Tag: garden design

4 ways to renovate your garden

4 ways to renovate your garden

If you’re looking for a few ways to improve your garden, there are lots of jobs that can actually be surprisingly easy to achieve. As it happens, there are a number of renovation ideas that you may want to consider, which can add interest and attractiveness to your garden. Let’s take a look at just a few of the best ways to renovate your garden to improve on its appearance and usability.

Build a patio

If your garden doesn’t already have a patio, this is one of the first things you may want to think about building into it. There are many great benefits to having a patio. For instance, it means that you’ll have somewhere to sit and hang out or eat al fresco, and it’s really useful if you’re planning on hosting outdoor parties or gatherings in your home. You can easily find patio and paving services in your local area who can help you out with the design.

Diversify the plants

Sometimes improving your garden can be something as simple as aiming to create more diversity in the plants that you have in the space. Shop around for a few new plants – some with attractive flowers, some with interesting or architectural foliage. Just make sure that the ones you choose are suitable for the planned position, soil type, size of space etc. Just having a few new shrubs and climbers in place will help you to freshen up your garden and make it look a lot more attractive; so this is an easy outdoor renovation for you to undertake.

Create a veg patch

Perhaps you’re keen to establish an area of your garden for growing some edibles, therefore you’ll want to create an entirely new veg patch for them. Creating a raised bed or two is very simple and easy to do. First of all, figure out the best location to position it; you want somewhere that gets a fair amount of direct sunlight – so not under shady trees or up against a north-facing wall. Then, decide on the dimensions – marking it out with garden twine or planks of wood. Following this, you’ll need to dig over the soil – cover it over with a layer of cardboard to keep the weeds down – then create the raised border using wood, re-purposed railway sleepers or sheet metal. Lastly, infill; covering the cardboard layer with good quality compost and top soil. It’s now ready for you to sow your fruit and vegetable seeds or to plant plugs and seedlings.

Replace the fence

It’s very common for garden fences to get damaged and blown over by strong winds and so on. If this has happened on your property and you want to improve the appearance of the place, it’s a good idea to make a start on repairing or replacing or your fences. Begin by replacing broken or missing slats and securing any loose ones. After that, repaint or stain the entire length of fence for a fresh, consistent look.

We hope we’ve given you a few ideas to mull over if you have plans to renovate your garden.

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5 Patio Trends You Need to Try This Winter

5 patio trends you need this winter

If you think the patio is for spending time in during the spring and summer only, think again. With some inventive winter patio design, you can find yourself safely tucked under a quilt watching snowfall while reading your favourite book and getting a cosy warm feel from a heater or fire on the side. Here are just a few patio trends that you can keep in mind for the coming winter.

1.   Lights, colour, action

What’s warmer and more vibrant than bright colours against a natural background? Identify real teak furniture that’s weather-resistant and for the finishing touch, add happy colours in the form of vibrant cushions and throw pillows as well as an eye-catching area rug.

Lighting from lanterns, bistro lights and planters with LEDs will create an enthralling backdrop fit for the night. Outdoor winter dates just got better.

2.   Getting toasty

Open flames have been part of human life since long before heaters were invented. Fire bowls and log burners are a great way to create a cosy vibe while keeping your patio warm. Throw in some lanterns for a romantic and warm ambiance.

You can also install a stone fire pit to keep the smoke away while retaining the heat and these can be put right in the middle of your patio. Designs will vary depending on your taste and style but elongated fire pits are also fashionable and in season.

3.   Curtains and accent walls

Keep frostbite away while adding a personal touch with your choice of curtains. Easy layback chairs, throws and cushions will finish the touch and keep you comfortable throughout winter. You can go for heavy curtains that can soak up sunlight and shield you from the draught.

Harsh winds can be blocked with accent walls while giving your patio space texture and a touch of colour. You can get a 3D wall design that reflects your style and suits your overall home theme. Think brick stucco, tropical leaves or a whimsical floral design that provides a pleasant backdrop for the eye to rest on.

4.   Shelter in

Apart from accent walls, you can also create a fortress of trees around your patio. Evergreens are the perfect cover from harsh winds or nose-nipping breezes during winter and they add a bit of privacy as well.

Evergreen hedges, trees, ornamental grasses, pergolas and shade sails can keep everything you don’t want out while you enjoy the outdoors. Retractable screens are also a perfect addition to keep insects at bay.

5.   Staying warm

If your patio is made of wood you may worry about the safety (or lack thereof) of heaters and open flames. Infrared heaters can ease your mind while café heaters are the best choice if you want something you can move around.

A hot tub can also be added to your patio so you can enjoy year-round dips. To make sure the hot tub stays hot you can get a separate heating and plumbing system for it to prevent any fire hazards.

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Auction alert: The Autumn Garden Auction

A conservatory cast iron planter stand

Bamfords‘ Autumn Garden Auction takes place on Tuesday coming, the 18th of October 2022 from 10am.

193 lots will be coming up for sale – including garden furniture, statuary, ironmongery and all manner of planters. We’ve chosen to highlight the items below because we’d happily give them all a new home in our own garden.

Perhaps our favourite lot is the terracotta rhubarb forcers – we have one already, but want a couple of other ones. Just look at their patina! They may be missing their lids, but it would be simple enough to find some terracotta plant pot saucers that would fit.

Bamfords charge 24.75% buyers’ premium plus VAT on the hammer price of each lot. Please be aware that for Fine Art, Single Owner and Specialist auctions there is a minimum charge of £10 + VAT per lot.
Live online bidding is available for all our auctions via www.easyliveauction.com or www.the-saleroom.com. The charge for using these services is 3.6% of the hammer price or a flat fee of £3 with no further premium being charged for EasyLiveAuction and 5.5% of the hammer price (plus VAT where chargeable) for The Saleroom.  This will be added to the total invoice.

A conservatory cast iron planter stand
Lot 3010: A conservatory cast iron planter stand
With with three tiers of five circular stands supported on cast iron scroll stand, 170cm high, 162cm wide
Estimate: £300 – £500

An early 20th century three seat wire work garden bench

Lot 3021: An early 20th century three seat wire work garden bench
Scroll back and legs, solid seat, 113cm wide
Estimate: £250 – £350

A heavy cast iron and wooden slatted garden table, bench, two chairs and stool

Lot 3027: A heavy cast iron and wooden slatted garden table, bench, two chairs and stool
155cm wide, 68.5cm deep, 66cm high
Estimate: £60 – £100

A rectangular wrought iron garden path gate and quantity of terracotta plant pots

Lot 3031: A rectangular wrought iron garden path gate
Quite plain, centred by five spiral bars; a quantity of terracotta plant pots; etc (qty)
Estimate: No estimate

Two terracotta rhubarb forcers

Lot 3040: Two terracotta rhubarb forcers
Of circular form, 60cm high, 37cm diam
Estimate: £100 – £150

A galvansied rounded rectangular tin trough

Lot 3071: A galvanised rounded rectangular tin trough
42cm high, 147cm wide, 64cm deep
Estimate: £30 – £50

A two tier work bench

Lot 3074: A two tier work bench
85cm high, 65cm wide; a cast iron circular plate, 53cm diam (2)
Estimate: No estimate

A plaster of Paris clam shell

Lot 3076: A plaster of Paris clam shell, 65cm wide
Estimate: No estimate

Two pedestal garden vases, terracotta plant pots; etc

Lot 3160: Two pedestal garden vases
Terracotta plant pots; etc.
Estimate: No estimate

7 ways you can transform your garden on a budget: our savvy tips

7 ways you can transform your garden on a budget: our savvy tips

We’re right on the precipice of summer, and the beautiful weather characterising the season. However, after a long and miserable winter, a lot of people often find that their gardens are a little neglected. You don’t have to break the bank to get your garden summer-ready; there are several things that you can do to transform your garden that don’t require much money. So, let’s take a look.

Deep cleaning

First things first, you should begin by giving your garden a deep clean. You can start by dead-heading and de-weeding your flower beds. You should also sweep all the debris off of your patio or decking. Depending on which one you have and the state of it, you might want to get the pressure washer out too. Your outdoor furniture is also likely to need a clean after the winter too. Giving your garden a good clean is a great first step to transforming it and making it look a lot better.

A great way of making your garden deep clean more effortless in the future is by using Custom Perspex Sheets on tables and chairs (where possible), which will make it easier to wipe away any mess as well as protect the furniture.

Garden structures

If your garden is empty or devoid of structures, then you might want to think about what you could build. A lot of people tend to avoid this because they think it’s one of the more expensive garden improvements – and it can be – but this isn’t always the case; it’s entirely possible to build a structure in your garden on a budget. You have a lot of options. There are greenhouses for those who enjoy gardening, a deck – like the one from ClearAmber Shop – for those who like to relax or entertain and sheds, cabins, Wendy houses or other garden rooms for those who need more space. When it comes to building a structure, you need to think about your wants, needs and budgets.

Repaint

Repainting the fence, shed or decking can help spruce up your garden, requiring very little money. Obviously, you’ll need to find outdoor, weatherproof paint for the project, and there are many options. You don’t have to simply stick to one colour either. You can create a design for your garden. Your garden should be viewed as an extension of your house, and therefore your interior decorating style can be brought into your outdoor space too. Allow yourself to be creative!

Replant

After you’ve tidied the garden and removed all of the dead flower heads and weeds, you might want to think about sowing some flowering plants. The winter can do a lot of damage to your flowerbeds; some flowers simply cannot survive the winter. Overhauling your flower beds by replanting flowers can really help to freshen up your garden. To create more visual interest, do your best to vary the flowers. Choose plants in a variety of colours, sizes and textures.

Lighting

Summer nights are lighter for longer, but if you plan to take advantage of your garden or host get-togethers, you might want to think about your lighting options. Lighting your garden well doesn’t have to cost much, but it can really make a difference to the overall look and experience of your garden. Your choice of lighting will depend on your preferences; you can choose from tiki torches, lanterns or string lights. They can work off mains electric, solar-powered or battery operated.

Garden decorations

The next thing to think about is garden decorations. There’s a whole subsection of decorations that are just for the garden. For example, hanging trinkets, laying garden rugs, cushions or garden mirrors can help to add little touches of your personality to your garden. Decorating your garden makes it more fun, homier, it creates more visual interest and it makes your garden more inviting too. Some serve a practical purpose too. For example, incorporating garden mirrors into your design bounces sunlight around your garden to open it up and make it feel larger.

Create zones

Finally, dividing your garden into zones can also help to transform the overall look and feel of your garden. You can have a seating area, a planting area, lawn space, decking or whatever other areas you need to include, which might vary depending on whether you have children, pets etc. Dividing your garden can make it easier to tackle when it comes to overhauling it, and it can help to maximise your space and make your garden look more appealing.

In conclusion

Transforming your garden doesn’t have to be a costly experience. All of the ideas above can be completed on a budget. Use the resources that you have available, whether this means upcycling things that you already have, buying second-hand or shopping from budget stores. Think about how much space you have and how much time you have to spend on the space. Remember to think about what you want from your space; this will help you to narrow down your design choices.

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