Hands up if you’ve finally painted that fence (after a couple of years of saying you will) or jet washed your patio for the first time in a decade?! The good news is that you’re not alone. The amount of time people spent doing gardening or DIY increased by a whopping 147% during lockdown.
We’re all spending a lot more time outdoors and we can testify to that! Our enquiries went through the roof as people enjoyed their outdoor spaces more and benefited from some great weather.
But with Autumn and Winter feeling all too close now, and the pandemic still here for the foreseeable future, how can you get the most from your outdoor space during colder weather? We want to show you that your garden isn’t just for summer – it’s a space to enjoy all year round and it isn’t difficult or costly to achieve either.
With a few tweaks you can have a winter garden space that gives you enjoyment and some peace and quiet even when the frost is nipping at your toes.
Dedicate an area
Picking a good spot in your garden to turn into a winter haven can transform how you use the space.
It’s good to find a sheltered corner, somewhere where the autumn breeze and winter chill won’t send you running for the indoors. If you don’t already have a sheltered spot, you can create one with high hedges, some established trees and some clever fencing. If you’re stuck for ideas, we can help with that.
Once you’ve got your spot, then comes the fun bit. Decking? Patio? Gravel? How do you want your area to look? Make sure it’s got good drainage and won’t be swamped by any downpours. Will you want it covered? Do you want a permanent gazebo or something more temporary that can be put up or down depending on the weather?
Even the smallest space can be turned into a cosy corner. Have a look at some of our work for inspiration!
Keep cosy
You might think that staying warm outside is impossible once winter kicks in but don’t be so hasty. With some clever tricks you can be toasty and snug out in the elements.
A fire pit will transform any winter garden into a relaxing and warm space where you can toast marshmallows and toes. Small or large, you can fit a fire pit into most spaces. Check out iamfy.co for a range of different fire pits. Most large DIY stores sell fire pits too, which can be helpful to check first when you’re not sure on the size.
Get comfy
When you’re choosing your seating make sure you look for comfort, warmth and some great winter colour palettes. Oranges, rusty browns and reds are great winter colours that bring some warmth to your space. Big fluffy blankets, outdoor throws and rugs will help you transform a cold open space into a cosy area that’s perfect for a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.
Etsy has a great range of fluffy throws and blankets that you won’t find on the high street. You’ll also find cushions (outdoor and indoor) and Next, Wayfair, Dunelm and IKEA all do a fantastic range of outdoor rugs to complete the indoor-outdoor feel of your winter garden.
Winter Wonderland
Outdoor lights can turn even the dullest of garden spaces into a winter wonderland. For not much money you can turn your dingy corner into a space that’s fit for story time round the fire pit and gazing into the stars.
Even better, a lot of lights now come solar powered so you won’t be frantically rush round finding extension cables or worrying about installing extra power points.
Lights4fun has a great range of outdoor lights and an inspiration page for you to get ideas on how to make your outdoor space look like Narnia. Alternatively, why not install permanent outdoor lighting that’s a little bit more robust during harsher weather conditions?
If you’re hankering to create a perfect winter garden, then we’re here to help. Get in touch for prices, advice and ideas.