Good weather is on the way and the garden is on your mind. If you are thinking about creating the garden of your dreams, then now is the time to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Due to the relatively poor weather that homeowners experience in the UK, the garden as an outside living space tends to be something that is only considered as the weather warms up in spring and summer. If you have ideas for re-developing your garden then advance planning is the secret. Given the huge cost of moving house, many homeowners are now choosing to spend the money on developing their existing houses and outdoor spaces.

There is no set blueprint for the perfect outdoor space since everyone has a bespoke set of requirements which relate to personal taste in terms of aesthetic appeal combined with the individual’s specific practical needs. However with most families tightening their belts, it is likely that homeowners will be more likely to contemplate outdoor projects that provide a definite practical solution as opposed to merely enhancing the physical beauty of the garden landscape.

Safety First!

Does the garden provide a stimulating and fun play environment that is safe for the kids? Child proofing the outdoor space spans a whole host of issues such as the review of existing perimeter fencing (how secure is it?); removal of dangerous plants / trees; replacement of chipped / broken pavers; installation of an approved children’s play surface to ensure added safety around fixed play equipment e.g. slides / swings; installation of a year round outdoor play area in the guise of a decked or paved patio.

Think long and hard about the safety measures and remember that toddlers and older children require different safety solutions.

Dream Driveway

If parking is a problem in your area, think of the peace of mind that comes with guaranteed off street parking! Knowing that you will always find a space to park at the end of a busy day can be a daily god-send so consider enhancing your property’s kerb appeal with a smart new drive, creating easy and direct (mud free) access to the house.

One interesting legal point is that unless you are working with a permeable driveway product planning permission may be required.

Hats Off to the Good Life!

Another area of you new garden design that can easily be overlooked is that of a “grow your own” zone. This can be a wonderful way of cutting your grocery bills and raised beds can make the whole process easier.

Entertaining The Outdoor Way!

If you are like me then you’ll enjoy the more informal dinner party that is possible in a garden dinning area. Good lighting, practical access to the kitchen, a nice patio or decked surface and of course a lovely barbecue make this all possible. Consider every aspect of this when going through the planning stage, as it’s way more practical and economical to include this early on in the process than to add it as an after thought.

Once you have formulated your new design in you head, it makes sense to bring in a professional team to give you some further input and to quote you on every aspect of the project.