Is your green space working for you?
Covid 19 has had a huge impact on the way we live our lives, and outdoor space, however modest, has become a necessity rather than a luxury. With more of us working from home, and spending most of our leisure time there, we hugely value attractive, planted areas, where we can sit, exercise and relax. Many of us, including garden designers, have found new ways of working, and as restrictions are lifted, the amount of time we spend in our homes and our gardens is still likely to remain high as home-working continues for many, and now is a good time of year to review your outdoor space, and start planning for the Summer.
Whether a balcony, small courtyard or garden with an outdoor office/studio, the layout and planting of your outdoor space can make such a difference to your mood and feeling of well-being. Good planting choices, and the right plant for the right place, not only enhances the appearance of a property, but also our enjoyment of it, so that it becomes a welcome escape. All outdoor space is at a premium, and it’s important to think about how to optimise its use and appearance. Even the smallest areas have potential. You can use pots and troughs where there is no soil. You can grow climbing plants up, or hang plants from, walls and fences. You can find plants that will tolerate dark, shady corners.
Gardens have become multi-functional spaces, often catering for our need to work, keep fit and relax. A well-thought-out garden provides a haven for all those living together, of whatever age, engaging the senses, encouraging nature, and promoting fitness and play. Having a green space to sit and take a break and/or an area for communal outdoor dining as the weather improves, lifts our spirits and green is of course the ultimate colour for relaxation!
So think about your outdoor space – and consider whether it’s ready for you to make the most of it during the coming year.
Anne Fraser & Caroline Streets
07729 835988 / 07930 876348