Louise Curley demonstrates how to give your garden a fresh new look this spring with these inspiring ideas that will revamp your planting and design
1 Spruce up outdoor seating
Give benches, chairs and tables a good clean with a stiff brush and soapy water to get rid of the dirt and algae that has accumulated over winter, then once they’re dry, jazz them up with a lick of paint. There’s a tendency to be timid when using colour in the garden, sticking to neutral browns and greens, but there are some dazzling shades to choose from, such as sunshine yellow or azure blue, which will make a real statement.
2 Embrace annuals
Borders can be given anew look easily and inexpensively by growing from seed a selection of annual flowers such as multi-stem sunflowers, cornflowers and marigolds. They’re best sown into seed trays on a windowsill or in a greenhouse in March and April, then, when they’re about 20–30cm tall, they can be planted out to plug any gaps among your perennials.
3 Big pots
Ditch small pots that take endless watering during dry spells and instead go bold with your containers. Large pots not only make a grand statement and give you the space to create exuberant displays, they contain more compost so the plants won’t dry out so quickly.
4 Large leaves
It might seem counterintuitive but a great way to make a small garden feel bigger is to include plants with huge leaves such as fatsia, rodgersia, canna and cardoons. Not only will they add drama and impact, they’ll conjure up the feeling of verdant lushness, and they are an essential component if you’re looking to create jungle vibe.
5 Natural lighting
Outdoor lighting can have a detrimental impact on wildlife, disrupting their sleeping, eating and breeding habits. We’re all more conscious about electricity bills too, so rather than switching on electric lights or installing new ones, why not use candles next time you’re enjoying the garden in the evening? Opt for ones made from natural ingredients such as beeswax or soy, and pop them inside pretty glass lanterns or jam jars.
6 Plan now for autumn
Make sure your garden continues to look good beyond summer with abevy of late-flowering beauties. Order tender salvias, start off dahlia tubers in containers under cover, and plant ornamental grasses such as Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ and prairie perennials such as rudbeckia and helenium.
7 Install a hammock
Few of us spend enough time relaxing in our gardens and the ultimate way to chill out is to while away some time gently swaying in a hammock. If you don’t have the option of hanging one between trees there are plenty of
