Feelin’ Fresh: Updating Your Outdoor Space, Even Though It’s Chilly

*Collaborative Post

You might be thinking that being outside and updating your garden in the winter is the last thing you want to be doing, however, each season brings plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy this space you have, no matter how many layers you need to wear to stay warm. The change in the leaves, scenery and wildlife can all bring the perfect opportunity for beautiful photos and provide you with an environment where you can clear your head with plenty of fresh air. It’s currently the festive season and with New Year’s Eve just around the corner, it’s a great excuse for a winter BBQ and to get your besties over for an evening of frolics. It’s time to stockpile the blankets, gloves, and scarves, and begin planning how you’re going to make more of your outdoor space and updating your garden, whatever the weather.

So, don’t wait until spring and summer to make an effort with your garden, let’s get on it now! However big or small your budget may be, there are an array of things you can to do to update your garden and ensure it doesn’t become neglected. With a little thought and planning, your garden can easily become one of your favourite spaces, not to mention increasing the value of your home as a whole. The following are some ideas and inspiration for those who want to improve their garden and enjoy getting outside more for the rest of the year and beyond.

Wrapping Up And Tidying Up

The first thing you can do for updating your garden space is to get out there and tidy up! Sweep and rake-up any leaves that have fallen (these will make a great pile, perfect for jumping into), get rid of any twigs, branches and other garden litter that can make a mess. Even better, if you get a dry weekend you could mow the grass and trim the edges of the lawn. All that garden equipment that’s been lying around, cluttering up your outdoor area will also need a home, so it’s worth investing in garden storage to keep the space neat and fresh. Depending on your budget you could pop up a tiny shed that will house all the items that only get utilized during the warm weather.

Or, perhaps you could put up a structure that you can both store items in and spend time inside, like a summer house or garden office. It’s always worth checking your rights regarding what and where you can build structures in your garden, so make sure that you get reputable help and advice and learn from any mistakes you may have made in the future. The same goes for your hedges, fences, and if you want to plant or cut down trees that may encroach onto their land. Do your homework beforehand for a stress-free and seamless outdoor renovation project. If you don’t want to replace hedges and fences it’s worth updating them with a trim or a coat of paint or wood stain. Fix any gaps or hole in wooden or brick divides this will instantly uplift your garden space and you won’t be embarrassed to invite guests over to hang out and watch the new year fireworks or to enjoy a winter BBQ.

Pulling out dead plants, removing broken pots and weeds is another way to tidy your outdoor environment. Sweep your patio or decking areas too and you’ll ensure your garden looks shiny and new for any get-togethers. You can clean the outside of your house’s windows, including any ledges and frames and you’ll soon be pleasantly surprised at what an improvement a few hours of freshening up can make. Also, it’s the perfect excuse to reward yourself with a festive hot chocolate afterwards.

A Space To Enjoy Yourself

The best way to enjoy and utilise your garden more is to create an area that you can chill out and relax with friends, eat or enjoy a drink in the fresh air and generally add another room to your home. Therefore, your patio and decking (that you cleaned up earlier) should become a place to focus your efforts. Look into updating your garden further by adding new furniture, a table and chairs and maybe some comfy seating will ensure that you’re tempted to hang outside more. You can stock up the little storage space you built with warm throws, blankets and scatter cushions– perfect to bring out during a garden party or BBQ. Speaking of barbeques, keeping yours clean and maintained all year round will allow you to cook outside more often and will encourage you to throw that New Year’s party you’ve been planning.

Autumn and winter bring longer, darker and colder nights, therefore the lighting and any heat you can provide in your outdoor space will make a great addition to the garden. Solar power lamps are an economical way to light up the space around your lawn and festoon light or outdoor string lighting will give your garden the party vibes all year round, not to mention a Pinterest-worthy aesthetic! Patio heaters and fire pits will bring plenty of warmth to your shindigs or evenings outside, they’ll also provide another source of light and perhaps a place to toast marshmallows too.

Even if you’re not in the mood to throw a party you can still invest in a bench or an outdoor seat that you can wrap yourself up in and enjoy your morning coffee as you watch the sun come up. If there’s a particular area of your garden that you’re proud of pop a seat in front of it or nearby and enjoy the view more often. Again, it’s always worth investing in some professional help and advice regarding areas you might lack inspiration or knowledge with. Companies like ABC Landscape Design are worth looking into you’ll be able to get some ideas on how to make the most of the space you have in your garden. Telling the experts what it is you want from your outside space, will allow them to offer you the best designs and plenty of ideas that you may not have considered. You’ll have somewhere lovely to pop that firepit before you know it.

Remembering The Green Stuff

Winter can be a beautiful season, with plenty of colour changes in the foliage and new wildlife to liven up your garden. However, winter can also seem a little bleak, especially before any crisp white snow arrives and with all the bare branches. Therefore, it’s worth looking into plants that will last you all year round, like evergreens and climbing plants for your fences and walls. Head to your nearest garden centre and talk to an expert (they’re coming in handy, aren’t they?) about what you can add to this space that will still bring your garden a flash of green and maybe a red berry or two. Updating your garden doesn’t need to be difficult it can be about cleverly adding plants to areas you may have previously overlooked too.

You can add small trees with ease to your patio space, invest in some decorative pots and you’ll ensure that your patio looks gorgeous no matter how cold it is outside. The evergreen shrubs and trees could also be the perfect place to string up some fairy lights. Investing in your garden will give you an extra room to your property and you’ll have an area you want to enjoy more often, so it’s well worth the effort.

Good luck with updating your garden and I really hope these tips help you to create an outdoor space you can truly love.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.

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