Collaborative post When it comes to our gardens, we tend to focus on making them look good in the warmer months of the year. After all, this is when we use our gardens the most, whether that's to entertain, relax, or play with the kids. The problem with this approach to gardens and plants is that by the time winter arrives, your outdoor space could well be looking pretty bare and miserable. Lots of plants die back during the colder ...
Backyard renovations: how much do they cost?
Collaborative post Is a garden redesign on your list of home projects at the moment? Backyard renovations are a popular choice when it comes to home improvement, particularly this year when lots of us have been spending more time than ever in our gardens. As with any home renovation, the planning stage is a vital part of a garden project. You'll no doubt be thinking about how you'd like your outdoor space to look, but working out your ...
Decking Trends 2020
Collaborative post Are you considering adding a decking area to your outside space? This guide to Decking Trends for 2020 from decking experts DeckPlus takes a peek into the future of outdoor deck design. When it comes to external flooring options, few materials boast the enduring appeal of outdoor decking. With the ability to completely transform a garden, adding a decking area to your property can not only improve its aesthetic ...
Creative lighting ideas for darker nights
Collaborative post Has the shift into autumn and the accompanying reduction in daylight hours taken it's toll on your mood? Having started painting the shed too late in the day last weekend and finished it in the dark, I can definitely say I'm not a fan of the shorter days! It's understandable why the onset of autumn can impact on our general enthusiasm: those balmy evenings of barbecuing, entertaining and relaxing outdoors are gone for ...
Tips for creating an outdoor living area
Collaborative post Do you think of your garden as an outdoor room? Using our gardens as an extension of our homes is a trend that’s most definitely on the rise. The Office of National Statistics reports that the average number of people per household has remained constant this decade, but according to Which?, new houses built in the UK since 2010 are smaller than ever before. So it’s no wonder that lots of us are looking to our ...
Summer garden makeover ideas with T J Hughes
Aren’t we having the most glorious summer at the moment? I’m writing this post with the windows open and the sun streaming in, and I’m thinking I really must sort out some shade for my laptop screen so that I can write out in the garden. I’m desperate to make the most of the season when it’s so glorious out there - particularly after the extra-long cold start we had to the year! Spending more time outdoors in the garden always gives me a little ...
Using garden lighting to create safe and attractive outdoor spaces
The right lighting can make all the difference to your garden. If you're looking to add some garden lighting to your outdoor space, this collaborative post has lots of tips and ideas to help you get it right. For kids, gardens are wonderful spaces. They provide them with a safe place to play, enjoy nature, entertain their friends and be creative. In fact, for everyone in the family, they are a great space to let off steam and truly relax. If ...