With outdoor socialising still very much on the agenda for 2022, you won’t be the only one looking for inspiring gardening and landscaping ideas. Make your outdoor space inviting for friends and family with modern garden design features, such as a stylish fire pit or barbecue area.

New garden trends have emerged during the pandemic. We love the garden gym trend, either in a converted shed or garden room. In need of some cheap gardening and landscaping ideas? Replace a tired old fence with a contemporary wooden, metal or wire design. Even a small change can add value and style, helping you enjoy your space. Whether you have a small garden or a simple front yard, overhaul your outdoor space with our top 5 ideas, below.

1. A garden gym will make your outdoor space work hard

A garden gym might sound luxurious, but it’s a really practical and affordable solution that’s perfect for gym bunnies or those trying to create a healthier lifestyle. If you’re short on living space, but have a decent sized garden, create an inspiring workout space by converting an old shed or building a sleek garden room.

Looking for a builder? Find a vetted builder by posting your job on Rated People​.

2. Transform your garden with contemporary fencing

If you’re looking for a way to section your garden, create more privacy, or simply smarten up your space, fencing is an affordable way to update your garden and make it more enjoyable to spend time in. We particularly love trellis fences, which encourage climbing plants and allow sunlight to pass through, perfect for growing shrubs and flowers.

Want to revamp your fencing? Post a job to receive quotes from our trusted fencing specialists.

3. Get summer ready with a barbecue area

There’s nothing better than having friends and family over for a huge barbecue on a sunny afternoon. The key to a good barbecue isn’t just the type of grill you have, but the way you style the area around it. Make it a welcoming feature with paving, seating, lighting and a table to hold your feast.

Find a local tradesperson to build your patio, on Rated People.

4. Be the envy of family and friends with a fire pit

Fire pits create a warm, cosy atmosphere and provide light for evening socialising. They come in all shapes and sizes – including freestanding bowls and chimeneas. So, even if you have a small space, you’ll be able to find a style that works. 

5. Fine-tune your irrigation and sprinkler system

A timed irrigation and sprinkler system will help you save time and money. They can also be very precise, using smart technology to evaluate weather and soil conditions to distribute water exactly when and where it’s needed – perfect for growing seedlings, fruit and vegetables.

Need a sprinkler system? Find a vetted plumber by posting your job on Rated People.

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Lots of us get our gardens in shape for summer. Wouldn’t it be great if those improvements also made your garden perfect for spending time in all year round? Watch our latest video to hear Ricky from Pride Landscape and Design’s top 6 garden features that’ll transform yours into an outdoor haven, no matter the season.

After watching the video, see how these features could look in your garden, below.

A social space

Last year, 44% of UK homeowners said they wouldn’t have been able to see family members if they didn’t have a garden/outside space (according to the Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report: 2021). Now that many of us can host friends and family in our gardens, it’s time to create an inviting outdoor space that’s ideal for all your get-togethers.

Skip to 00:11 in the video to hear Ricky’s top 5 features to consider when creating a social space.

A space for the kids

Keep the kids entertained for hours with outdoor play equipment. Let their imaginations run wild with a magical treehouse or encourage play in even the smallest of gardens with a compact swing.

For some more outdoor play equipment options, go to 01:15 in the video.

Year-round colour

Some fruit trees, such as pear trees, look great throughout the year. They produce springtime blossoms, autumnal leaves and appetising fruits in the summer. If you’ve got a small garden, opt for an espalier (a tree or shrub that’s trained to grow flat against a wall or other sturdy structure).

Skip to 01:27 in the video to see how Ricky showed a client what colour different plants would be at each time of year, before he planted them. This helped them to be sure their outdoor space would look vibrant, even in the winter.

Bringing the home and garden together

You might not have thought about what your garden looks like from indoors. But, this plays a big part in making your outdoor space feel like part of your home. Plus, if you’re working from home, a beautiful garden view could even help improve your productivity.

Discover how certain features can bring your outdoor and indoor spaces together by going to 01:48 in the video.

Sheltered area

A garden shelter, like a pergola, offers the all the protection you need from the rain, sun and wind. Skip to 02:19 in the video to see a bespoke half-and-half shelter that Ricky made for a client, to provide shade in the summer and shelter in the winter. A gardener or landscaper can create something similar for your all year round garden.

Lighting

One of Ricky’s tips for all budgets is to install garden lights. They’re helpful when you’re having a cuppa in the garden on a misty morning or if you’re having guests over on a dusky evening.

See how lighting can bring practical and aesthetic value to your garden, by going to 02:45 in the video.

The post How to keep your garden beautiful all year round appeared first on Rated People Blog.