Ronan O’Dowd from AG Outside Rooms shares his top landscaping lessons for maximising your outdoor space and adding value to your property

There was once a time when British gardens sat largely unused except for the sporadic BBQ upon sighting the sun. However, 2020 and beyond saw unprecedented investment in outdoor areas as it became the only way to connect with loved ones, bringing with it a new appreciation for our outside spaces.

Despite our questionable weather, homeowners are now embracing al fresco living and viewing their gardens as a true extension of their house, another room to eat, drink, play and relax in. However large or small your space is, here are some ways to get more out of your exterior and maximise your homes kerb appeal.

CONSIDER THE HOUSE

Your house plays a critical piece of the puzzle when designing your outdoor space. The design and architecture of your home can help influence the space outdoors, for example a cottage style garden compliments a country home whereas a minimalist garden helps set off a more modern building. 

THINK ABOUT PROPORTIONS

If your garden is flat, plants will add more kerb appeal than small pretty flowers. Use repetitions (midsize shrubs to line a path or a row of shrubs) and choose pieces that are inspired by and complement the shape and size of the house. This will create an instant impact.

ALFRESCO DINING

People are now viewing their outdoor space as another room to eat, drink, play, and relax, providing tradespeople with a new challenge of bringing the indoors out. One way to do this is investing in an outdoor kitchen, something that has been gaining popularity as people transition the hearth of the home outdoors. 

Nothing says ‘wow’ like an outdoor kitchen area – and it means you won’t have to step inside and lose a moment of the fresh warm summer air. By combining walling and flag ranges, it is possible to create fully functioning outdoor kitchens and bars, including a BBQ, pizza oven, or even a smoker. 

EDIBLE GARDENING

Edible gardening has grown in popularity – irrespective of whether you find yourself in an urban enclave or a country garden. Living walls and herbs in window pots are great if you are short of space and if you have a large garden why not try and grow your own vegetable patch. Not only do they look great, but they can also be used for daily living. Brick and walling products can be used to complete the look.

EMBRACE NATURE

If the clean-cut look isn’t your thing, then embrace nature. Gather stones and rocks in their natural state – jagged edges and all. Incorporating water features offset by large stones makes for an interesting addition to your garden. Cobble-style blocks are great for creating a water feature, finished with an array of quarry stones at the base giving your garden a rugged feel.

CREATE A GARDEN INSPIRED BY YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION

Rest and relaxation doesn’t have to wait until your next holiday. Create a garden inspired by your favourite destination and you can escape all year round. Vanquish the stresses of everyday life with a tranquil zen paradise or opt for something bright with a striking Moroccan paradise. For a taste of Italy, Canterra flagstones and Long Stone paving allow you to bring the feel of a beautiful Italian square to your own back garden.

GO GRASS FREE

If you want a low-maintenance approach then introducing paving, flag and retaining wall systems may be the answer to your problems. These are easy to keep and provide a reliably flat surface to allow for family occasions. It also means children can play in all seasons without the risk of muddy feet!

LIGHTING

Lighting is a key component in any garden design. It enables a seamless transition from day to night. Incorporating great lighting ideas ensures that al fresco living can be enjoyed even as night falls.

Lighting can massively impact the ambience of any room, but the outdoors is no exception. No longer included for the sole purpose of illuminating a space, clients now require careful consideration when choosing light fittings and locations. When planning your patio ideas, it is vital to create sufficient light without losing that sense of intimacy and tranquillity.

HARDSCAPING

Shine the spotlight on your garden by using hardscape elements to improve kerb appeal. Introducing curves and circles as well as different laying patterns and a range of colours and heights will add depth, interest, and colour to your garden.

No matter what size of outdoor space you have, it is possible to use it to add value to your property and create a charming outdoor space that you can enjoy throughout the year.

Ronan O’Dowd is landscape designer at AG Outside Rooms