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February, 2015
Garden design tips for home improvers - part 2
Although sometimes an afterthought in the grand scheme of home improvements, with a little forward planning and thoughtful design, the garden can be the perfect complement to your home. Extending your interior design to the outside is the ideal way to ensure your garden delivers on both style and substance. Here we look at boundaries, lighting and finishing touches.
Don’t forget that the style of boundary you choose will have a significant visual impact on the overall look of the garden. The choice of boundaries can make or break the end result. Whether you go for traditional fencing panels, contemporary trellising, native hedging or garden walling, think about the effect you are trying to create. Opt for a boundary style that will enhance, rather than detract from, your outdoor room.
Lighting extends the garden’s use well into the evening – transforming it into an attractive and inviting place when viewed from indoors. So, think beyond security lighting: while this may be essential in certain places, it is too harsh and inflexible to deliver subtle garden lighting effects. Use garden lighting to create ambience, layering lights in borders, uplighting architectural plants, or highlighting a vista, feature, focal point, pathway or garden steps.
Once the landscaping works are complete and the plants are in, the all-important finishing touches can finally be installed. There’s a great choice of garden furniture available to suit all tastes and budgets. Your garden designer will often be able to help source the most suitable products for your space, as well as advise on other key elements such as planters, fire pits and garden statuary.
So, in summary, give as much thought as possible to your garden ahead of building works. Engage expert professional advice to bring your garden ideas to life, and share as much information on your interior plans as possible. Above all, enjoy the journey!