An outdoor space to entertain, relax, and spend quality family time is a great addition to any home.
If you have a garden but don’t feel you are making full use of it, there are lots of things you can do to transform it into a functional space. If you have children, it can be even harder to find a balance, but with a bit of forethought and careful planning, you can create a garden that you and your children will adore.
Bees and butterflies
Planting flowers and shrubs in your garden will provide you with an opportunity to teach your kids of all ages about nature. Bees are attracted to purple flowers and plants more so than any others, so if you want to attract them to your garden, stock the likes of lavender or allium.
Butterflies are simply beautiful and usually adored by kids, so if you want them to flock to your garden, plant flowers such as Aromatic Aster, which typically bloom until November. As well as providing color, they are also a much needed late-season pollen source for both butterflies and bees. If you prefer not to create a fixed planted out area in your garden, cast stone or ceramic planters are a far more flexible option.
Another great way to attract nature to your garden is to hang bird or squirrel feeders on fences or trees. They come in a range of sizes and can be filled quickly and easily whenever they need to be replenished.
Somewhere to play
If you have young children, it’s a good idea to have a specific area for them to play in. This not only ensures that your adult space remains intact, but also makes it far easier to keep an eye on them.
A sandpit is a great addition to any garden, or if you like the idea something a bit less messy, a water table can keep kids entertained for hours. If you have space for something a bit bigger, a swing set, slide, or climbing frame is something to consider. They aren’t cheap, but they last for years and are sure to be a hit with your kids and all their friends. Some activity sets may need to be concreted into the ground so be sure to follow any safety guidelines before letting your kids use them.
An area to relax
There are few things nicer on a warm summer day than sitting in the garden relaxing. If you don’t already have a dedicated seating area in your garden, why not create one? Decking is a great option, particularly if your garden isn’t very flat. With some timber and a bit of hard work, you can create an amazing space.
Many people like to zone their decking into different areas so they have a place to eat, a place to cook, and a place to chill. With some comfortable seating, a place to dine, and some modern outdoor lighting, you can create an area the whole family will love spending time in.
