Read on for our guide to backyards, and how even those with busy lifestyles and limited time can create an attractive, low maintenance space, right on their back doorstep - perfect for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying.
Set the boundaries
Fencing serves an obvious purpose; providing privacy from your neighbours and marking your boundaries, but it's one of the first things that can be overlooked in a garden and is often neglected. The condition of your fencing can reflect on your property, especially if it's at the front of your house, so it's really important to make sure it's looked after and in good condition. It really doesn't need to take a lot of effort either, and a well maintained fence sends out a really positive image of your property to visitors and passer-bys.
Fencing needs to withstand all seasons - it could face strong sunlight in summer and battering rain in winter. To ensure that it is protected and stays looking as good as new, make sure you apply a preserver such as Ronseal Eco Shed and Fence preserver.
A great way to brighten up a dull backyard is to give your fence a splash of colour. Ronseal's new Woodland Trust Colours, inspired by British woodland. These are great for smaller areas as they reflect the light and help to create the illusion of space, giving your outdoor area a natural look. It's important to establish the boundaries of your space before you begin ' if you share your backyard with a neighbour, make them aware of your plans, as this is one of the most common neighbourly disputes.
Let me entertain you
Your backyard can act as an extension of your house in summer. Whether it's a quiet alfresco drink after work, a BBQ or full blown garden party, you can create an enjoyable area in just a few easy steps. Look at your backyard through the eyes of a newcomer; is it an inviting space for guests; are there weeds or prickly shrubs? If so, eliminate them and replace them with something more attractive and guest-friendly.
It's also important to ensure that your backyard can comfortably accommodate your guests - in the same way that your lounge or dining room can. Look at your outdoor furniture - do you have a table and chairs, and what condition are they in? You can easily spruce up old, tired wooden furniture with garden furniture oil. Choose a water-based product, that's kind to the environment too such as Ronseal Eco Hardwood Garden Furniture Oil.
Any seating arrangement can work for your guests but you need to determine the best layout for your space. Depending upon the shape and size of your backyard, you may choose to go for multiple smaller seating groups, one large dining area and folding chairs. A large parasol is also good idea for sun - and more likely, rain. Think about lighting too if you're going to be out there in the evening, again, choose lighting that matches the rest of your garden, whether it's bold electric lamps or more natural-looking gas lanterns or candles.
Finally, avoid any kind of gas or electric patio heater as these are terrible for the environment. Just wear an extra jumper!
Style it
When considering the design of your backyard, take your time and don't be tempted to be drawn into the latest design fad. Choose a theme that works for you and is in keeping with the style of your property, whether it's country chic, modern and contemporary or even a Japanese rock garden. Deciding on a focal point for your garden is a good place to start for your theme, as you can then work back the design from there. If you can, let this be influenced by an existing feature, as this will save time and money. Alternatively, look for unique plants such as a Tree Fern or a Bonsai or consider a pergola, gazebo or decking feature. Most backyards need only one or two focal points.
Other garden design features worth considering, include accessories, paths, and backdrops. Adding garden accessories such as benches, 'design-led' wood blocks, water and stone features, urns, statues and other ornamental objects will enliven the garden. However, these should be used sparingly to avoid a cluttered appearance and accessories should also match the style of the garden.
Keeping it easy
If you're after a low maintenance space, avoid turfing your backyard as a lawn is one of the most time consuming features in a garden. Instead opt for a hard surface such as decking, which is great for small spaces as it adds height and the elevated level will make your garden appear bigger. Decking is an investment, so be sure to protect it with a high performance good quality product containing such as Ronseal Eco Decking Stain.
Many landscapes will look spectacular during the growing season but when autumn or winter comes, there is hardly anything left to see. Choose plants that won't lose their foliage or evergreen such as Fatfia, Japonica, Varigated Phorium and Topiaried Evergreens. Consider all aspects including colour, texture, growing habits, form and size. You canât go far wrong with a mixture of shrubs, conifers and grasses if you want to cut your work down. Ideal low maintenance plants are the sort that look good over as long a period as possible, but don't need a lot of fussing over. If you are planning on backyard lighting put it in the design now. Then when you start to install your plants you can easily hide your wires.
Once youâve done all of the above, all you need is some sunny weather - something I canât help with!
For more information visit www.ronseal.co.uk or www.WoodlandTrust.org.uk/Ronseal.
