6 Tips to Make Your Garden the Envy of Your Neighbours

The summer has well and truly arrived in the UK, and while your primary focus when gardening might not be to make your neighbours jealous, a little healthy competition can’t hurt. There is something special about knowing that your outdoor garden space is the envy of those living on your street.

Since your garden is likely the only part of your home that can be seen from the outside, you will undoubtedly be judged on the care and attention you put into it. Additionally, having a beautiful outdoor space will allow you to have guests round for summer parties or barbecues, so even your neighbours can enjoy it as well. Here are some tips to help you make your garden beautiful this summer.

1. Create an Alfresco Dining Area

There are few greater pleasures in life than sitting out on a terrace with a glass of wine and enjoying a home-cooked meal in the fresh summer air. So, if you are considering making some changes to your outdoor space, it could be an excellent idea to integrate an outside dining area.

Investing in a stylish garden dining set is a great option here. You can buy these in all different shapes, sizes and materials, so they can suit any style you are looking to create in your garden. When deciding on a dining set, consider your vision for your alfresco area and purchase something that will fit the image in your head.

We all know how changeable the Great British weather can be, however. So, if you are considering an alfresco dining area, you should probably invest in something to protect you from the inevitable summer showers. Therefore, it is perhaps a good idea to locate your dining space under a veranda to stave off the elements.

2. Add a Water Feature To Make Your Garden the Envy of Your Neighbours

An aquatic element to your garden can deliver more than just a luxurious vibe to your home. While they can bring character and style to an outdoor area, bodies of water like ponds can also be massively beneficial for the biodiversity in your garden.

There are various options for adding water features outdoors, which can bring a multitude of different vibes depending on what you are aiming for. Fountains are one of the most popular choices. These can deliver a wonderful, elegant aesthetic to a garden, which will undoubtedly turn your neighbours green with envy. If you seek a tranquil, relaxing garden experience, fountains can help deliver a soothing aura.

As mentioned above, ponds are another excellent option. These are brilliant for providing a thriving habitat for various organisms in your garden. Installing a pond means that you could soon have frogs or koi fish in your outdoor area, which can really add some charm to space. Surrounding the pond area with flowers or plants make it feel like a tranquil oasis in the garden.

If you are want to go for a no-expense-spared approach, consider a swimming pool or hot tub. These will undoubtedly make your home the envy of the neighbourhood. Additionally, a pool is a brilliant choice for anyone with a passion for fitness who wants to work out at home.

3. Lighting Can Transform the Space

While you have undoubtedly thought about how you want your garden to look in the daytime, you might not have thought about its appearance at night. During the summertime, you will most likely want to stay up into the night and appreciate the fruits of your labours in the garden.

As a result, you will need to consider the lighting in your garden to achieve this. While there is an obvious functional reason for installing lights, they can also be used to enhance your space aesthetically. You can purchase a range of lights that function outside either online or in your local garden centre. These can range from lamps that you hang from trees to solar-powered fairy lights to motion-activated floodlights.

Putting some thought into lighting your garden is vital, as it can transform your home in multiple ways. Not only does it extend the time in which you can use your garden, but it can also make it look even more beautiful and inviting. Ultimately, adequate lighting is needed if you plan on throwing a garden party or having friends over for an alfresco dinner. Therefore, you should not overlook this crucial element.

4. Stay On Top of Your Garden

Unfortunately, creating a garden that is the envy of the neighbours isn’t something you can simply sit back and let happen. In reality, developing your outdoor space into a beautiful area requires hard work and graft. You will never achieve the garden of your dreams if you do not put in the effort to keep on top of it.

Regular maintenance is essential for creating a stunning garden. You should try to keep on top of mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges and removing weeds from the flowerbeds. This can help your garden to stand out without even having to purchase anything new! 

If you don’t have the time (or the desire) to maintain your garden regularly, consider scaling back the size of the lawn, compartmentalizing your growing areas or consider a low-maintenance garden. These can help make regular gardening less intensive, which will help your garden stand out regardless of the effort you are willing to put in.

You could reduce the size of the lawn by building a patio area. This can extend the living space in your home. If you opt for this, you should consider the overall style you are going for in your house. For example, consider a polished concrete patio if you want to achieve a modern feel in the garden. A terrace is a perfect place to have your outdoor dining table or even a barbecue so you can cook up a storm in the great outdoors this summer.

5. Bring in a Fire Feature

With the British summertime being as unpredictable as it is, it can quickly get chilly at night. Therefore, adding a fire feature like a gas or wood-burning fireplace or a fire pit or bowl will make your garden a place you can relax until the early hours. 

There are many options available for this. Wrought iron fire bowls are always a great idea, as they are durable yet elegant, bringing both form and function to your outdoor area. Otherwise, you could opt for a full-blown fireplace, complete with a hearth mantel and chimney, for a statement piece in the garden. 

6. Throw a Party To Make Your Garden the Envy of Your Neighbours

Finally, after you have put effort into creating the perfect outdoor space, you can then relax and enjoy the results. Whether you simply want to invite some friends and family over for dinner or a barbecue or want to throw a fully-fledged garden party, there is no better way to show off your new garden than by having people over. Overall, if you consider the steps above, your guests will undoubtedly be envious of your newly renovated garden, and your home will be the talk of the neighbourhood.