes, paper cut outs in different shapes, representing a table and chairs, a shed, etc can be moved around until you find the right balance.<\/p>\n\n
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The simple repetition and symmetry of this pergola leads the eye to another part of the garden<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stories.qvcuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Pink-Hydrangea.jpg\")
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Roses and hydrangeas are great low-maintenance flowering shrubs<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stories.qvcuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Sculpture.jpg\")
Modern sculpture and garden ornamentation give a garden a finished look<\/p>\n
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Knowing what plants will grow in pots and containers is key to magnificent displays<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stories.qvcuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Pot-collection.jpg\")
A collection of pots by the back door softens the patio, bringing colour, scent and texture up close and personal<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stories.qvcuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Path-with-statue.jpg\")
Pathways lead the eye to different areas of the garden. A piece of sculpture at one end of a long walk adds a focal point<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stories.qvcuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/path-2.jpg\")
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Hidden LED strip lighting in the path\u2019s edging boards illuminates the gravel without causing glare<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stories.qvcuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Fruit.jpg\")
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Vertical growing, espaliered fruit and herbs and vegetables make for an interesting garden, especially when tight on space.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"