Last year, despite Brits spending a reported £16 billion on their gardens, one third of garden owners still felt unhappy with the way their green space looked, and a quarter still wished that their gardens were more colourful. Whether you’re inspired by the Botanical Gardens at Fletcher Moss Park, looking to add your personality to your new build or simply want a cheerful space to BBQ in the warmer weather, there’s plenty of ways to brighten up your garden. The first step is to think about how you’d like to use the space; then you can get creative.
Get into the zone
Garden planning often used to be a balancing act between the kids’ desires for football goals and trampolines, and adults looking for space to entertain friends and relax in peace. Nowadays, there’s a third factor to consider; 11% of job vacancies in Greater Manchester currently specify home-working, and this figure is set to rise, meaning a larger number of people may be looking to build home offices in their garden. One way to accommodate everyone’s needs is to zone your space. Take inspiration from GardenPatch’s modern edging ideas to create distinct areas, using materials which suit your property and lifestyle. By identifying different roles for different parts of the garden, and separating them stylishly, you can achieve a space that works for everyone.
Creating a buzz
Of course, no self-respecting Manchester garden can ignore its bee population. The popular symbol of the city is in decline, with 1,000 British bees at risk of extinction. In order to protect pollinators, and give bees a boost, you should avoid using pesticides and encourage wild flower patches, as well as planting flowers which bees love, such as lavender, sunflowers and bluebells. You could also build an insect house to offer shelter, with a shallow dish of water in the warmer weather.
Planning for all-year interest
The great British weather is gloriously unpredictable, so a good strategy for garden planting is to plan for something of interest all year. While spring is rich in tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, you could plant some perennials to give you easy colour through the summer: erigerons, potentillae, and certain wallflowers are all likely to stay cheerful throughout the period. Don’t forget to plan for some winter options too, to cheer up grey days. Winter aconites, cyclamen and flowering heather can provide a much needed pop of colour. You could also paint any sheds or garden tables in bright hues, and put in solar lights or outdoor-safe fairy lights for an all year glow.
Whether you’re simply looking for a refresh, working from home and looking to maximise your space, or recently moved and ready to inject your own personality into your new garden, you can have a lot of fun with a little planning. Create zones to accommodate multiple uses, and then select flowers and plants to provide colour and cheer all year round. By designing a garden that’s bee friendly, you can also pay homage to the city’s cheerful emblem. That’s bound to put a smile on your face, whatever the weather.
