

One way to do so is to use all the tricks in the book to make a small garden look bigger, but realistically, you are still going to want to squeeze in outdoor living room ideas, planting and outdoor dining ideas. Small garden ideas really need to punch above their weight. Garden designer Rebecca Smith recommends a pergola that arches over a path through the garden to create a shaded and scented tunnel: ‘In a long garden, a pergola placed at the end of the garden can create a “destination” for different times of day and can also help screen a garage or garden shed for view,’ she says. You can create a sense of romance with your chosen placement. So my first tip would be to think carefully about whether a pergola or arbor will add value to your garden and be sure that it will not give you too much shade!’ ‘I say this, as often people think that they will give you shelter from the rain when in fact they really don’t and are more useful as a garden shade idea providing shade from the sun. ‘Only have a pergola or an arbor if you think you absolutely need one,’ says designer Charlotte Rowe. Be sure of your reasons for embarking on this kind of project before you get going as size, position and planning permission all need to be considered when you're looking at pergola ideas. Design with water in mindĪ pergola is a simple way to create an enclosed space with a smattering of fragrance if the right plants are incorporated. Pots on the terrace allow seasonal planting to be added throughout the year. 'Repeated spheres of Elaeagnus ebbingei, Hebe topiaria and Pittosporum tobira Nanum pull the areas of the terrace together while stunning multi-stem Koelreuteria paniculata trees allow views out into the wider landscape.’ ‘To maintain those views, patio planting across the terrace is predominantly low with swathes of colour from Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’, Rosmarinus ‘Tuscan Blue’ and Veronica umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’,' says Claire Merriman of Claire Merriman Design. In this total overhaul of an overgrown five acre site, central to the design is the large terrace area that sweeps around the house allowing views straight out from the kitchen and living room across colourful borders to the lake and wildflower meadow beyond. Think about how entertaining spaces can flow out from the house with seating areas and smart patio ideas.

That way, you always have wood on hand for an impromptu campfire.Designing a vista that you can enjoy just a step from your property is top of the garden ideas wish list. If you have a fire pit in your backyard, why not turn your log storage into something decorative? You could choose a metal rack that allows you to store multiple log sizes. Your garden decoration doesn’t have to be just pretty. What you choose for your garden will depend on your personality and what you want your garden to say about you and your home. Some garden decor ideas are cutesy, some artistic, others sleek and modern. Consider these touches as the backyard equivalent of hanging pictures on the wall or placing decorative pieces and candles on a table.ĭecorating your backyard is about giving your backyard character and individuality. Once you’ve chosen the layout and the plants you want to grow, you need to add the final decorative elements. Having a garden is just the first step in creating a beautiful backyard. “Everyone can identify with a fragrant garden, with beauty of sunset, with the quiet of nature, with a warm and cozy cottage.” – Thomas Kinkade
