FEATURE: GARDEN & LANDSCAPING
or simply change the layout of your space ready for summer gatherings, these tips will help kickstart your outdoor transformation.
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Create zones Ali Wooldridge explains: “If you like structure, create designated zones. Divide your space into different functional areas according to your preferences and plan the layout of each zone based on how the space will be used.
“For example, you could create a designated sit-down area where you place your furniture and set this up close to the entry of your house to reduce path travel and make it easier when bringing food and drink in and out. If you want to create a vegetable patch, you may want to set this up in a space that attracts plenty of sun.”
Form an ‘IT’ point Ali explains: “Create a focal point of your space that you want people to notice. Ideas include a secluded seating area with a bench and flowers at the bottom of your garden, or a painted wall or fence which has plants strategically hung to create a pleasant view.” Matt adds: “If you’re wanting to make a big item such as a hot tub or sauna the focal point, place shrubs, climbing plants, and bushes around or near it. Not only will it look inviting, but when placed correctly, the plants will also offer extra privacy.”
Create a DIY walkway or seating area “When creating a walkway or seating area materials such as gravel and bark are easy to lay on landscape fabric. They’re also a cheaper alternative to other materials such as paving. “Creating the designated area or walkway can be as simple as marking out the space with stones, digging the turf, laying the fabric to prevent weeds and filling it with the preferred materials. But be sure to lay quality weed control fabric first and check that the soil beneath is reasonably levelled,” says Matt.
Re-angle flower beds
“Altering the shape and size of your flower beds can help switch up your space. Using tools such as shears, half-moon edgers and spades, you can opt for straight edges to create a slick look or curved edges for a
30 DIY WEEK AUGUST 2024
LANDSCAPING GARDENING TIPS THAT WON’T
BREAK THE BANK
With searches for ‘Landscaping prices near me’ (+600%) and ‘DIY landscaping garden’ (+130%) on the up, and to help those looking for ways to upgrade their garden without breaking the bank, Matt Draycott, Senior Designer at Hekla Saunas has collaborated with Ali Wooldridge gardening expert and co-founder of luxury outdoor furniture company, Gardenesque to share tips for soft landscaping on a budget.
cutting guide. If you prefer curved edges, a garden hose can be used to map out your curves and act as a cutting guide,” says Ali.
“One way to make your space pop is by keeping everything freshly painted”
more natural look. Curved edges are also great for breaking up long, rectangular gardens. “To ensure good, straight lines use a short plank of wood as a
Tidy up edges with borders “Borders create a professional, landscaped look and you can use them to separate areas such as grass from paths or to stop flowers and plants from spreading. Whilst you can buy cheap wooden boarders, you can make your own with materials such as stones and bricks.
“Collect large stones in different shapes and sizes and place them in a row around the border of the designated area. If you opt for bricks, be sure to dig a trench that’s the same size as the bricks, add a little sand to the bottom and then lay them next to each other. “Other options include chicken
wire or wire mesh panels which can be bent and shaped to give a more rustic look,” says Ali.
Use solar lights to define areas Matt says: “From stringing fairy lights around trees and shrubs to using solar lights alongside paths or to highlight focal points at night, lighting adds another dimension to your space. To protect wildlife such as bats and insects, be sure to use soft lighting.”
“One way to make your space pop is by keeping everything freshly painted. A new coat of paint or varnish can help things like fences, seating, walls, pots and even guttering look brand new. Colours perfect for this summer include pastel pinks, lilacs and blues. “If your garden is already home to brightly coloured flowers, plants and accessories then you could always opt for painting other items black to create an instant impact. Plus, black never dates so you can keep the same colour scheme all year,” says Ali.
For further information please visit
https://heklasaunas.com
www.diyweek.net
hether you’re looking to spruce up your grounds to welcome a new item such as a sauna or hot tub
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