Simple ways to elevate your garden
Rudyard Kipling once said “Gardens are not made by singing ‘Oh, how beautiful’ and sitting in the shade” – and he was right. Even the most blousy and understated cottage gardens require a lot of elbow grease, frenetic weeding and diligent pruning.
Because, really, especially in summer, the garden becomes another living room, a place to relax or socialize surrounded by natural, seasonal beauty.
If you aren’t green fingered, you needn’t despair. There’s no shame in either employing the services of a landscaper or opting for ‘easy’ planting. In fact, there are plenty of ways to elevate your garden – whether you’ve got a diminutive city yard or a sprawling rural lawn.
Have a plan
Even if that plan doesn’t involve any actual gardening by you, you’ll still need to give your landscaper a steer. Are you into greenery or florals - or fruits? Think about flower shape – you should have a variety to add texture and depth to your beds. Also, think about when the flowers will be fully out. You’ll want some late bloomers so all the action doesn’t begin and end in May.
Fail safe, beautiful flowers for English gardens are Roses (remember to check if it’s a climber or not), Lupins, Hydrangeas and Peonies. If in doubt about the colour just choose white or cream shades.
2. Seek inspiration
This week sees Chelsea Flower Show in full swing: there is no better place to be inspired either by the heady fragrance of David Austin roses or the sprawling, wild beauty of the rewilding gardens.
But if you can’t get your hands on a ticket, rest assured there are plenty of other gardens all over the UK that can provide endless ideas for budding gardener. Some of our favourites are:
- Sissinghurst Castle Gardens in Kent for vivid, abundant blooms
- Levens Hall in Cumbria for outlandish, jaw-dropping topiary
- Kew Gardens in South West London for its world-famous glass houses
- Mount Stewart in County Down for its extraordinary gardens inspired by mythology
3. Have a well stocked potting shed
Having lovely tools will instantly elevate the gardening experience. We recommend a gardening apron: not only will you look the part but they good at keeping mud and bugs at bay as well as being useful for storing secateurs and plant labels. ND On The Green stock a real beauty complete with robust leather straps for adults and children in both Khaki and Navy Blue.
Another thing you’ll need is a pretty rustic picking basket for all your blooms or fruits. ND On The Green stocks a really lovely wooden version which is as decorative as it is practical.
Tassel Outdoor Blanket available at ND On The Green
Outdoor Blanket available at ND On The Green (click image)
Rustic Picking Basket available at ND On The Green
Rustic Picking Basket available at ND On The Green (click image)
Gardening Apron available at ND On The Green
Gardening Apron available at ND On The Green (click image)
4. Make it an outdoor room
Invest in some pretty garden furniture – wicker, rattan and even wrought iron are classic choices for chairs and tables. But if you don’t have the space or fancy a less formal set-up, then having lots of cushions and rugs will make for a relaxed, picnic-style vibe. ND On The Green has the perfect blankets for outdoor lounging – they’re soft, not too thick and come in understated neutral shades.
Lanterns and festoon lights are always a good idea, too.
5. Add mirrors to small gardens
This is hardly a well-kept secret – people have been using mirrors to expand small spaces inside for years. But in cosier gardens, a carefully positioned, generous antique mirror will add yards to the yard!