Coming up with a design for your garden is an exciting time. During the summer months, gardens can be used as a social hub for family and friends- a place to eat good food, sit out in the sun and enjoy the wonders of nature. However, our gardens often end up becoming one of the most overlooked aspects of our property- as admittedly, their maintenance requires a lot of effort. If budgeting is an issue, or you’re unsure of which kind of design you want to go with- sometimes a little inspiration is all you need. A beautiful, well-designed and functional garden can add value onto your property, as it is a sought-after attribute to any home, especially for prospective buyers who have a large family or are looking to make a family home sometime in the near distant future. If you’re wondering “how can I sell my house fast?”, perhaps the garden is the best place to start. Here at We Buy Any House we have compiled our best ‘how to’ guide to help you design your perfect garden.
Before You Do Anything:
Before you start investing in furniture or hiring workmen to carry out the bigger tasks, there are a few things to consider. Designing a garden is a huge task- and there are some things you may want to discuss with your partner or family members. The approach you undertake ultimately depends on the outcome you desire, the budget you are willing to put towards this, and the functionality of the space itself. If you search for garden designs online, there are thousands of images that will leave you in awe. Why not start by creating a mood board? Put together things like colour scheme, craftmanship, themes- even to the smallest things such as a door handle that you might find nice.
Timing:
This is another overlooked but very useful tip. If you plan to have your garden designed and working for the summer months, it’s best to get started months before. Planning and organising in the winter before allows you time to gather materials, ideas and workmen together- and have everything started at the beginning of the following year so that by the summer, you have a garden that is ready.
Wants VS Needs:
Separating the wants from the needs is a great way to establish things such as budget and time frame for things to be completed by. Your ‘needs’, I.e., the critical things that must change in your garden, are where the majority of your budget will go. Think about issues that concern you- such as lack of privacy, water logging issues or structural issues in the garden. Planning for these first will enable you to see what really needs to be done in the garden, and everything after is just a ‘want’.
Costs:
Redesigning your garden with a relatively simple design can still set you back around £6,000 or £7,000- as materials, equipment and labour can become challenging to get hold of. Although it may seem ridiculously expensive to redesign a new garden and spend on furniture etc., consider how much you would spend on a new kitchen or bathroom. If it’s truly weighing on your mind, consider making a pros and cons list to approach the issue.
Budget:
A new garden can be expensive, especially if you’re considering adding all the modern attributes. Experts suggest that spending 5-15% of the value of your home on the redesign of your garden, and in return you will gain a similar, if not larger amount onto the home.
If there are issues with your garden or certain aspects that will need extra attention, such as curved borders in the garden, or if underground drainage needs to be moved, that will cost extra.
If you are on a budget, then perhaps consider using reclaimed and recycled materials to finish your garden- for example, gravel instead of paving.
Another tip is to ensure you have a contingency fund. Anywhere between 5-15% of the total budget is ideal, especially if you are attempting to do some of the project yourself. Savings are essential in case of an emergency- so you can be protected.
A Few Suggestions for Your Garden…
Break Up Open Spaces:
By breaking your garden up, it adds a more contemporary feel to the garden. In between the sections you can add a stream of colourful flowerbeds, which adds an artistic and sophisticated feel to the room.
Direction:
By directing a path for the eye to follow, you can create a feeling of discovery as people enter your garden. Shading areas with trees and adding fairy lights is a great addition to making it feel like a magical and enchanted garden.
Varying Textures:
Equally as important is adding texture to your garden. Too much of one texture can make your garden seem dull and uninteresting, whereas varying textures create a sense of comfortable consistency. Using smooth rocks against sharp edges or ‘fluffy’ looking plants is a great suggestion.
Garden Art:
In the same way you would decorate the interior of your home, the exterior requires the same. Adding art to your garden in the form of light fixtures, statues or a mosaic sculpture creates an element of surprise and interest to your garden.
Personality:
Your garden is an extension of your home- which is ultimately an extension of you. Don’t be afraid to add personality! Find ways to incorporate you into your garden, so it can be uniquely designed to your needs and wants.