A garden is much more than an outdoor space; it’s an extension of the home itself and a space that can lend itself to a great many activities. From a stunning floral oasis to a serene retreat, a kids’ playground or a sophisticated entertaining area, the area surrounding the building itself is valuable real estate and should be treated as such.
A well-planned garden is more than an aesthetic aspect of your home; it can be a tool for increasing value and maximising its full potential, meaning it’s an asset you need to nurture, not ignore.
Let’s take a look at some of the most impactful things you can do in your garden to enhance it and hopefully add value, functionality, and more importantly, joy to your home.
Create Outdoor Living Spaces
As far as trends go, the outdoor living space one is showing no signs of abating or going out of fashion; if anything, it’s becoming even more desirable for prospective buyers. People want and actively seek out gardens that function like an extra room. From seating areas on patios or decks to accommodate anything from a quiet morning coffee to a small family gathering for lunch to more extensive outdoor living options such as outdoor kitchens and dining areas, complemented with pergolas or other sheltered structures for use in any weather. Add to this well-placed lighting, and all of a sudden, your garden is no longer simply an outdoor space; it’s a place you can relax in as you would inside. What’s not to love
Tree Care and Overgrowth
A well-kept garden indicates care and attention, not just externally but internally too. And this is how you can make your property more attractive when it’s on the market.
Picture this: you’re house hunting and stumble across a house with overgrown hedges, unsafe tree branches or wild growth. What are your first thoughts? They’re not going to be wholly positive, are they? And the same will apply if you have any of the mentioned greenery on your property and you are not taking care of it.
Regular maintenance, either by yourself or via hiring a gardener, keeps things in check. Then you only have to worry about tackling the big jobs as they crop up, and not everything all at once, and on top of each other.
For example, trimming back trees isn’t something you should do on a weekly basis, but periodically, you will need to address these issues to improve safety, increase light to the property, or simply help it look good again. The same goes for clearing weeds and verges, too. Not always a weekly task, but a bigger job that will need your attention from time to time. This is where tools such as a chainsaw, hedge trimmers, and strimmers are called for.
Add Structure with Paths and Borders
Without clear lines or walkways, gardens can feel a little bit chaotic or even barren. Paths and borders can deliver flow and structure through the space and add focal design elements for the eye, not just the feet.
- Think gravel or stone pathways for practical routes, and not to break up larger open areas.
- Raised borders frame lawns or define larger patio areas.
- Edging prevents lawns from spilling over onto pathways or flowerbeds and keeps everything neat and tidy.
Water Features
Water features can range from expansive swimming pools to smaller ponds, small splash pads, fountains, and even waterfalls. But the benefits that water features can bring can be plentiful.
First of all, they are an excellent focal point and can give you a central of focus for your entire landscaping. Secondly, they can bring calm and serenity to the outdoor space and really transform the atmosphere. And in cases where you install ponds or even waterways, you can attract local wildlife and support biodiversity too.
Zoning
If you have the space, then zoning your garden is a great option to consider because the best gardens are versatile and allow you to create versatility and flexibility into the design. From your outdoor relaxation spaces featuring that soothing water feature, a hammock or swinging chair, and loungers to play areas boasting state-of-the-art playhouses, swings, and climbing frames to keep even the most active kids happy.
The key rule of adding zones to your home is understanding how you use it and what you need from it. If you have a large family and you want to entertain frequently, then zoning an entertainment area or outdoor kitchen is a good idea. If you want to separate a space for pets away from your flower garden, amazing, you can zone your flowerbeds so pets can access so everyone can enjoy the garden.
Add Fencing
In terms of heavy lifting and adding value, fencing is an unsung hero. It does a lot of the work for you, and a well-fitted fence in great condition is an asset and in demand from buyers. But not just any fencing, you want a fence that can provide you with privacy from nosy neighbours and security from undesirables.
Fencing can and does come in many variations with a range of materials to contract it from. And they’re ideal for creating and defining boundaries, adding security to your home and for any pets too and even enhancing style. From decorative lattices to classic timber panels or sleek modern composites, your fencing can contribute to your overall garden design and enhance it, too.
Regular upkeep can keep your fence looking good and provide structure and security as required while well placed plants either in pots or trailing can enhance how it looks for increased visual appeal.
A well-designed garden is so much more than simply decoration to be admired but not used. It’s a space that can work so hard for the home and elevate your living arrangements. From outdoor kitchens to security fencing pathways, and more, there are many projects you can embark on to add functionality and value and boost the value of your property at the same time.