At the time of writing this article, the UK is in the grips of a snowstorm, but that doesn't mean that we can't still look ahead to spring and think about all the fabulous things we want to do to our gardens! In fact, ask any landscape architect and they'll tell you that mow is EXACTLY the time to start making plans, so we thought it might be a good idea to show you some brilliant ideas.
You won't need to be an expert gardener to be able to imitate any of these super outdoor additions, so why not choose an aesthetic that you'd like to create, such as a modern or even minimalist garden and get planning!
A great way to make sure that flowerbeds are kept neat and tidy, a mixture of different stone chips is a wonderful way to add practicality and style to any outdoor space. They'll prevent weeds from growing too.
Dwarf shrubs are terrific, as they add serious pizazz to a garden but don't need a lot of pruning or maintenance. If you opt for evergreen varieties, they will look great all year, instead of dying off and leaving your borders looking sparse.
Urban gardens are amazing, but need slightly different care than rural ones, if they are to flourish. We think that decorative stone designs, particularly in the front garden, look absolutely astounding and moreover, they can bring a real touch of zen into play.
For the look of a well curated garden without any of the upkeep and fuss, stunning plants and trees can simply be planted in large flowerpots. Modern, pretty and easy to change up, flowerpots make for a very neat and ordered design.
Romantic garden corners are a joy to include, as they offer a sweet little reflection zone as well as a chance to include some handy seating. You could even combine it with a few of the other elements already discussed here, such as gorgeous stone chops and fantastic flowerpots.
If you have a crafty side and love making new and exciting items for your home and garden, how about upcycling some pallet wood into striking shabby chic planters? What a great way to create a fabulous patio focal point without spending much money!
If plants are all very well and good but you fancy adding a little more exoticness to your garden, how about cordoning off an area where you can try your hand at growing some fruit? Strawberries are fantastically easy to look after and can even be grown in hanging baskets.
What garden can't be improved with a wonderful water feature? Whether you have space to put in a pond or can find a spot for a fountain, the sound and aesthetic of trickling water will add a serious dose of zen and timeless style to your garden.
Let's say that you only have a courtyard garden to play with. You need to get a little more creative, right? Well, we think that these upcycled louvre shutter wall hangings are a fantastic idea to copy. Perfect for adding some wow-factor to dull walls, they could also be used for a little herb garden too.
Gardens are supposed to be refreshing, fun and pretty little outdoor havens, so why not take things down a notch and stick to the simple idea of adding some piquant doses of colour to your flowerbeds? A few hardy little perennials are all you need, so choose the boldest colours that you can!
For a high-impact but low maintenance garden, you can't go far wrong with cacti. They love to be surrounded by stone chips, need little to no water and always add to a striking and unusual aesthetic that will make a big impression and be hard to forget.
For more potential garden plans, take a look at this Ideabook: Low-maintenance garden ideas.
