Struggling to make the most of your outdoor space? You’re not alone. Many people find it difficult to use their garden well, either because it takes time and money to change or because they just don’t know how to.

However, the act of gardening or just having a garden you can spend time in can be great for your mental and physical health. In this article, we’ll dive into some simple ways to start making better use of yours.

Give things a tidy

Never underestimate the power of a tidy-up, especially in the garden. Clearing weeds, trimming trees and hedges, tidying borders with a cordless strimmer and mowing the lawn can all have a transformative effect on your outdoor space, no matter how much you have.

You may even start to find space you never knew you had and be able to picture how to make better use of it. It’s crazy the things we don’t see right in front of us sometimes! Start with a garden clear out and tidy, then see if you’ve got more options than you thought you did.

low maintainence garden

Keep it low-maintenance

If you don’t want to give yourself extra work, the best thing you can do is to keep your garden low maintenance. This will maximise the use you can get out of it without sacrificing your time and energy.

Simple choices such as opting for flower pots and raised beds or replacing the lawn with a patio or deck area can reduce the need for consistent upkeep. But low maintenance doesn’t have to mean unattractive. Embracing some wilderness or the right kinds of plants allows your garden to thrive on its own without lots of care and attention.

Choose plants wisely

The right kind of plants can exponentially add to your garden’s appearance without doing the same for your workload. Opt for things like geraniums, bulbs and wildflowers to bring an infusion of colour without needing lots of maintenance.

If you’re looking for some simple hedge options, holly and yew are slow-growing and evergreen. This means they’ll be able to withstand conditions all year round without growing out of control too quickly.

Introduce outdoor furniture

Making better use of your garden often requires places to sit and do activities. Introducing some outdoor furniture is perfect for this and can be done on a deck or patio area, or just on grass.

Chairs and tables make for lovely coffee and breakfast spots in the summer, while a BBQ area can make hosting dinners and parties much more fun. Alternatively, building a new garden shed to create a new home office or a space for relaxation can add greater functionality.