Do you live in suburbia and want to use your garden to create something truly yours?
It can seem that having a garden that is outside the norm will cost a fortune, but with a bit of planning (and imagination), you can make the green space around your home stand out in a way that inspires your neighbors.
Start with the Shed
A shed doesn’t have to be boring. Granted, the majority of sheds from catalogues are, but even if you have a small garden, you can still have an eye-catching shed in the space. Or why not go a bit bigger and look into an Amish pole barns, which will stand the test of time and look different from the standard timber shed? Mix your barn or shed with some quirky paint and bird feeders, and you’ve got yourself something truly unique.
Water Features
Water features don’t have to be boring. With a bit of engineering (and the help of an electrician!), you can create some truly striking water spots in your garden. Rain curtain water walls add a touch of the rainforest to your garden, while also doubling as a modern feature that will add ASMR to your outdoor space. Or, if you have a small pond, why not get your hands on a waterfall feature and a pump, which will add a unique but natural feel to your garden.
Plants
Ferns, check. Roses, check. What other plants are there?
You can have a diverse range of plants in your garden that can add a uniqueness to the space that eludes many common plants. Quirky, brightly colored, or tall plants can add a focal point, like a bed of bright pink foxgloves, hot pokers, or even the flamingo willow. You could also set aside space for pollinators, which could include flowers like nigellas, borage, and lupins.
Making sure that the plants are in the right place for sunlight is crucial to a long-lived garden, so take note of which parts of your garden are exposed to the sun for the longest time and plant around that. Then watch the shape and color of your garden form.
Shape
Have a look at the shape of your garden and think about how any water features, plants, and even decking can be used to create an optical illusion.
This adds a quirk to the space and makes the entire layout more interesting. For example, you could use conifers or other evergreen plants to shape the path, creating a zig-zag or curved shape, which differs from the standard straight line. You can also have the decking or seating area off to one side, which will take visitors by surprise, rather than having it next to the house or on the patio.
As before, make sure you consider where the sun hits your garden to ensure that you won’t be exposed to bright sun in the seating area on hot days and that all of your plants get the light that they need.
Remember, your garden is as unique as you are, and even with a low budget, you can make it into your own wonderland.
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