Everyone dreams of having the most perfectoutdoor space where they can relax and unwind, or host get-togethers with friends and family. But when it comes to designing your ideal outdoor space, it can be tricky to know where to start. We’ve pulled together this article to give you a brief overview of what you’ll need to consider, so read on for some food for thought! 

What Elements to Consider 

Hardscaping  
Also called hard landscaping—involves the aspects of garden design that incorporate non-living elements, like paving, fencing, walls, decking, and driveways. Together, these elements have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your garden. In this article, we’ll look at some creative hardscaping ideas, cover how to budget for hard landscaping and highlight the pros and cons of doing it yourself versus calling in the professionals. 
Creative Hard Landscaping 
 
Getting creative with your hardscaping can create new focal points in your garden, so don’t be afraid to think beyond the basics. Adding lights, extra furniture and steps between different levels, for example, can create depth and detail, drawing the eye to a particular part of your garden you want to stand out. Ornaments, water features and pops of colour also help bring a touch of your personality into your outdoor space. 
If you have a bigger space to work with, mixing hard and soft landscaping is another great way to make your garden more interesting – for example, you could surround a large, central patio with plants and small trees to separate it from the rest of your garden. 
 
Budgeting for Hard Landscaping 
The hard landscaping elements of your new garden are likely to make up the largest portion of the overall cost, so it’s really important to budget for these as early as possible. By doing a little research into your options for different materials, you’ll have a good idea of what’s achievable and what falls outside your budget. For example, you might want to weigh up the price difference between decking and paving before planning the rest of your garden around one or the other. A professional garden designer will be able to advise you on anything you might not have thought about, too, which can save you from unexpected costs later down the line. 
DIY vs Professional Hard Landscaping 
 
While some aspects of hard landscaping are doable for anyone with a good hand for DIY, others are best left to the professionals. To help you decide what route to take, it’s a good idea to get some quotes and advice before making any decisions. Remember, while doing things yourself will always be cheaper, getting a job done professionally is usually a worthwhile investment – especially if you want to enjoy your garden for many years to come. A professional will be able to overcome unforeseen obstacles and potentially save you from making costly mistakes along the way, not forgetting getting those outstanding finishes.  
 
The Bottom Line 
Hard landscaping is a crucial part of any garden design, incorporating elements like fencing, patios, paving, decking, lighting, and water features. By carefully pairing hardscaping with soft features like lawns and foliage, you can create an interesting and beautiful garden that’s also functional and will stand the test of time. 
 

Our Top Tips 

Here are some of the top things to consider when having your outdoor space designed 
Before you start, think about how you want to use your garden—do you need space for children to play, do you want to host outdoor gatherings, or perhaps you want to grow your own vegetables? Knowing your priorities will help you create a garden that you’ll love for years to come. 
If you have a smaller garden, dividing it into sections—each with a different purpose—can help you maximise the space. It can also create the illusion of a bigger garden. 
You may not have the space for large flower beds or trees. Instead, you could turn walls and fences into vertical living spaces by incorporating climbing plants and hanging baskets. Mirrors and wall art can add extra character, as well. 
If your garden is overlooked, consider adding screens, a pergola or a few carefully placed trees into your design to give you some extra privacy. 
Sticking to a small palette of colours and textures throughout your garden can make it feel more harmonious and put-together. 

Still Stuck? 

If you need a little more inspiration, or you’re ready to bring your vision of your perfect garden to life,  
please contact us on 0115 671 3197, send an e-mail to: info@garyjameslandscapes.co.uk  
or visit www.garyjameslandscapes.co.uk to see how we can help.  
 
We look forward to helping you transform your outdoor space. 
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