Northern England has a reputation for being rainy, but that certainly doesn’t mean it can’t also be pretty, green and nature-friendly. In fact, with the right inspiration and a little more time outside, we reckon you could make anywhere in the North West look like an idyllic cottage garden. For many of us, the end of this final school summer signals the return to a routine packed with responsibilities: work and study commitments; gym memberships; cleaning schedules; babysitter arrangements... and so on. But now is not the time to keep ourselves locked indoors! So what better way to spend your free time than exploring your inner green-fingered side? Whether you have a small backyard or just want to spruce up your outdoor space, read on for our top tips on how to get started landscaping your home in the North West.
If you’re starting from scratch on your landscaping project, you’ll need to consider the scale of your project and the materials you’ll need to get the job done. It’s a good idea to draw up a list of everything you need so you don’t forget anything important, and you can also work out what your budget might be. For a relatively small project such as a patio, you’ll need: - Tools such as shovels, spades, rakes and hammers. - Materials such as patio slabs, sand, concrete, edging stones and pebbles. - Plants and shrubs such as lavender, thyme, rosemary and sage.
If you love nature, try to imitate it in your backyard. Different plants will thrive in different spots, so you can choose a natural theme around your home featuring a particular type of plant. If you’re lucky enough to have a larger area to work with, you could even create a small woodland garden, with trees, shrubs and wildflowers.
When you’ve decided on the type of garden you want to create, sit down and draw up a layout plan. This will help you to visualise the result and enable you to make sure everything is positioned as it should be. You can use a graph paper grid or a computer drawing program, whichever works best for you.
If you’re adding a patio to your garden, a good tip is to make sure the area is fully prepared before laying your slabs. If you don’t prepare the ground properly, the patio will crack and shrink over time, making it look shoddy and unprofessional. To ensure your patio is level, use a laser level when you’re installing it. A great way to spruce up smaller gardens is to add pathways and walkways. This will break up the space and give your home’s exterior a much more sophisticated look.
After you’ve added some pathways and a patio, it’s time to think about adding some greenery. Depending on the type of garden you’re creating, you could try adding any number of plants and shrubs. If you live in a colder climate, you’ll need to be careful about which plants you choose, as you may have to take them inside for the winter months.
Landscaping is an excellent way to add value to your home and boost your wellness at the same time. If you’re limited by space, you can also use raised beds and containers to create a beautiful outdoor living space. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different ideas and designs. With a little patience and creativity, your outside space can be as beautiful as the inside of your home. For more information on landscaping,
