With summer finally hitting the UK and social distancing restrictions easing throughout England, we can finally make the most of our gardens again.
Having your own outside space to play, relax and entertain is an important factor when looking for your next family home. That’s why we work with multi-award-winning landscape architects and long-term collaborator, Barnes Walker, to design perfect family gardens.
With more than 30 years experience, combined with our high-quality craftsmanship, we have created a perfect collection of family gardens across our developments, including Bank Farm Grove and The Place in Sale.
Here are our top tips on how to achieve the perfect summer garden.
1. Light up the space
One simple way to improve your garden is with outdoor lighting. Both practical and aesthetic, the right lighting can really make your garden an extension of the living room and will allow you to make the most of those warm summer nights.
There are plenty of options on the market for all budgets, including solar-powered floor lights that can be easily placed around your garden and fairy lights, which will make your garden look like an Instagram hotspot.
2. Add some colour
Nothing will brighten up your garden more than colourful flowers.
If you’re not a gardening expert, there are planter bundles available to simply place and leave – with the occasional watering, of course.
But if you want to get your hands dirty in the garden, it’s not too late. Flowering plants such as begonias and geraniums flower throughout the summer and are available in a range of colours.
3. Prepare for shelter
Even if all signs are pointing to a scorcher of a summer this year, there’s no denying that the British weather is unpredictable. Having a little bit of extra shelter to protect you from the elements, be it sun or rain, means you’ll be able to get the most out of your garden all year round.
You can go for a more permanent feature, such as this timber arbour seat to cosy up under regardless of the weather, or a colourful parasol to add extra elegance – and weather protection – to your garden.
There are also plenty of options if you want to double up on practicality – garden tiki bar anyone?
4. A private sanctuary
We want our gardens to be our own peaceful sanctuaries, as much as our homes are. An element of privacy and personal space makes the garden even more relaxing.
All Bank Farm Grove gardens are fitted with contemporary wooden fencing, including matching timber gates, to provide each homeowner with a fully enclosed space that is completely theirs.
If you want to add even more privacy to your garden, you can use trellises, climbing plants, and hedges to keep your garden even more secluded.
5. And of course… firepits
Fire pits seem to be having a moment in the UK, with sales of them soaring. After months of been stuck at home with the garden as the only getaway, it seems everyone wanted to add an extra touch of Love Island luxury.
There’s a fire pit available for every price range, with Argos, The Range and Selfridges all selling their versions.
Not only do they create an impressive focal point to your garden, but they also increase the cosiness for those inevitably cooler summer nights.
Let us know how you’re making the most of your garden on Instagram, tag us using @altinluxury or #altinhomes.