consumer insight Size matters
More people are choosing to take advantage of their outside spaces, but with private gardens declining in size, Rex Nye from NYEs Building Supplies gives inspiration on how to illuminate customers on the potential of their gardens, even if it is small.
F
rom the Garden of Eden to The Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the ancient courtyards of countless palaces, outdoor spaces have long played a significant part in the history and culture of
humankind. Research has shown that spending time in the garden has a positive effect on mental health so, no matter how extensive their horticultural knowledge, having a garden to call your own is a luxury that should be enjoyed and appreciated. But private gardens are gradually declining. Over the past 30 years, the
average garden size in the UK has been decreasing. The traditional back garden is now nearly 3% smaller than it was three decades ago and by 2020 it is estimated that more than 10% of homes in Britain won’t have a garden at all. Despite this, gardens form a significant part of a property’s value and featured fourth in a survey of the most popular items on a buyer’s wish list; but whatever the size of the outdoor area, making the most of it matters. Here, Rex Nye, who owns online builders’ merchants NYEs Building Supplies, provides his top tips for making sure customers are getting the best from their gardens.
Introduce shelving
Garden shelving is a clever way to keep plant pots off the ground and introduce height and volume to borders. Shelving can either be free standing or fixed to walls or fences. There is a variety of styles, finishes and materials to choose from, including metal and wood. Tiered lean-to ladder shelves are a good, maintenance-free option if they don’t fancy drilling holes or fiddling with fixings.
Keep it clutter free Gardens that are overrun with weeds, fighting for space from fallen down fences or looking drab due to leaf-filled drains, aren’t great at the best of times. Smaller outdoor areas, if poorly maintained, will look even more cluttered and out of control so it’s wise to make sure the customer sets aside time each year to give the garden a good going over. Spring is ideal for tackling a tidy up and will give them a chance to enjoy the garden when the warmer months arrive.
Install an outdoor mirror
Using mirrors in gardens is a highly effective way of creating the illusion of additional space. For maximum impact, they can opt for a minimalist, contemporary panel and fix it horizontally onto the back border wall – this will help increase light and trick the eye into believing the garden is a lot larger. Before choosing a mirror for your garden, make sure it’s suitable for outdoor use.
Use hanging baskets and window boxes
When ground space is limited, they can add additional colour and texture to the outdoor area by using a variety of hanging baskets and window box arrangements. If they are a keen cook, planting herbs is a great way to create their very own mini kitchen garden and will release an array of aromas and scents to savour. Mint, rosemary, thyme, lavender and sage all work well for hanging baskets, plant pots and window boxes.
Invest in bold coloured furniture
Colour and visual impact outdoors aren’t just reliant on trees, plants and shrubs. Statement furniture will help enhance drab spaces and breathe life into their garden. They can opt for simple-to-store, portable pieces in bold colours, such as stunning fuchsia pink, sunny yellow or a bright orange. Waterproof cushions and throws can even be added for comfort.
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www.gardencentreupdate.com GCU June 2019
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