For many of us, our gardens provide a space to entertain friends and family, and creating zones for specific uses can turn your garden into a practical and multi-functional extension of your home.
Create areas for specific purposes
Dividing your garden into sections will create perfect areas for entertaining, whether that’s for an intimate meal for two or a family gathering. Using timber fencing or wooden trellis panels is an easy way to do this and a diamond trellis will allow you to view the entire space without making you feel hemmed in. In smaller gardens, installing an arch will create separate areas too, creating privacy at the same time.
Adding a decked area is a great way to identify an area of the garden for a specific purpose e.g. dining. Timber decking is perennially popular as it can be stained to suit your individual taste, while eco-friendly, composite decking is available in a wide choice of colours and is maintenance-free.
Outdoor furniture
Clever use of wooden garden furniture and outdoor garden sets can yield great results but, depending on the space you have, be careful not to create clutter as this will achieve the opposite effect; aim to strike a balance between having enough seating for your guests but not too much that your garden feels cramped. For a romantic space, consider a hardwood companion seat that can be positioned in the shade of a tree to create an idyllic spot for two. Likewise, an arbour will provide seating and shade and can be used when entertaining larger numbers. When hosting an al fresco dinner or lunch party, a timber dining set is perfect.
Shelter for outdoor entertaining
A garden that provides shelter from the sun and the rain is a garden that can be used for entertaining all year round! A pergola is useful for creating a transitional space that links two areas of the garden; the canopy-style structure can be used for climbing plants that will create shade from the sun, or a roof can be added for extra protection. For larger gardens however, a gazebo will provide you with a garden room where you and your guests can sit and relax. A gazebo’s integral floor means it is the perfect spot for a picnic table or even a hot tub! Our blog ‘Should I install a gazebo or a pergola?’ will help you decide which is best for your garden.
Adding privacy
Adding privacy where needed will give the various spaces you have created more of a distinct feel. For example, a decked eating area can be separated from the children’s activity area by adding horizontal or vertical slatted timber screens, or a decorative fence panel. The addition of groups of planters will create the same effect too.
Create a focal point
Adding a focal point to each zone helps to distinguish its function. Large focal points include summer houses and gazebos. Where space is limited, however, clever positioning of a selection of planters will serve just as well. An obelisk or cascade planter will draw the eye, and a group of natural wooden planters will provide visual interest without sacrificing paths and walkways.
If you have been inspired by this guide, and try some of these ideas in your own garden, we’d love to see your photos. And you never know, you may feature in a future blog!