GARDEN GOALS

When the pandemic came knocking on our doors, it quickly became apparent that our outdoor gardens and spaces were going to be instrumental to helping us through these bleak times.  So much so, that back in May 2020, I wrote an article for the Sunday Business post about our new social - about bringing the inside out, here is the link to this article

SUMMER 21’ MADNESS

Little did we know last summer that we would be depending on our gardens even more so this year!  With us spending so much time in our homes, having a calm relaxing outdoor space and making the most of our garden has become most homeowners top priority! Online sales have boomed for anything outdoor living or garden related, so much so that anything from timber and composite decking to garden furniture and sheds were/are in short supply - with crazy long lead times. 

PERFECT PLAN

Up until 2020, the focus on our self-build was all about the actual house and interiors but luckily we had eagerly started working on our outdoor living space with the installation of a long planter wall and decking area, which seamlessly connected to our main kitchen and dining space. Our composite decking created the perfect blank canvas for our outdoor living space, ready to bring to life in the summer of 2021.  We later created a smaller paved area using bright porcelain tiles to the side of our home.  This is where the last bit of sun hits in the evening.

We created a plan for our decking area as we would for any interior space.  This included a long bench for casual seating - which could double up as dining seating when a table is placed alongside it.  We then hoped to source a modern large outdoor corner sofa, a single sofa opposite with suitable all weather outdoor cushions and a matching table in the centre. I don’t think we were alone when we discovered back in April, that it was going to be a long wait for garden furniture, or anything garden related for that matter!  We quickly realised that if we were going to enjoy an outdoor summer - we would have to get creative! 

5 IDEAS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN

1. Furniture Fun DIY

We designed and made our own casual garden bench and then our outdoor large corner sofa and two-seater sofa with a matching table.  Using suitable timbers, which we stained and then using a specialised foam and suitable outdoor fabric, our local upholstery made all the necessary cushions.  A large parasol (which only arrived recently) gives us as much shade as required and our contemporary gas fire looks inviting and keeps us cosy at the same time.

2. Outdoor Style

Make your outdoor area super cosy and appealing by introducing colour with cushions, throws, sheepskin rugs on your seating.  Introduce lanterns with candles and decorative garden string lights and a suitable outdoor rug will help ground the entire space.  Don’t be afraid to layer different textures and fabric – it is all about making it a place that you would want to relax and enjoy the long evenings, well into the early hours.

3. Planters and Plants

Our various contemporary planters were the perfect solution to creating defined zones both on our decking and patio area.  We placed dark anthracite planters on our decking section and a lighter cement grey on the patio to provide contrast.  Lush healthy plants and herbs add colour and help bring this space to life.

4. Wonderful Water

There is something very tranquil and cooling when hear water gently flowing.  The front corner of our garden is a suntrap – all day long.  It was here that we created the ultimate retreat – a pond filled with thriving koi and goldfish and vibrant plant life including some exquisite lilies.  Our pond was designed and built by us using a mix of Wicklow granite, bricks, old terracotta tiles and decorative gravel.  We are not the only ones to gravitate to this space as many of the local frogs have decided to move in!

5. Perfect Pergola

Our pergola which we also designed and made ourselves was another welcome addition to our garden space.  While we have yet to select the perfect creeping plant for it, we have added some outdoor fairy lighting and a bird feeder for now.  On a warm sunny day, nothing beats lying under it in one of the hammocks or kicking back on the swing - it is the perfect way to unwind.

With the last of the summer evenings just upon us, there is no harm planning your garden space in ample time - to ensure that you are Summer 2022 ready!

We hope that you found this blog useful and got some inspiration for your own garden.  Please feel free to share this with any of your friends, colleagues, or family members!