Tags: bed, beds, garden, gardening, gardening raised beds, gardening raised beds uk, gardening raised beds uk 2, raised
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Tips For Inside And Outside Living
With the Spring bulbs once again starting to poke through our garden's previously frozen soil, we are now entering that time of year when many of us gardeners start getting very busy indeed. March is always the time of year when those garden chores like the pruning back certain varieties of roses and fruit trees, sowing grass seed and preparing raised beds for their summer and autumn harvests well and truly gets underway.
However, for many people, it's also the time of year when they can again start considering their extra room to their house. I am of course referring to their 'outdoor living' area where many a warm sunny evening will no doubt be wiled away with a cool Gin and Tonic or summer Barbecue.
The term 'Inside/Outside Living' began being used on televisions many home and garden shows. For some, the idea of Inside/Outside living really refers to a decked area and a table and chairs, and where opportunity (and weather!) permits, using this area to eat, drink and socialise.
Garden architecture design has definitely changed over recent years though, in so much as some people have taken the concept of Inside/Outside living a step further...literally. Instead of simply having an area of garden reserved for table and chairs, some have actually designed their garden so it actually meets the home. This is very often through the use of patio doors or large glass windows butting right up to the garden's deck area without stepping up, or down. The advent of the increasingly popular 'glass curtain' has meant some lucky home owners can literally peel back the physical boundary between property and garden.
Whilst many readers of this article might think that those most likely to benefit from taking this more adventurous, planned approach would be owners of sprawling country properties with acres of rolling grounds, you'd be very mistaken indeed. Some of the best examples of real Indoor/outdoor Living can be seen in urban environments. The large terrace houses which grace the South London suburbs for example, often have extensions bolted to the back of the building. Simply changing the rear facing wall of the extension so it features more glass (we've seen examples of 'all glass' walls) can help bring the garden into the home, on even the gloomiest of British summer days. At best, the joys and smells of the garden can be encouraged to waft into the property when warm enough to peel back the glass facade.
Other suggestions to help create a perfect Inside/Outside living area include:
Sound: How about creating sounds that can be heard inside the main living area from the outdoors? Maybe the sound of relaxing trickling water? Wind chimes always work well.
Wildlife: Encourage birds to feed on feeders near to the back of the property. Grow shrubs and plants which will encourage pollinating insects. One of the cheapest and most common of bedding plants, the Marigold, is perfect for attracting the likes of bees and ladybirds, which in turn actually help defend your garden from common pests like aphids (greenfly, cabbage and carrot fly etc).
Lighting: Unfortunately the seasons in Northern Europe make it pretty much impossible to enjoy outdoor living area all year round without some practical heating solutions. But by using lighting wisely, the garden can at least be seen, and indeed feel, like part of the rest of the property all year round. Why not try solar powered lighting on decked areas and let the sun neutralise your electricity bill a little? Sunken deck lights work extremely well and surprisingly can look better in the colder months. And don't forget low level coloured spotlights - a throw of light across a flower bed near the rear of your property not only aids security but also looks like an outside version of the indoor Standard Lamp.
If like many, you are an avid Barbecue enthusiast, why not build a custom outdoor cooking area? Spanish architecture brick Barbecues are becoming increasingly popular and literally give you an outdoor kitchen area. Think wisely about your planting and you can go from plot to plate in minutes (ever tried growing your own Asparagus or Peas and serving them immediately?) Your outdoor plots are capable of producing a constant churn of 'cut and come again' produce.
So, if like many you start to feel claustrophobic at this time of year after enduring one of the worst winters the UK has seen in 3 decades, you can now start considering your outdoor living area. Don't let the rain stop you either - invest in a decent parasol and a wood burning Chiminea and after 1 or two of the aforementioned G&T's you'll not even notice our typical British Summer.
About the Author
The author resides in the UK and works in the newmedia industry. He has recently completed a new website for Outdoor Creations, the experts for
Kent garden design
and
Surrey garden design
. Visit their site at: Outdoor-Creations.co.uk for excellent information, designs and images.
For more information on this subject click this link
Gardening Tips & Articles and Thank You for visiting Pines To Prairie - Bookmark this page and check back often.
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