Whether you are a keen gardener or a complete novice, the blank canvas provided by a new build garden allows you to create an outside space that is perfect for you. But where do you start?
Have a plan
It may sound a bit dull when all you want to do is roll up yourselves and get planting, but the best way to get the garden of your dreams is to be clear about what you want to create in the first place. Start by drawing a scaled plan of your outdoor space and then play around with paths, seating areas, utility spaces (where your bins, washing, etc will go), and storage. Don’t forget to take into account where the sun is at different times of the day and year.
Be realistic
What type of gardener are you really? Would you prefer your garden to be a low-maintenance‘ stop and flop’ space or a plant-filled sanctuary where you while away the hours pottering? Wherever you fall on the green-fingered spectrum, be sure your garden works for you, and not the other way around.
The plants you choose will have a big impact on the amount of time needed to maintain your outdoor space. Gardens that require less tending include slower-growing shrubs, and plants that are less vigorous, or need less pruning and deadheading. If you’re unsure, it may be wise to start off with a lower maintenance garden then build up as your experience and interest levels grow.
Create privacy
We put a lot of thought behind the placement of our homes to maximise privacy, however if your garden would benefit from screening there are plenty of ways to tackle it. Growing your own screening by planting trees is one of the best solutions, although be careful to choose young-ish plants that will be size-appropriate for your garden when fully grown.
Alternative screening includes trellises and pergolas add visual interest as well as privacy. They're also a useful way of introducing height differences to gardens that’s would otherwise be relatively flat.
If these ideas have left you wanting more inspiration, then take a look at our Instagram feed where you’ll find plenty of real-life examples of beautiful new build gardens created by our customers.