When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. You know the saying. But you may not have heard of lemonading, an emerging garden trend that focuses on making your garden’s imperfections work in your favour - and following this summer’s relentless heatwaves, now is the perfect time to get started.

One thing that’s abundantly clear from this year’s garden trends is that resilient, hardy gardens are everyone’s goal in 2026. We want plants that withstand heatwaves and landscaping ideas that can go toe to toe with flood risk, and it needs to look good while doing so.

Interestingly, the lemonading approach is one of the best ways to achieve a resilient garden. By embracing your garden’s flaws, rather than trying to ‘fix’ them, you can build an outdoor space that can withstand the elements and look good all year round.

What is lemonading?

While a perfectly manicured garden is no more than a dream for most of us. I’m not saying it to be disheartening, but your garden will have flaws, and instead of wasting time, money and energy trying to fix them, why not embrace them? Plus, considering your garden is probably a little battered and bruised after this year’s intense heatwave, there are likely plenty of imperfections to embrace.

‘As a gardener, I think the 'lemonading' trend is a really positive approach, particularly after the recent heatwaves. The idea comes from the saying 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade', and in the garden it's all about turning challenges into opportunities rather than focusing on what's gone wrong,’ says Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys.

‘For me, ‘lemonading’ means working with nature instead of against it. If a plant struggles in the heat, I see it as a chance to find a variety that's better suited to those conditions. If a self-seeded flower appears somewhere unexpected and thrives, I'll often embrace it rather than pull it out. It's about being flexible, creative and open-minded.’

Naturally, this trend lends itself to wildlife-friendly garden ideas and rewilding as it encourages us to let nature influence our gardens.

‘Some of the most beneficial things we can do for nature come from allowing our gardens to be a little less controlled. By giving plants space to grow, welcoming wildflowers and creating habitats for insects and other wildlife, we can turn small garden moments into something that has a much bigger impact,’ adds Dr Emily Attlee, conservation scientist and co-founder of the original seed ball company, Seedball.

How to follow the trend

‘Lemonading in the garden is about working with nature rather than trying to control every element of your outdoor space. It could be as simple as leaving a small patch of lawn to grow longer, allowing wildflowers to self-seed, or planting a mix of native and wildlife-friendly flowers that will provide food for pollinators throughout the seasons,’ says Dr Emily.

‘Instead of removing every plant that appears unexpectedly, take a moment to see what it might be. Many wild plants that are often considered weeds can be incredibly valuable sources of nectar, pollen and shelter for insects,' she adds.

‘In my own garden, I like to leave room for things to surprise me. Allowing plants to grow naturally and seeing which species arrive brings a sense of discovery and helps create a more varied habitat for wildlife. Every flower, seed and plant plays a role in supporting biodiversity – whether that’s providing nectar for bees, food for birds or shelter for small insects.'

Lemonading looks different in every garden. So I asked our experts and some of the Ideal Home team how they use the lemonading trend in their garden.

‘When I moved into my house, I inherited a garden filled with sedums, which I wasn’t sure that I liked. However, I kept them as they were so well established, and now I love how many bees and butterflies they attract in late summer. Plus, they’re one of the few plants in my garden that have been LOVING this hot and sunny summer, and they haven’t needed any watering.

‘Three years into stewarding this garden, I’ve also discovered that (unsurprisingly) nature is far better at planting than I am. Very few of the verbena I planted have come through, but the ones that have self-seeded have found the exact conditions they need in the garden and are absolutely thriving. I’m definitely discovering successful gardening is often about relaxing control and letting nature do its thing - so I’m fully in favour of lemonading!’

'I inherited a rather badly paved little courtyard garden, the pavers had no grout between them which means weeds are constantly growing up between them. However this summer I decided to stop fighting the weeds and work with them to create a patchwork patio. I only pull up the particularly tall or out of place ones, but I've left any small or ground cover weeks to fill in the gaps in my patio.'

'In my dog's puppy stage, she used to dig a lot in the garden and left me with some huge holes that I filled, but they've never looked quite right since. Now I'm inspired to create a new flower bed and add some more colour to my garden.'

Start lemonading in your garden

‘It's [lemonading] definitely a principle I use in my own gardening. No garden is ever perfect, and some of the best results come from unexpected discoveries or lessons learned when things don't go to plan. With extreme weather becoming more common, I think gardeners who embrace a lemonading mindset will find it easier to create resilient, beautiful spaces that can cope with whatever the seasons throw at them,’ Luke concludes.

As the climate changes and we seek more resilient gardens, is lemonading an approach you will adopt this year?

Patio water features are one of the hottest garden trends this summer, but I’ve just spotted the best one yet on Instagram, and its creator has revealed all about how to get the look at home.

Water feature trends, particularly DIY ideas, have been a huge garden trend this year on account of the fact that they create calming, wildlife-friendly environments that are beautiful to look at. Not to mention, the popularity of solar water fountains means it’s so easy to create a striking display.

If you’re looking to make your own water feature, I’d implore you to first check out content creator Anna Louisa’s (@anna_louise_at_home) stunning example, complete with a solar fountain and blooms - it’s an elevated take on an already stylish trend.

Everywhere I turn this summer, I’ve spotted DIY water features, whereby creators use a large planter filled with pebbles and water, topped off with a solar fountain (like this Amazon £9.99 one). The DIY hack is incredibly simple, affordable and suitable for small patios, too. Seeing how accessible it makes a bespoke garden water feature, it’s easy to understand why this trend has really taken off.

We’ve even seen other brands try to get in on the hype, including Aldi’s £13 solar fountain, which took the middle aisle by storm and QVC’s stunning tiered terracotta water feature. But the water feature that has impressed me the most has to be content creator and author of The 5 Minute Clean, Anna Lousia.

Anna took two larger planters, using the base layer to plant beautiful blooms and foliage, before filling the top planter with white pebbles, water and, of course, a solar fountain. With wheels on the base to make it easy to move around her patio, the water feature was complete.

Displaying her method in an Instagram reel, it’s easy to get the look, too. Anna filled the base of her larger planter with polystyrene bricks to save on compost and make it lighter. She also added bedding plants for immediate impact. The water aspect is even easier. The solar fountain charges in the sun, releasing a constant spray of water.

‘I love finding simple ideas that can make a space feel better without spending a fortune. This DIY water fountain was really easy to put together, and it’s made such a difference to our garden! It’s now one of my favourite spots to sit and relax,’ Anna told me.

Since posting the reel, Anna’s followers advised adding a copper disc (£7.99, Amazon) to prevent algae building up in the water - it’s also a great tip to keep your bird bath clean, too!

What you need

Will you try making this chic DIY water feature?

Patio water features have been a huge trend in small and large gardens this summer. Whether it's a DIY micro pond or a statement planter water fountain, these garden features have been taking over my Instagram feed.

However, as someone who doesn't have the budget for a £100+ water feature and loves the idea of a budget DIY alternative but lacks the execution skills, I've been hunting high and low to find an expensive-looking ready-made version under £100. Finally, this week I stumbled across a gem when scrolling through QVC: the Sara by Sara Davies Water Feature & Planter.

My curiosity was already piqued when I saw that the crafting queen and Dragon's Den star had launched an outdoor collection at QVC, but I was not prepared for how hard I'd fall for the £80 water feature and planter. I'm snapping the terracotta version up for my garden as soon as payday arrives.

The water feature comes in terracotta and blue, and is made up of two bowls stacked together, with a geometric design printed around the edges. The bottom bowl is the planter, which can be filled with trailing ivy, geraniums or even easy-to-care-for succulents for a more classic Mediterranean garden look.

The top bowl is the one filled with water, with a fountain mechanism running through it. When turned on, the fountain LED lights produce a gentle glow and the water bubbles gently through the top bowl.

It is a small water feature, it measures 38cm in diameter and 22cm tall, which makes it perfect for complementing small garden ideas, styled alongside a cluster of other containers. Alternatively, I love the idea of styling it on an outdoor coffee table or a side table to make it a bigger focal point on a patio. For a striking look, pair it with the matching Sara by Sara Davies Indoor Outdoor Geometric Pattern Side Table, £55 at QVC.

I have hunted around for similar water feature ideas, and as I said earlier, most versions on the high street that look as good as this one come in over £100. While you can make your own DIY planter fountain for under £80, it will still easily cost you £20 for just one similar-sized terracotta plant pot.

The biggest downside to the water feature is that it is mains-operated rather than solar-powered, with a 2m cable. That is actually a plus for my little north-facing garden, where I struggle to get enough sunlight to power my solar-powered garden lights.

However, if you don't have an outdoor mains supply or want to position it in the far corner of the garden, you are best off looking at one of these other water features I've found.

I'm fully sold on the QVC planter water feature, but are you opting for a solar powered version instead?

Having an outdoor space that you can escape to is wonderful, even if you’ve only the smallest of plots. A compact patio has lots to offer compared to a very big garden. Everything you need is close to hand; looking after a smaller space is easier and less time-consuming than maintaining a large garden, and small patio ideas can often feel cosier and more private than a very open or overlooked outdoor space.

If lack of space is a problem, there are lots of clever visual tricks that you can use to make a compact patio feel a bit bigger. Limiting the colour palette can be a good starting point, whether wall colour, furniture or flooring, as too many colours confuse the eye and can make a small space feel chaotic. The same goes with choice of planting too. Keeping to two or three colours that are repeated throughout containers, raised beds, and borders can create a more cohesive, natural scheme that feels less muddled than lots of clashing colours.

1. Raised structures

Using vertical space effectively can make a small patio feel bigger. A raised structure, such as a pergola or arch, draws the eye upwards so that attention is diverted from the lack of floor space. Decorate with solar lanterns and festoon strings to create extra visual interest.

2. Streamlined furniture

Try not to overcrowd a small patio with furniture. Keep to a few well-chosen pieces of small space garden furniture or a matching set, rather than a mismatched collection of chairs and tables. It will give the space a more cohesive feel.

Woven garden furniture is lightweight and easy to rearrange if needed, and looks less bulky than hefty wooden furniture.

3. Thoughtful flooring

Choice of flooring is key when it comes to a small patio. Large-format paving with fewer grout lines creates the illusion of space, while floor tiles laid diagonally can make the floor area appear wider. Use an outdoor rug as an anchor point for garden furniture – it helps draw the eye in so the items feel intentionally placed.

4. Multi-level planting

Avoid having too many pots at ground level and make use of vertical space instead. Fix trellises to fences to train climbing plants up, together with wall-hung planters and hanging baskets for growing trailing flowers. Use tiered stands to arrange pots and planters at different levels.

5. Space-saving storage

Be savvy with your set-up so you can incorporate all the essentials you require. Save room with folding or stackable pieces that can be put away when not needed and utilise wall space with hooks and hanging rails, wall-hung cubbies and trellises to hang things on.

6. Reflective surfaces

Paler colours on walls and flooring can help to bounce light around so that the space feels brighter and more open. Hanging an outdoor mirror also gives the illusion of extra garden space. (Be careful not to position it in direct sunlight or where it could affect birds.)

Get the look

A pocket-sized patio doesn't have to be a pain point, but can become a little garden jewel box, or a tiny oasis for you to relax and unwind.

Aldi is launching a stylish LED solar fountain that will add both ambience and style to your garden this summer. It looks so good; I can’t believe it’s only £12.99.

There’s nothing more relaxing than listening to the soft tinkling of a water feature. It’s often a simple addition to your garden, yet the best water feature ideas can transform your outdoor space into a chic and calming environment.

This year, micro ponds and DIY fountains have been doing the rounds on TikTok and Instagram; however, for the cash-strapped, less creative among us, Aldi has come to the rescue with its solar LED fountain, landing in stores on Thursday (9 July). It will make a serene addition to even the smallest of gardens and patios.

This isn’t the first solar fountain from Aldi to impress us. The viral mosaic solar water fountain is a middle aisle favourite and is coveted by a couple of members of the Ideal Home Team. While I do love the Mediterranean look of this fountain, Aldi’s new Solar LED Fountain is a sleeker alternative that’s perfect for evening entertaining.

The latest solar fountain not only has a sleeker bowl-like appearance that will look gorgeous nestled amongst your container garden ideas, but it is fitted with twinkling LED lights to provide a soft, ambient glow in the evening.

The solar fountain has an external solar panel to ensure it flows beautifully throughout the day and glows when the sun sets. It’s available in three neutral colourways, and you can choose from a smooth or riffled finish - I personally think the Anthracite colour in the smooth finish looks the most stylish, and way more expensive than its £12.99 price tag.

I haven’t found any alternatives to this Aldi fountain that are both space-saving and this affordable. I’d go as far as to say it’s the most affordable water feature I’ve seen this year. La Redoute’s Outdoor Solar-Powered Round Ribbed Ball Water Fountain (£79.99) is the closest in style, but far more expensive.

You can try to DIY your own mini solar fountain with a solar-powered attachment, pebbles and a plant pot. However, even that can easily cost over £30 if you need to buy a new planter for it, and here, Aldi has done all the hard work; this LED fountain is a shortcut to achieving the must-have water feature of the summer.

Alternatively, a patio pond is an affordable and wildlife-friendly option. Combine Thompson & Morgan’s Pond Flowering Kit (£24.99) with this Amazon Solar Water Fountain (£8.34), and you’ll have a stunning, naturalistic display that also attracts birds, bees and other pollinators to your garden.

Here are a few more stunning solar water features you can shop online if you can't get to an Aldi.

If you’ve been looking for an affordable yet attractive water feature to add to your garden, Aldi is where you want to head this week.

At this time of year, many of us are seeking ways to spruce up our gardens in time for summer without breaking the bank. But where do you start with your budget garden ideas?

We asked a garden designer, a plant expert and a brand stylist to share their insider secrets for budget makeovers that look amazing.

‘Start by editing rather than buying,' says Lee, which refers to plants as much as furniture. ‘Lift and divide your herbaceous perennials and you'll get three or four plants from each clump. Then reorganise what you have by colour – it's the most overlooked part of good garden design. Moving plants costs nothing but genuinely transforms the space.'

Julian adds: ‘Give everything a good tidy by cutting back dead or straggly growth, pulling weeds before they seed and edging your borders.'

If your furniture needs a revamp, Julian suggests sanding the wood, followed by a coat of teak oil or exterior wood paint. ‘Painting is one of the most transformative things you can do for under £30,' agrees Lee. ‘Use a slate blue, sage green or warm off-white and paint every mismatched chair, table and planter the same colour. What once looked like a jumble sale suddenly looks like a curated outdoor room. You can go bold and choose bright blue or even yellow to make a design statement.'

Danielle loves to add new accessories. ‘Weather-ready cushions in cheerful shades will transform neutral seating.' She also likes to add one hero piece: ‘Look for something that makes a statement, such as a water feature or an impressive planter, then rearrange your existing furniture to make this new piece the focal point for a fresh perspective.'

Go big

To make an impact with planting, Julian suggests ‘a few large pots filled with something bold and architectural, like ornamental grasses, lavender or trailing ivy, which can act as focal points. Bedding plants, such as pansies, violas and petunias, add instant colour in hanging baskets or containers.'

Lee likes to paint fencing or feature walls: ‘Fern green, dusty terracotta or even a rich inky blue will instantly make your planting pop and give the

Light it right

There are many ways of adding garden lighting without calling an electrician, says Danielle. ‘For festival-style, party lighting, choose festoons that plug in, while rope lights can give a magical effect. Get creative with the placing – wrap them around trees or through the horizontals of a pergola for maximum effect.'

Lee suggests solar and battery-powered options. ‘Spike lights in borders, solar lanterns on steps and battery-powered LED candles on tables provide layers of light for under £50. Layer your light sources as you would indoors.'

Look for low-cost landscaping

‘Gravel is still one of the best value landscaping materials available and, used well, it looks genuinely beautiful,' says Lee.

‘Pair it with large stepping stones or sleepers to create structure and plant drought-tolerant perennials and grasses through it. It's low-maintenance, drains well and gives you that relaxed, naturalistic feel that is very of-the-moment.' Julian adds: ‘Cotswold stone and blue slate give outdoor spaces a tidy, polished look with minimal effort, adding colour and texture all year round.'

When it comes to fencing, Lee says, ‘I love vigorous climbers like Rosa ‘Rambling Rector' or a self-clinging Hydrangea petiolaris to cover “naked” unpainted fence panels – much softer and more inviting than bare grey or orange fence panels!'

Steal from interiors

‘Think of your garden as an outdoor room and apply the same principles. Use an outdoor mirror to double the sense of space and position it to reflect a planted border or a focal point rather than a fence or gate,' advises Lee.

‘Create a feature wall with a bold paint colour or a trained climber. Use accent colours consistently across your cushions, pots and accessories just as you would with soft furnishings indoors. Repetition of colour and form is what makes a space feel designed.'

‘There are some really attractive new colours inspired by earthy palettes in textiles and accessories for gardens this season, which are perfect for those who prefer a restrained look,' says Danielle. ‘Seek out terracotta, rust, sage and almond-toned pieces in matt finishes.'

Make it bloom every year

‘Investing in evergreen structural plants – grasses, pittosporum, spiraea, viburnums and ferns – will give form and foliage interest through the season,' says Lee.

‘And buy in multiples. Build your planting scheme on this backbone and layer seasonal colour around it. Everything else – furniture, pots and accessories – is secondary to getting the bones of the garden right, and good structure makes even a sparse garden look intentional in winter.'

‘It's all about cohesion,' adds Julian. ‘Create a space where pots, furniture and materials all share the same palette. Remove clutter, redundant pots and anything that doesn't earn its place instantly. This elevates the whole space, because expensive gardens tend to have less in them, not more.'

NEED TO KNOW… Make it look expensive

Julian Palphramand of British Garden Centres shares his tips

• The gardens that look expensive on a modest budget are the ones where every decision feels deliberate.
• Edit ruthlessly – remove anything that doesn't contribute. Use fewer, larger pots instead of lots of small ones for impact.
• Repeat the same plant three to five times through a border rather than buying one of everything.
• Choose one paint colour and apply it consistently across all your furniture and woodwork.

Here’s a question I didn’t expect to be asking during this week’s heatwave: can a pond cool a garden down?

I was browsing for simple ways to keep a patio cool during a heatwave in light of this week’s very real red weather warning, and water features were among the expert suggestions. I’d actually been considering adding a pond to my garden, so I had to know if they really can cool a garden down.

I checked in with a few other experts to find out just how much truth is in the claim.

What you'll need

You don’t usually read about garden pond ideas that cool a garden down, but this week’s heatwave has seen them emerge as a brand-new hot weather solution. Can a pond really cool a garden down, though?

‘Keeping gardens cool during a heatwave isn’t just about shade and materials, as airflow and water can also make a big difference in helping outdoor spaces feel fresher and more comfortable during periods of hot weather,’ says Tom Douglas, senior gardening buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

Shop ready-made ponds

‘Water features such as small fountains and birdbaths can help naturally cool the surrounding area through evaporative cooling.’

Ponds are fantastic wildlife garden ideas anyway, so it’s never a bad idea to consider building one. You can either dig a hole in the ground for one (a preformed pond like this one from B&Q is ideal), or build a mini bucket pond using an old galvanised bucket or container.

To maximise a pond’s cooling effects, you’ll need to know where to position it.

‘If you want to use a pond to cool down part of your garden, it is best to position it in partial shade in an open and slightly elevated area,’ advises Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture. ‘The area should also have some kind of air circulation, as this aids water evaporation to cool the surrounding areas.’

To boost the rate of evaporation from the pond with moving water, Richard recommends adding a fountain like this best-selling solar-powered fountain pump from Amazon.

‘If you have garden seating, placing the pond in proximity to this can allow you to take advantage of its cooling effects,’ Richard adds.

So, a pond really can cool a garden down! Duly noted...

There aren’t many gardeners who don’t dream of adding a stunning water feature to their outside space, and if you have a small garden, courtyard or balcony, I’m here to tell you that your dream is in fact a possibility. I’m seeing patio ponds (£24.99, Thompson & Morgan), also known as micro ponds, everywhere this summer - and they’re perfect for supporting wildlife and creating a relaxing water feature in a small space.

Wildlife-friendly gardening has been one of the biggest garden trends of the year, and a micro pond is one of the easiest (and prettiest) ways to encourage wildlife to a small garden or urban outdoor space.

If you’ve been dreaming of adding a water feature to your garden, but lack the space to commit to a pond, micro ponds are the space-saving alternative that birds, bees and butterflies will love, too.

The micro pond trend

‘Patio ponds are growing in popularity as more people look for simple ways to support local wildlife, even if they only have a small outdoor space. They offer many of the benefits of a traditional garden pond without requiring a large garden or significant investment,’ comments Tom Douglas, Senior Gardening Buyer at Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

‘As well as attracting wildlife, patio ponds can transform the feel of an outdoor space by creating a calming focal point. The combination of water, movement and reflection helps bring a sense of tranquillity to gardens, patios and balconies, while adding visual interest throughout the year.’

This garden pond idea offers an affordable way to add a water feature to your space (especially if you build your own patio pond like our Editor in Chief, Heather Young). They offer many of the same benefits as a traditional pond, but are more compact and less maintenance to take care of.

‘Patio ponds are a great idea, especially for wildlife! They become a mini-ecosystem beneficial for pollinators and birds, and they’re such a great way of maximising a small space. They add character to a garden, and they’re a stylish alternative to a traditional pond, which can be high maintenance but also expensive to install in the first place,’ adds James Ewens, wildlife and gardening expert at Green Feathers.

‘Not only do they add some visual interest to a patio, but they’re also functional, which is right on brand for how we’re using our gardens in 2026. They support biodiversity, providing drinking water and bathing water for birds, and a safe breeding ground for wildlife.’

The benefits of micro ponds

The most obvious benefit of a patio pond is, of course, giving an urban garden wildlife-friendly features. However, if you do plan on your pond being somewhere that local wildlife can bathe, make sure you add a small ramp in and out of the pond to make it accessible.

‘Patio ponds are a great option for anyone looking to make their outdoor space more wildlife-friendly without undertaking a major garden project. They’re relatively inexpensive to install, straightforward to maintain and can have a real impact on the variety of wildlife visiting your garden,’ says Tom.

‘For people with limited outdoor space, they’re an easy way to create a thriving mini ecosystem while adding an attractive feature that can be enjoyed year-round.’

While low-maintenance, just bear in mind that you have limited space, so don’t go overboard on buying the aquatic plants.

‘I’d say patio ponds are low maintenance, especially compared with larger ponds structured into your garden. Just make sure, especially in summer, you’re keeping your pond topped up with fresh water, clear away any excess debris and occasionally just trim back your aquatic plants so they don’t start taking over,’ says James.

‘In a small pond, you run the risk of overloading it - whether that’s with fish or too many aquatic plants. Stick to small oxygenating plants to keep the water fresh, and avoid large marginal plants like yellow flag iris or bulrushes as they take over small spaces. Fish, while a lovely addition, belong in a larger pond. Fish secrete more waste than you’d think from a small body, so it’s best to keep them from polluting the pond!’

Stylish, environmentally-friendly and relaxing to look at, what’s not to love about patio ponds?

Grandma gardens are fast becoming one of the most popular garden trends of the year, and characterised by low-maintenance, naturalistic planting rooted in nostalgia, this gorgeous trend is here to stay.

With searches for ‘grandma flower garden’ up 500% on Pinterest, it’s no surprise that old-fashioned plants are making a comeback. Unruly in the best way, this style is defined by combining stunning cottage plants with natural garden furniture, pots and wildlife-friendly landscaping.

Given that nostalgia has been a driving force behind trends in both the home and garden for the past few years, it’s only natural that we’re now looking to create gardens in honour of our grandparents. Here’s how you can do it, too.

The grandma garden trend

Nostalgic plants are at the core of the grandma garden trend. Think romantic pink roses (such as this Hopes & Dreams variety at Thompson & Morgan), sweet peas (£9.99, Thompson & Morgan), delphiniums (£7.99, B&Q) and geraniums (£15.29, B&Q) - all the good stuff you’d expect to see in a grandparent's home during childhood.

‘The grandma garden is a nostalgic space, anti-minimalist, abundant. It reminds us of a time when things felt warmer, richer. Flowers climbing a rustic trellis, foxgloves erupting from greenery, peonies and hydrangeas in large unruly clusters, mismatched terracotta pots, bright ceramic garden ornaments, birdbaths, hanging baskets. The aim is an inviting, lush garden that looks loved, not designed. Nothing coordinated or over-manufactured,’ explains Annabelle Sacher, retail trends lead at MediaVision.

‘Demand for grandma 'core' and 'style' has risen by over 100% across Google, Pinterest and TikTok, while more specific searches for terms like 'grandma flower garden' have seen an increase of 500% on Pinterest.

‘The indicator that this is a genuine cultural shift vs. a passing style trend lies in what's happening at a planting level. Searches for planting, pruning and caring for flowers associated with the 'grandma garden': peonies (+1600% Google), hydrangeas (+600% Google), roses (+267% Google), etc., are all rising.’

The entire essence of this trend is to create a space that feels comforting, and to do this, we need to embrace softer, romantic planting schemes. Say goodbye to hard landscaping as grandma gardens prefer less polished, wildlife-friendly borders, veg patches and patios that are packed with your own personality.

‘I think grandma gardens are trending right now because people are craving comfort and escapism in their homes. In a world that often feels fast-paced and digital, there’s something incredibly grounding about a garden that feels traditional, personal and slightly imperfect. It ties into a wider movement towards slow living and reconnecting with nature,’ says Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys.

How to get the look

If you want to achieve a grandma garden, you’ll need to get your garden furniture right as well as your planting scheme. Think of traditional garden seating ideas, such as wrought-iron bistro sets (I like this White Tulip Bistro Set from Dunelm) and rattan garden furniture, over modern sets.

‘Typically, a grandma garden is abundant and a little unruly in the best way! You’ll find classic cottage garden plants like roses, hydrangeas, lavender, foxgloves and delphiniums, often mixed freely rather than planted in strict rows. There’s a real emphasis on scent, colour and texture, and it’s not about perfection, it’s about creating a space that feels lived-in and loved,’ says Luke.

‘The furniture and decor play a huge role too, like painted metal bistro sets, weathered wooden benches, floral cushions and vintage-style accessories. Details like bird feeders, terracotta pots, climbing frames for roses, and even an old watering can used as a planter all add to that nostalgic feel. It’s about layering pieces that feel collected over time rather than bought in one go.’

‘If you’re looking to get the look, my advice would be to start by loosening up your planting style. Don’t over-plan it – mix perennials and annuals freely, and opt for heritage plant varieties where you can. Incorporate vintage or vintage-inspired furniture, and don’t be afraid to clash patterns and colours slightly. It’s also worth adding small decorative touches, like lanterns or ceramics, to build that layered, homely feel,’ Luke concludes.

This trend is rooted in comfort and nostalgia, creating gardens where you actually want to relax and enjoy.

Here’s something I didn’t expect to learn at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show: how to create a pocket woodland in my back garden.

There were plenty of brilliant ideas and garden trends at this year’s RHS Chelsea, but one of my favourites was the miniature ancient woodland in The Woodland Trust: Forgotten Forests Garden. The All About Plants garden celebrates the Woodland Trust’s restoration of the UK’s ancient woods, and how they can emerge after non-native conifer plantations are removed. The Garden is just eight by six metres in size, highlighting that you can create a small pocket woodland at home.

I spoke to the Garden’s designer, Ashleigh Aylett, to find out how we can create a pocket woodland at home.

1. Maximise trees

Trees might seem like a counterproductive way to create a pocket woodland in a small garden, but according to Ashleigh, they’re crucial for an ancient woodland planting scheme.

‘We’re really maximising on the trees in the garden,’ she told me. ‘We actually have six trees in this garden, and that creates this really lovely canopy area and shaded nooks where we can start putting in our perennial planting.’

Field maple, which you can buy from The Range, was a standout species in the garden – it’s a resilient deciduous tree that turns a beautiful shade of gold in the autumn.

I also noticed that the planting in The Woodland Trust’s garden was very dense, almost overcrowded, as though it had been carved straight out of a real ancient woodland.

‘What’s really key when creating these kinds of pocket woodlands is not to be scared of really maximising on the planting and pushing it really close together so that you can start to have the plants growing into each other,’ Ashleigh explained.

2. Plant shade-loving perennials

There are so many perennials that thrive in shade, and they’re ideal for planting under trees in a pocket woodland garden. Red campion was the star in the Forgotten Forests Garden.

‘We've used a lot of red campion, these bright pops of pink, and they're also really great for just lifting shady areas and really drawing your eye through the space,’ Ashleigh told me. ‘It’s a great plant that gardeners can use at home.’

Red campion is a hardy herbaceous perennial that flowers from May through September. You can order red campion plants and seeds from Crocus.

Viburnum opulus, or the guelder rose, is another of Britain’s ancient woodland indicators that featured in the Garden. It’s a plant that thrives in wet soils, which means it’s perfectly adapted to the UK’s cold, damp winters. You can buy Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’ from Crocus.

3. Plant into the walls

One of my favourite parts of The Woodland Trust: Forgotten Forests Garden were the plants spilling from the crevices in the stone walls. It’s a beautiful way to rewild hard landscaping and increase planting opportunities in a small garden.

‘Within this pocket woodland, we’ve used dry stone walling as the boundary,’ Ashleigh said. ‘It’s great because you can actually start to plant into it, and then suddenly you have this vertical space where you can start detailing and adding more interest in.’

Polypodies grow from the crevices in the wall – they’re evergreen, low-maintenance ferns that thrive in both damp and dry conditions. You can order Polypodium vulgare from Crocus.

Ashleigh also pointed out the wall pennywort, which I thought was an unusual (but very charming) feature.

‘Umbilicus rupestris, which is our pennywort, just has these lovely flower spikes,’ Ashleigh said. ‘It has these lovely round leaves, too, which bring so much interest to the garden.’

4. Don't forget about paths

The path in The Woodland Trust: Forgotten Forests Garden also caught my attention, and it’s a highlight for Ashleigh, too.

‘We’ve taken the dry stone wall and used it on the edge to create this stone path,’ she told me. ‘You also get all these nooks and crannies running through the path, and here we’ve planted it with mosses, but it would be great with self-seeders, too.’

Ashleigh also noted that this increases the planting area in a small garden, as well as infusing it with an aged, authentic look that you’d find in woodlands naturally. It’s one of my new favourite garden path ideas!

Plants for a pocket woodland garden

Will you be creating a pocket woodland in your garden this summer?

After an exciting day at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show yesterday, I came away with heaps of inspiration for the gardening season ahead – and a shed load of trends to share with you.

If this year’s predicted garden trends were anything to go by, we were in for a treat at Chelsea – and it's safe to say that this year’s Show lived up to all of the expectations. What struck me yesterday was the free-spirited nature of the Gardens: wild, untamed and breathtakingly beautiful.

Better yet? That style is totally achievable in our own gardens (for very little effort!). Here's the full lowdown on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 trends I spotted.

1. Naturalistic planting

I had to start with the main character: naturalistic planting was a huge trend at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

In fact, the Gardens took this planting style to a whole new level – we’re calling it a wild garden trend, because most of them were overgrown, packed with foliage and flowering plants, and chaotic in the very best way. Foxgloves emerge from dense borders, groundcover plants intermingle beneath trees, and there’s a general sense of wildness that I absolutely adored at this year’s Show.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England Garden: ‘On the Edge' actually embraces weeds, too – I spoke to the garden’s designer, Sarah Eberle, who shared the importance of weeds like milk thistle and nettles for wildlife.

‘It's hard to garden without them – they're stronger than us, you know, and trying to tell them to go away doesn't really work very well,’ Sarah told me. ‘It's all down to the right plant for the right place, and letting there be areas for them to grow. It doesn't have to be the whole garden – it's just areas or a patch which can support wildlife.’

This Fabulous Foxglove Collection from Thompson & Morgan is perfect for wilder cottage garden borders.

2. Water features

It felt as though almost every Garden had a water feature of some kind this year: reflective pools, self-emptying water pools and small waterfalls, to name a few. It really feels like there’s a shift towards water features as starring garden features this year.

I was especially fond of the waterfall in the Woodland Trust: Forgotten Forests Garden, which looked so natural.

‘Personally, for me, I couldn’t create a woodland without having a woodland stream,' designer Ashleigh Aylett told me. 'It kind of just brings that sound and movement into the garden, which I think is so important,’ designer Ashleigh Aylett told me.

‘It brings a whole new palette of plants that you can start to use, too, like those native marginals.’

That’s actually something else I spotted around water features like ponds: aquatic plants and reeds, which, as Ashleigh agrees, give us a larger scope of plants to play around with in the garden. You can order hard rush aquatic plants from Crocus, which produce fountain-like tufts of blue-green stems.

3. Rich, bold tones

Another RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 trend I spotted was an abundance of rich oranges, yellows and burgundies in the gardens, reflecting the bold planting schemes experts anticipated earlier in the year.

One of my favourite Show Gardens was the Lady Garden Foundation ‘Silent No More’ Garden, in which the plants ‘reflect the Foundation’s bold mission and fearless spirit’. The planting starts subtly and lightly, but evolves into flowering plants with rich hues, like Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna Pink’ (you can order Salvia caradonna 'Pink Inspiration' from Marshalls Garden).

The Children’s Society Garden was another favourite of mine, showcasing the yellow blooms of plants like woad for pops of colour amongst its climate-resilient planting scheme. Speaking of which…

4. Climate-resilient planting

Echoing 2025, climate-resilient planting was another trend at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, with several Show Gardens showcasing drought-tolerant plants.

The Project Giving Back Garden, for example, offers 'a glimpse of what UK gardens may look like in the near future,' with plants that are resilient to the warm southern French climate. Common thyme (which you can buy from Crocus) is a classic Mediterranean plant that thrives in hot weather, and for trees, Acer monspessulanum was chosen for its adaptation to dry climates.

Beneath them, the planting is resilient and suited to the warm climate of southern France, offering a glimpse of what UK gardens may look like in the near future.

5. The garden as a retreat

Wild planting might have taken centre stage at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but many of the Gardens were designed with tranquillity in mind, too.

In fact, a lot of them were designed as retreats – spaces that we can escape to and find solace in. I had two favourites: The Asthma and Lung UK Breathing Space Garden, which features therapeutic planting with calming greens and whites; and Parkinson’s UK – A Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey, in which part of the garden is designed with white-flowering nighttime plants for those affected by insomnia.

The white foxgloves on display are absolutely stunning, and you can order Foxglove 'Alba' plants from Thompson & Morgan.

Add calming water features into the mix, and you can see how easy it is to create a relaxing outdoor space at home.

6. Planting for wildlife

Another perpetual garden trend, but one that seemed to be an even bigger focus this year, was planting with wildlife in mind. There was an emphasis on sharing our gardens with local fauna, and some of the balcony and container gardens really stood out as shining examples of ways you can cater to wildlife in small spaces.

The Hedgerow in the Sky – Tech Mahindra garden, for example, is inspired by British hedgerows, 'blending layered planting, natural textures and wildlife-friendly design to show how even the smallest spaces can nurture biodiversity and beauty'. There are plants for bees, like hazel and red-leaved roses, as well as bird favourites like hawthorn.

So there you have it. This year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show was packed with inspiration to make your garden more personal, practical and eco-friendly. And the ideas are totally achievable!

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 is currently underway, providing oodles of aspirational garden inspo and ideas, but the main thing we’ve noticed this year? Nothing is neat!

As well as setting the garden trends for the year, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a wonderful excuse for the rich and famous to don their gladrags, whilst ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ over perfectly polished garden displays. However, this year, while the show gardens still look incredible, they are anything but polished; they're celebrating naturalistic planting, a wild, overgrown aesthetic, and some of them are even embracing weeds.

This year, RHS Chelsea is demonstrating that you don't need neat border ideas for a show-stopping garden. Instead, they’re making a case for taking a walk on the wild side with gloriously low-maintenance gardens that look effortlessly gorgeous. And honestly, we’re here for it!

‘Wild, naturalistic planting is a huge theme at this year’s Show. Weeds, particularly nettles, are involved rather than excluded from a few of the gardens, and there are some really pretty flowering varieties like buttercups, too,’ says Ideal Home’s Gardens Editor, Sophie King.

It’s perhaps unsurprising that low-maintenance, wild gardens are coming into trend - it is the month of No Mow May, after all. Supporting a healthy, thriving wildlife garden and ecosystem, there are plenty of benefits to leaving your garden a little wild. But, for many gardeners, a messy garden can look off-putting.

What the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is showcasing this year is that you can achieve wildlife-friendly, low-maintenance gardens that look beautiful, too. Here are the three main ways we’ve spotted this trend being embraced at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.

1. Celebrate weeds

Yep, you’re hearing me right. Weeds are everywhere at RHS Chelsea this year. There’s even a dedicated garden championing many plants we'd deem weeds: The Campaign to Protect Rural England Garden: On the Edge. This garden, designed by Sarah Eberle features naturalistic planting that celebrates native UK plants and focuses on overlooked countryside at the edges of our towns and cities.

‘We've got dandelions in here. We've got milk thistle, and we've got nettles,’ says Sarah. ‘You know there are over 40 species of invertebrates that are supported by nettles. The milk thistle gives early bird food, particularly finches, and the dandelions give early food for pollinators. And so, you know, they're all really important.’

Sarah explains that you don’t have to dedicate your whole garden to weeds. It can be as simple as leaving a little patch to help wildlife thrive. And she also points out that so-called weeds can be pretty, too.

‘There are things like cow parsley. It’s lovely and romantic,’ she says. ‘It's fairly short-lived, but you know - so what - you just cut it down, and it'll appear again as it self-seeds around. If you don't want it to, you can cut it down before it does.

‘Nature's natives are, you know, lovely. And it's not what you've got, it's how you use it really.’

2. Low-maintenance grasses

‘The Gardens are brimming with ornamental grasses this year. They're a brilliant way to add texture to borders and containers, and they’ll often keep their structures over the winter for year-round interest,’ Sophie tells me.

Ornamental grasses are some of the best low-maintenance plants for a chic garden. Opt for varieties such as Stipa Pony Tails Ornamental Grass (£11.99, B&Q) or Muhlenbergia capillaris (£9.99, Crocus), which has pretty pink plumes. At RHS Chelsea, Sophie has spotted loads of Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' grasses, which can be picked up for £2.75 at Plant World Seeds.

Not only are ornamental grasses often low-maintenance, but they are great for wildlife, too, providing food, shelter and nesting materials.

3. Fill any patches with groundcover

‘Sparse borders are a rare sight at this year’s Show. Ground cover plants are big, and I’ve spotted one of my favourites, Alchemilla mollis, a few times already. They're a great way to suppress weeds, and they look really pretty, too,’ says Sophie.

If you’re less keen on the idea of weeds in the garden, the best ground cover plants can be used to suppress weeds. These low-growing plants are excellent for keeping your garden from looking sparse and patchy, as well as supporting insects and other garden wildlife. Opting for flowing varieties like Aubrieta 'Purple Cascade' (£2.96, Thompson & Morgan) and Creeping Phlox (£9.99, Thompson & Morgan) means you can fill your garden with stunning colour, too.

Lazy gardeners should rejoice at the news of an ‘unpolished’ RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Embrace weeds and low-maintenance plants, and your garden wildlife will thank you - and you can trust, it will still look great, too.

I've recently moved into a tiny back-to-back rental in Yorkshire, and it has a small enclosed garden with a slightly raised concreted section, with the rest being gravel. It's essentially a blank canvas, but all I've managed to do so far with my small garden ideas it add some pots.

Because space is tight on the raised bit, I've been looking at how I can save space there without compromising on design – what I'm after needs to be functional and of course, look good too!

As I live a mere ten-minute drive from IKEA (which is exciting!) I decided to head there as I had heard about their LÄCKÖ shelving unit being a good solution. I was in luck, as the garden range is available for those of us who want to give our gardens a spring refresh now.

Why is this shelving unit so good?

So what is so special about IKEA's LÄCKÖ shelving unit? Well, for me the first plus point is that it can live outdoors – this is not a shelving unit that's for inside only – though it could also work in a garage, greenhouse, courtyard or utility room.

Secondly, it's upright, and I like the idea of vertically growing vegetables that way too. And this is perhaps the key point because whether you have a narrow hard-standing area like me, or only a balcony, vertical gardening is the key to making the most of the available space.

Another bonus is the design – I like modern pieces usually, but this shelving unit is a twist on that with its traditional wrought-iron curves done in a contemporary way. I also love how the shelves have a perforated surface, which means water will drain off easily.

For those of us who have uneven surfaces, the feet are adjustable – another win! To be honest, there's little wrong with this LÄCKÖ design.

How to style it up

This might sound obvious, but even if you fix the shelving unit to the wall, it's best to keep your heaviest pots and planters on the bottom – it also looks best visually, too. Then place smaller sizes on the top, and some medium sizes in the middle.

I absolutely love the idea of having a few in a row along my exterior wall and using as many different-shaped pots as possible. I'm also planning on having a few of the best trailing plants for outdoors on the top two shelves to create extra interest.

For those hazy summer evenings spent relaxing outside, I'm going to add these B&Q Michetta solar-powered warm white 10 integrated LED outdoor string lights along the top, at £10 they're a great buy.

If you struggle to get your hands on IKEA'S LÄCKÖ shelving unit, then I've sourced some similar designs that will work equally as well for doubling the planting space in a small garden.

I really love my IKEA LÄCKÖ shelving unit, it's transformed the space and allowed me to plant up more pots because I now have the room – I cannot wait to see everything bloom as we get nearer to the summer.

With tumbling roses, rambling vines and overflowing borders of colourful blooms, there is nothing quite as romantic as a cottage garden. But why settle for a chocolate box when you could have something truly magical?

Fairytale cottage garden ideas should draw on your sense of wonder and encapsulate the magic of those fictional spaces, pulling together practical design elements with a little childhood whimsy.

Draw on illustrations of Snow White's forest cottage, the mystical world of Alice in Wonderland and the vivid descriptions of Frances Hodgson Burnett's Secret Garden to create a space that truly delights the imagination.

1. Plant cottage garden classics

Of course, incorporating the best cottage garden plants is essential, and the best fairytale plants are a must. Plants including foxgloves, roses and hollyhocks will provide the perfect building blocks for your fairytale cottage garden, but don't forget other, often overlooked varieties, such as delphiniums or lupins, which can easily be grown from seed, which are vital to add variety and texture to your plot.

Lots of these old-fashioned plants are making a comeback in 2026, so you'll likely find your garden centre brimming with options to suit every colour palette and garden condition.

For those less confident with gardening and plant selection, Crocus has a ready-made Cottage garden border selection with a planting plan so you can't go far wrong.

2. Grow climbing plants over walls and fencing

A fairytale cottage garden should feel like an oasis – hidden from the rest of the world. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by incorporating garden screening plants. Climbing plants you can plant now for privacy, like sweet peas, clematis, or roses, are all cottage-garden staples, disguising fences and walls and creating the illusion of a secret garden.

A favourite of the English garden, roses are also a must for a fairytale cottage garden. Not only do they fill the space with colour and scent, but when trained up an arch, they also add architectural interest. Place an arch over a path to create a botanical link between two areas, or position it over a bench for a floral oasis. Climb a fragranced variety, like the highly fragrant Rosa gallica Versicolor from Crocus, for a feature that will delight the senses.

3. Create the illusion of hidden rooms

In larger gardens, creating dedicated rooms – divided by hedges, arches or even wooden gates – gives the fairytale cottage garden an otherworldly feel. Sun mapping the garden can help to dictate the best position of rooms – perhaps creating a seating area that catches the last of the daylight.

For smaller gardens, you can still embrace the idea. Try to ensure that the entire garden cannot be seen in one single glance – growing taller plants to screen patios or seating areas. Incorporating garden mirrors can add to the effect. 'Mirrors deceive the eye, expand the garden and increase light. Surrounded by an archway or pergola or wrapped in greenery, they give an impression of more garden beyond,' says garden expert and writer Leigh Clapp.

4. Incorporate a winding cobble path

A garden path gives gardens structure, guiding visitors through the space while also protecting grass and flowers.

‘Paths and steps should be just as interesting as the garden itself. They dictate how you navigate a space and allow the garden to flow from one area to another,’ explains designer Fi Boyle. Plot a meandering path, and use sloping areas to your advantage, adding in steps and planting terraces to enhance the sense of a journey.

Cobbles are the natural choice for a fairytale cottage garden, bringing a real storybook feel, though a light-coloured gravel can also be a great budget alternative to paving slabs.

... or wooden stepping stones

Channelling the cosy cottage in the woods vibes, wooden stepping stones can also be used to create a fairytale cottage garden path. Plus, it's fairly easy to create a DIY path.

'Fallen or removed trees can be upcycled to make a unique path using sawn timber slices at least 10cm thick. Mark out the path, clear the area, remove a layer of earth and tamp down. So that the timber steps don’t float or move, you should keep a slight slope, which will ease waterlogging, as well as add a drainage layer of gravel and sand between the earth and logs,' explains Leigh Clapp.

'Position the logs and tap them into place with a rubber mallet or similar, filling with a free-flowing material, such as small gravel and sand, to hold them in place. Using different-sized slices adds to the laid-back feel.'

5. Magical lighting

Don't forget to continue the fairytale magic after dark. Whether you're gathered around the fire pit or just looking out from your kitchen window, integrating solar-powered lighting into your fairytale cottage garden lets you continue to enjoy your garden into the night.

Lighting your garden is surprisingly similar to lighting your home: you need to achieve the perfect balance of practical designs, which provide illumination and ensure safety – and decorative designs, which highlight architectural features and create a truly welcoming atmosphere for evenings spent alfresco.

'You don’t need masses of multicoloured bulbs dangling from every branch. The aim is to create a softly lit focal point where you’re sitting or eating, and then a few highlights on shrubs and trees, stake lights placed through a flower bed, or fairy lights dressing up a shrub or fence,' says garden expert Teresa Conway.

For added controllability, Goove's smart Festoon lights, available at Amazon, can be customised and controlled from an accompanying app, so you can pick your colours and flashing patterns from your phone.

6. Incorporate whimsical fairytale inspired details

Of course, no fairytale cottage garden is complete without a magical creature, so incorporating a statue of a character from your favourite tale is a must.

Restrict yourself to a single figure or set to maintain the element of surprise and delight. Animal-inspired figures tend to work best as they seem like a natural fit in the garden. Think Wind in the Willows – this set from Amazon would be perfect – Peter Rabbit or The White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.

Smaller details can be just as effective. Adding a wooden fairy door – like this from Amazon – at the base of a tree can bring a surprising sprinkling of fairytale magic to your garden, too.

Dust your garden with some fairytale cottage garden magic this weekend.

One gardening concept has caught my attention in particular over the last month: bento garden design.

It’s been floating around as a potential 2026 garden trend in recent weeks, so I thought I’d take a closer look at the principles and how it can be implemented in our own gardens. As it turns out, the approach is actually a really brilliant small garden idea – it’s essentially the art of creating a garden bento box, each zone with a distinct purpose, and it can be applied to planting, landscaping and furniture.

To explore the bento garden trend further, I spoke to garden design experts and threw together a quick guide to mastering the concept. Below, you'll find tips on planting, materials and other features which are hallmarks of the bento garden philosophy.

What is bento garden design?

So, what is bento gardening, exactly? As far as garden landscaping ideas go, I think it's a brilliant concept for smaller spaces – but it's not an exact look, according to landscape designer and television presenter Mark Lane.

‘Bento garden design is best understood as a spatial philosophy rather than a fixed style,’ explains Mark. ‘Borrowing its name from the Japanese bento box, the concept centres on organising a garden into clearly defined yet harmonious compartments, each with its own purpose, character and sensory quality.’

So, the bento garden trend is centred around a very specific garden layout idea that celebrates zoning with intention.

'The strength of the approach lies in how these distinct elements sit together as a coherent whole, allowing a relatively small space to perform multiple roles without feeling cluttered or overdesigned,' Mark continues.

I thought I’d delve a little deeper into what the bento garden concept looks like in practice, and how it shapes the plants, materials and furniture in an outdoor space.

1. Planting

You won’t find mixed borders in a bento garden. Instead, Mark says, plants are grouped by function and form, with each zone supporting a specific mood or use.

‘Planting in a bento garden is deliberate and restrained,’ Mark explains. ‘Softer planting is often limited to a small palette, repeated across the garden to maintain visual continuity.’

You’ll also find that a lot of garden screening ideas in bento gardens consist of carefully clipped hedging and other plants and trees that provide privacy.

‘Structural plants such as clipped shrubs, ornamental grasses, bamboo or multi-stem trees help define compartments and provide year-round presence,’ says Mark.

Black bamboo, which you can buy from Crocus, produces striking ebony stems. It's a vigorous grower, so it's best planted in large containers if you're using it to frame a bento garden.

What I really love is that bento gardens often incorporate edible plants. Mark told me that they echo the bento idea of nourishment, and herbs, salad crops and fruit trees are often integrated into ornamental layouts. Luckily, there are plenty of fruit trees that suit small gardens, so you can implement this idea even when space is limited.

‘Seasonal interest is achieved through subtle shifts in texture and colour rather than bold displays, with an emphasis on foliage, form and movement,’ Mark adds.

2. Materials

According to Mark, materials play a critical role in expressing the bento concept.

‘Changes in surface are used to mark transitions between spaces, much like dividers within a lunch box,’ he explains.

Common bento garden materials include timber, stone, gravel and clay, because they’re both tactile and visually pleasing to the eye. Above all else, though, bento gardens lean towards sustainability-sourced materials.

‘Natural materials are preferred, often left to weather and age, reinforcing a sense of calm and authenticity,’ Mark continues. ‘Sustainability is central, with permeable surfaces, recycled elements and locally sourced materials used wherever possible.’

3. Other features

Garden furniture ideas within a bento garden are almost always multi-functional.

‘Seating may double as storage or edging, raised planters can act as informal screens, and water features are typically small, providing sound and movement rather than spectacle,’ Mark explains. Pieces like this Keter Signature Storage Bench from Argos are brilliant space-savers.

Garden lighting ideas are also on the subtler side, Mark says, aiming to guide movement and allow the space to be enjoyed into the evening.

‘Each feature earns its place by contributing to both function and atmosphere,’ he says.

Get the look

Are there any drawbacks?

There are, of course, drawbacks to any garden concept – they’re never a one-size-fits-all kind of approach. Garden designer Zoe Claymore has reservations about what bento gardening means for sustainable garden practices.

‘My only caution is sustainability, as this approach could come with much more packaging and overall consumption, and whether these collections genuinely perform well beyond short periods and very specific soil and light conditions, which make scaling tricky beyond a small garden corner or single area,’ Zoe says.

‘It works beautifully as a thought for short-term containers, balconies, and displays, but a garden is dynamic and seasonal. Reducing it to 'neat' compartments risks oversimplifying that reality and encouraging more overall consumption if not mindful.’

So, mindfulness is key when it comes to buying plants and materials for a bento garden design.

In a small garden, balcony or containers, the bento garden trend can be a brilliant way to thoughtfully zone a garden without compromising on space. Go for edimentals, sustainable material and boundary-defining hedges to nail the concept.

It’s a brand-new year, and I’ve been so excited to dive into the 2026 garden trends that are set to shape UK gardens over the coming months.

This year, there’s a strong focus on future-focused planting and making gardens of every size work even harder. There's also an emphasis on making our gardens as sustainable and wildlife-friendly as possible – and an unusual water butt idea along the way, too.

These 2026 garden trends, forecast by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and other gardening experts, apply to large and small gardens alike – so have a browse and see which ones you fancy giving a go this year.

1. Climate-resilient planting

Climate-resilient planting was a huge RHS Chelsea Flower Show trend in 2025, and this year, it’s set to be even more popular among gardeners looking to adapt their outdoor spaces to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns in the UK.

‘As warmer, drier summers continue, euphorbia and other drought-tolerant varieties will play an important role in creating resilient, climate-ready gardens that still feel full and vibrant,’ says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.

Other climate-resilient choices that fit this 2026 garden trend include plants like lavender and sedums, which cope well with drought conditions. If we have another summer like last year’s, opting for Mediterranean plants will mean far less watering to compensate for the dry weather.

You can buy Sedum 'Autumn Joy' from £9.99 at Crocus, which produces stunning pink flowerheads.

2. Wildlife-friendly gardening

Wildlife lovers: this is your year to shine, because one of the biggest 2026 garden trends is set to be wildlife-friendly gardening.

That means planting for bees, feeding the birds, and even investing in a bird bath or two to support local populations.

‘Wildlife-friendly gardening continues to grow in importance,’ says Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express. ‘Many homeowners are now installing bird baths and feeders, growing nectar-rich plants and letting areas of their garden grow wild to provide shelter, food and water for their local birds, insects and other small animals.’

The RHS predicts that wildlife-friendly varieties will be popular this year, too, explaining, '2025 saw stronger interest in plants for pollinators with drought-tolerant Persica roses – a standout performer in plant trials at RHS Garden Wisley this year – and single-flower dahlias proving popular.’

If this trend continues, it’s looking like gardeners will be overhauling their planting schemes in favour of pollinator-friendly varieties this year.

3. Sustainability

What goes hand-in-hand with wildlife-friendly planting? Sustainability – and it's set to mark one of the biggest 2026 garden trends.

More and more gardeners are adapting the way they garden in favour of eco-friendly practices and using upcycled and sustainable materials wherever they can. I saw a lot of reclaimed materials used in the show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year, and I think gardeners will be taking that ethos home in 2026.

'Sustainability is stronger than ever,' agrees Amber Tunney, horticultural specialist at Cherry Lane Garden Centres. 'Gardeners are repurposing materials, harvesting rainwater, and boosting biodiversity with pollinator-rich planting. Composting, reclaimed wood, and solar-powered features are becoming staples for eco-friendly gardens.'

These elegant Lavenham solar garden lights from B&Q are an eco-friendly alternative to mains-powered lights.

4. Soft landscaping

Hard landscaping is set to make way for soft landscaping this year, according to garden designer Zoe Claymore, who thinks the latter will be a prominent garden trend in 2026.

'Expect to see less paving and hard landscaping in gardens as people embrace the benefits of open soil for their health and happiness,' Zoe says. 'Not only is soft landscaping better for the planet, but it's also much more purse-friendly than paving and intense hard landscaping. It reduces heat islands and flooding as well.

'Where paving is chosen, expect to see only permeable paving used.'

So, 2026 is the year of embracing plants, trees and fresh lawn ideas as opposed to patios, decking and other hard landscaping features.

5. Smart lighting

If your garden lighting ideas need an upgrade, it's worth considering smart outdoor lights. Experts are expecting them to be a huge 2026 garden trend, and they’re a game-changer if you’re looking for customisation and effortless remote control. They're a more affordable smart garden feature, too.

‘Technology is playing a bigger role in garden design, with smart lighting becoming increasingly popular,’ explains Chris from Gardening Express. ‘App-controlled and motion-sensor lighting allows homeowners to highlight features, improve security and make the most of their garden even in the darker months.’

Many smart garden lights are colour-changing, too, like the 4lite Smart Outdoor Up Down Wall Light from Amazon.

If festoon lights are more your thing, the WiZ Smart Colour Connected Outdoor Festoon String Lights are highly rated on Amazon, too.

6. Tabletop veg

If you've got a terrace, a balcony, or even a windowsill, that doesn't mean you can't start a kitchen garden. Tabletop vegetables are perfect if you're hoping to grow your own food in small spaces, and the RHS expects them to be one of the biggest 2026 garden trends in the UK.

'New popular choices include table-top chillies, compact aubergines, hanging basket cucumbers and 50cm grape vines,' says the RHS. 'Potted herbs also remain a stern favourite, with sales up 10% in the last year across RHS Retail.'

This set of three Italian terracotta pots from Crocus is perfect for growing a tabletop herb collection.

7. Bold colours

2026 isn't the year for subtlety, according to plant experts – in fact, bold foliage and rich colours are predicted to take centre stage.

'Bold foliage plants such as Heuchera will stay on trend, bringing texture and brightness to borders and containers throughout the seasons,' says Julian from British Garden Centres.

Chris from Gardening Express shares the same prediction. 'Richer colours are taking over, replacing the neutral and pastel colour schemes that were the trend recently,' he explains.

It isn't just plants that are taking on the bolder colour palette – Chris thinks we'll see more pots and garden furniture in dramatic shades, too.

'Bold colours such as deep greens, burgundy, burnt terracotta and dark purples are being used to add drama and depth, making gardens look more modern and striking,' he says.

8. Oversized pots

On the subject of 2026 garden trends for pots and containers, Chris thinks oversized models will be central to garden design schemes this year.

'Large, eye-catching pots and containers are emerging as key design features,' he explains. 'They add a statement to the garden and are a great way to showcase standout plants or small trees.'

So, upscaling your container garden ideas really could put your garden on-trend this year. This 209l zinc cube planter from The Range, £107.99, makes a unique garden centrepiece.

9. Punctured water butts

Now this is an interesting one: the RHS is predicting that punctured water butts are going to be a 2026 garden trend. It sounds counter-productive, but actually, it’s a brilliant way of keeping your garden hydrated while making the most of every raindrop.

‘Irrigation systems and technologies abound, but savvy gardeners might take note from their community-growing counterparts who are known to puncture small holes in water butts strategically placed to provide a slow-flow of water into the soil for storage and free up capacity for the next rain event, helping to minimise mains water use,’ explains the RHS.

‘AI-enabled water butts that self-empty based on the weather forecast are already being trialled and could be marketed to gardeners before long, but given AI’s known use of water for cooling in data centres, a punctured hole is the green alternative.’

10. Blackcurrants

Another 2026 garden trend prediction from the RHS, blackcurrants are expected to be the 'it' berry of this year.

'Blackcurrants will begin to see a resurgence thanks to new varieties bred sweet enough to be eaten fresh, rivalling their more popular garden berry counterparts: strawberries, raspberries and blackberries,' the RHS explains.

They're easy to grow, delicious, and produce a higher yield than fruits like blueberries. What's not to love?

Blackcurrant 'Ben Connan', available at Gardeners Dream, is a popular variety.

11. Bringing indoor plants outdoors

I never thought I'd see the likes of spider plants growing outside, but the RHS thinks that's exactly where gardeners will be growing them this year. It's a 2026 garden trend I didn't expect, but it actually makes a lot of sense given the UK's increasingly hot summers.

'Traditionally indoor plants like spider plants and tradescantia are making their way into outdoor summer hanging baskets and pots,' the gardening charity explains. 'This trend will continue as England sees more frequent hot and dry summer conditions and houseplants continue to benefit from a summer holiday in the garden.'

The RHS also cites lantana as a favourite indoor-outdoor plant (it flowered prolifically at RHS Garden Wisley last summer), as well as lomandra and salvia hybrids. Lantana 'Evita Red' plants are available at J. Parker's.

12. Foraging gardens

A kitchen garden is one thing, but foraging gardens are slightly different – and the RHS thinks they're set to be a 2026 garden trend.

In a nutshell, foraging gardens include a mix of medicinal and edible plants that can be, well, foraged steadily over the year. They're almost a form of permaculture, boosting a garden's self-sufficiency. Think herbs like borage and mint, and other plants like dandelions, hops, wood sorrel and skirret (as suggested by the RHS).

'Gardeners are increasingly attuned to plants that serve multiple benefits in a garden, including for wildlife and the planet,' the RHS explains.

'Next, gardeners will begin to explore their foraging potential. Using known plants that are safe to eat, such as daylilies, you can populate your garden with tasty things to browse that complement the veg patch.'

Which 2026 garden trends are on your radar?

Garden centre giant Dobbies has partnered with Alzheimer’s Research UK to raise £10,000 for vital research by curating and selling a Sensory Garden Bulb collection.

Most gardeners will know that autumn is the best time to plant your spring bulbs, and if you want a garden that is bursting with colour, while contributing to a great cause, this charity collaboration has arrived just in time.

The sensory garden bulb collection is £15 from Dobbies and features tulips, alliums and narcissus. These garden favourites are popular since they brighten any garden ideas with ease. And now, Dobbies and Alzheimer's research have revealed another reason why these blooms are so special.

Retailing at £15 per pack of 15, £5 from every sale goes straight to Alzheimer’s Research UK to fund vital research into the disease.

An estimated 982,000 people are living with Alzheimer's in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. The UK’s biggest killer, one in three people born in the UK will develop dementia in their lifetime.

Dobbies and Alzheimer’s Research UK's goal of £10,000 will fund up to 278 hours of scientists’ lab time to help find a cure. Since 1 March this year, Dobbies has raised £30,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK via events, charity walks and in-store donations.

Alongside fundraising to find a cure for dementia, Dobbies and Alzheimer’s Research UK have partnered to show how gardening can have a positive impact on brain health. The Sensory Garden 15 Bulbs Collection has been carefully picked to help engage the senses and provide positive stimulation.

Sensory garden ideas can serve as a therapeutic space for all, containing plants and objects that appeal to our senses and make us happy. Sensory plants are incredibly helpful for those with dementia as their colour, touch, and scent can help calm and ground, and even encourage the recollection of memories, according to NHS Forests.

The Sensory Garden Bulb Collection contains the striking Allium Purple Rain that engages the senses of sight and touch; Narcissus Bridal Crown, known for its bright and scented blooms; Tulip Blushing Apeldoorn, with its colourful bobbing flowers; and Tulip Purple Rain, adding a bold and dramatic finish to displays. These stunning blooms are also best planted in September, which is also World Alzheimer’s Month.

‘If nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia - either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. At Alzheimer’s Research UK, we’re committed to finding a cure for dementia, and Dobbies is helping us achieve this by raising vital funds for research,’ says Paul Glazier, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK.

‘This beautiful bulb collection is doing just that, with money from each pack being donated to our cause. Gardening is also a great way to show our brains some love and potentially reduce our risk of developing dementia. Being active in the garden, learning new skills, connecting with others and planting these bulbs are great ways to show our brain some love while supporting life-changing dementia research.

‘We’re incredibly grateful to Dobbies for standing with us, and we want to say thank you to everyone who buys a pack. We hope the bulbs bring colour and joy to gardens across the country.’

The Sensory Garden Bulb Collection is available to buy in-store and online now.

My garden has always been a space with a lot of potential, but no matter how many flowers I planted or outdoor accessories I styled, the patio remained an eyesore. With its crumbling grout and black spot-stained surface, I wasn’t sure how I would improve the look without replacing it completely.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have £5,000 lying around for me to splash on a brand new patio. So, it looked like I might be stuck with it forever. That was, until I started searching for patio ideas, and found myself on the patio regrouting side of TikTok.

I realised that all I needed to do was give my patio a well-needed makeover by giving it a good scrub and refreshing the grout lines.

How I saved £5,000 on my patio

Despite the effort I put into painting my fences and curating colourful, cottage-style garden border ideas to beautifully frame the space, the patio made the garden feel unkempt. With its dark and dingy appearance, I felt reluctant to host outdoors until I figured out something I could do about it.

While I still gazed longingly at the Cotswold stone patios on my Pinterest boards, I hoped that my patio makeover project might just do the job.

The first thing I had to do was give it a much-needed clean with a pressure washer and patio cleaner. To save money, I borrowed my partner’s dad’s Karcher High Pressure Washer, and bought some of the Pro-Kleen Ultimate Black Spot Remover from Amazon.

This worked as an absolute treat to remove black spots on the patio. First, I used my hosepipe to wet the patio. Then I applied the black spot remover, following the instructions, leaving it on for 1-2hrs before jet washing it off. Almost instantly, I noticed the black stains lifting, and was pleasantly surprised by a fairly light grey patio underneath. I used the patio cleaner twice on stubborn stains.

How I regrouted my patio

Next, I needed to remove the old, tired grout. Admittedly, most people in the videos I watched used an angle grinder to do this, which I didn’t have. But I did have my partner’s SDS drill, along with a hammer and chisel, which worked just fine.

Once we drilled out the crumbling grout, we used a dustpan and brush to clear the area, ready to regrout.

It’s a good idea to use patio sealer before grouting to avoid something called picture framing - this is where your tiles can appear stained around the edges. I used the ProJoint Pre-Grout Stone & Porcelain Paving Sealer.

When it came to finding grout, I wanted professional-grade grout in the hopes that it would last us a long time - and hopefully, prevent me from having to do this again anytime soon. I settled on ProJoint Titan Ultra High Strength Epoxy Paving Grout in the shade neutral/buff.

To use this according to the instructions, all I had to do was mix the grout and resin using a plasterer's mixer. Then, wet the patio and apply half of the mixture, using a rubber grout squeegee to push the grout into the grout lines. Once complete, I then used a brush dipped in water to brush away the excess grout, leaving perfectly grouted lines between my patio slabs.

I found this process fairly beginner-friendly – I’ve never done anything like this before, and now I’d add patio regrouting to my growing list of DIY accomplishments.

How much I spent

In total, I spent around £360 on a combination of the grout, sealer, and black spot remover. Although I wouldn’t say this is affordable, considering it would have cost approximately £5,000 for a new patio, it has certainly saved me a significant amount of money, and not to mention grief too.

It’s not a Cotswold patio – but it’s definitely a patio I feel proud of now. It’s a lovely, grey stone paired with a clean, natural grout that looks perfect with my country-cottage style garden.

All of this sudden rain has had us wondering: Is it too late to install a French drain?

If you’re familiar with what a French drain is, you’ll know it’s a brilliant way to prevent flooding in the garden – but knowing when to install a French drain is just as important.

Well, luckily, it isn’t too late to install this type of drainage system in your garden – in fact, summer might just be the best time of year to do it. You'll just need to keep an eye on the weather forecast...

If you’re keen to improve drainage in your garden this month, we can’t blame you – torrential downpours over the past week have left many of us scrabbling around looking for drainage solutions.

A French drain is a popular choice, and it isn’t too late to install one now. Actually, it’s the ideal time to consider adding one to your garden.

‘The best time to install this drainage feature is during summer for a number of reasons,’ says Jess Thomas, managing director of Drainage Central. ‘The soil is drier, which can make it easier to dig the trench where the drain will be placed.’

What you'll need

Of course, the ground is probably on the wetter side right now – and even if you're desperate for ways to fix a waterlogged lawn, you’ll want to hold off installing a French drain until things dry up.

‘French drains can be difficult to install when the ground is wet, as the weight of the excavated soil will be heavier and the trench may collapse or lose its form more easily,’ explains building and landscaping expert Mark Irving from Build & Plumb.

‘For smoother installation, it’s a good idea to install them when the weather is dry, during late summer or early winter.’

With temperatures set to rise again over the coming weeks, it’s the ideal time to install a French drain – especially if you want to get ahead before autumn arrives.

'This ensures that your drain will be installed in preparation for the winter months, when rainfall will likely be at its peak,' says Mark.

Grass growth is another factor to consider when it comes to working out when to install a French drain – if you’re going for a more natural aesthetic, that is.

‘If you are going to be covering the drain with grass, this will grow better during the summer,’ Jess explains.

When should you not install a French drain?

Now that we’ve established summer as the perfect time to install a French drain, we need to know which times of the year to avoid.

Like a host of other garden jobs, installing this type of drain isn’t such a smart idea during the winter months.

‘The only time when it would not be recommended to do so is during winter because of the likelihood of frozen ground,’ explains Jess.

As long as you avoid any particularly wet weather, summer is the ideal time to install a French drain – especially if you want to get ahead for the colder months.

When planning your perfect outdoor living space, a shade solution should be high up on the priority list - especially if the recent heatwave is anything to go by. Which might have led you to ask - what is the difference between a canopy, a gazebo and a pergola?

While these garden shade ideas seem similar at first glance, each offers distinct benefits and serves a slightly different purpose.

Understanding the key differences will help you make the right choice for your garden, whether you're looking for temporary shade, a permanent entertaining space, or something in between. We've asked garden structure experts to break down exactly what sets these popular options apart.

Even if you know the difference between a gazebo and pergola, it gets even more confusing when you throw a canopy into the mix. According to the experts, these three shade structures can be distinguished by their construction, permanence, and roofing systems.

'When it comes to pergolas, gazebos and canopies, there are some key differences,' explains Reilly Gray, Co-Founder of Suns Lifestyle. 'There is a lot of overlap between the terms for different types of garden structures and much of the usage comes down to the cultural background in which the structures originated. But one of the key distinctions is the roof canopy.'

What is a pergola?

Traditional pergolas were originally timber frameworks designed for climbing plants, but they've evolved significantly over the years. Nowadays, pergola ideas can also be made from industrial-grade aluminium that's powder-coated in various colours, making them strong, sturdy, and weather-resistant.

Unlike other garden structures, pergolas don't have a permanent solid roof. Instead, they come with louvred or retractable roofs that can be adjusted from fully open to fully closed, allowing you to control sunlight or provide shelter from rain.

'Pergolas can be freestanding or mounted to the side of a house to serve as a shelter for a terrace and are great for providing extra shade by bi-fold doors,' Reilly notes. 'They're perfect for accommodating family-sized garden furniture sets, dining areas, hot tubs, or even outdoor kitchens.'

What is a gazebo?

Gazebos have been around since the 18th century, and today they come in multiple forms, from temporary canvas covers to classic, four-sided open outdoor structures with a permanent roof canopy.

The key characteristic that separates gazebos from pergolas is their solid, permanent roofing. This makes them ideal for year-round use and provides complete protection from the elements. 'A gazebo is a great option for both defining an outdoor space and ensuring year-round comfort,' Danielle Le Vaillant, Head of Photography & Film at Cox & Cox agrees.

What is a canopy?

Canopies are the most straightforward of the three options - they're essentially a fabric cover that stretches across a frame. They're the most affordable option of the three, and usually the easiest to install.

'Although they do provide ample shade, canopies are not weather-tight so will offer limited protection against rain,' Reilly adds. 'The fabric can also deteriorate over time due to UV exposure and weather conditions meaning they won't last as long.'

Which one is right for your garden?

'When it comes to finding the right outdoor structure for your garden, there are a few key considerations to take into account,' Reilly advises. 'Think about what you'll use the structure for as this will determine the style and type of materials you'll want to introduce.'

For temporary shade solutions or budget-conscious options, canopies are ideal. If you want a permanent, weather-proof entertaining space, gazebos offer complete protection. Pergolas provide the best of both worlds - permanent structure with flexible weather protection.

Material choice is also key. While decorative wood frames add a traditional feel, they do require more maintenance. Aluminium options offer a contemporary finish while being more robust, low-maintenance, and suitable for year-round use.

FAQs

What is a pergola with a roof called?

A pergola with a solid, permanent roof is typically called a gazebo or pavilion. 'Unlike other types of garden structures, pergolas don’t have a permanent roof,' Reilly explains.

'Instead, they come with louvred or retractable roofs that can be adjusted from being fully open to fully closed, allowing you to make the most of the sunlight or provide shade or shelter from the rain when needed.'

Understanding the difference between a canopy, a gazebo and a pergola means you can choose the best structure for your outdoor living space - and enjoy it all summer long.

Whether restoring an existing wall or building new, these are the five things you should know before building a garden wall.

Building a garden wall is one of the essential garden landscaping ideas. When done well, it can really elevate the look of your garden or up your home's kerb appeal. However, many common mistakes can trip you up.

Far from just defining the boundaries of your property, garden walls and your outdoor wall decor ideas play an essential role in garden privacy and home security as well as curating the backdrop of your plot. To help you find the right fit for your space, the experts share their top tips from deciding on materials and budgeting to understanding the rules and regulations.

1. Understand the different styles of wall

There are several different types of garden wall, including all-encompassing full-height designs that enclose a courtyard garden, retaining walls that help to keep the soil in place in beds and borders, and smaller structures that demarcate areas or create a split-level garden.

Traditional walls are made from brick or stone, although concrete or corten steel are increasingly popular alternatives. Gabion walls (wire cages – like these from B&Q – filled with rocks) create a more industrial look and are best suited to retaining walls, as they can feel very imposing when used at full height without the addition of climbing plants.

When choosing materials, look to the style of your house and garden – you can either mimic the materials seen in the property and your local landscape or go bold with a contrast.

2. Establish your budget before starting work

Budget will be a significant factor in your choice of wall material. Joe Ragdale, technical director at Wetherby Building Systems breaks down the options and their typical costs:

• Brick walls cost from £50 – £150 per metre
• Stone walls cost from £200 – £350 per metre
• Concrete stone-look walls cost from £70 – £100 per metre
• Gabion walls cost £150 – £200 per metre
• Corten steel walls cost £200 – £400 per metre

As a general rule, retaining walls will be cheaper to build than full-height walls as they are shorter in stature, so they take less time and require fewer supplies. However, the cost is also influenced by the material and length of the wall. Labour costs also need factoring in – retaining walls are best built by professionals
as they need to keep the soil safely in place.

Labour costs range from £150 to £300 per day. A skilled bricklayer can typically complete 1 to 2 metres of wall per day for a standard, uncomplicated design, says Joe Ragdale, technical director at Wetherby Building Systems.

To cut costs, consider restricting the height of a wall to between 1 and 1.5 metres, and topping it with a fence or a woven panel to reach the desired height. This design choice also adds another layer of interest to the wall and is a particularly good option for smaller gardens, where tall, solid walls can feel imposing.

3. Save money by digging your own footings

Even if you don’t intend to construct the wall yourself, you can save money by digging the footings. Trevor Knight from Marshalls shares his recommendations for the depth of footings depending on height and wall type:

• Single-skin walls (up to 1m): 300mm depth of concrete
• Double-skin walls (up to 1m): 150mm depth of concrete
• Double-skin walls (1–2m): 375-450mm depth of concrete
• Retaining walls (up to 1m): 150mm-300mm depth of concrete.

‘It’s also worth noting that ground conditions in the garden play a big role in determining the required footing depth,’ adds Trevor.

4. Consider repairing rather than replacing

If your current wall is looking worse for wear, then there are many ways to hide an ugly garden wall. First, ensure that it is structurally sound and repair where necessary.

‘Using lime mortar, to relay loose or missing coping stones and badly eroded brick or stonework within the wall, and repoint where necessary,’ says Roger Hunt. ‘Dry stone walls, which are built without any mortar or cement, should only ever be repaired by professional craftspeople.’

Also, remove any fast-growing climbing plants whose roots are growing into the mortar, as these will cause weakness in the brickwork. Once everything is secure, you can leave the wall as it is, fronted with a trellis and climbing plants.

Alternatively, consider rendering to disguise any unsightly brick wall. Similar to rendering a house, according to All Weather Coatings, rendering a garden wall costs approximately between £25 to £40 per square meter. Alternatively, try your hand at painting a garden wall.

‘Coping stones are a great addition to any brick or stone wall,’ says Trevor Knight at Marshalls. ‘Most are designed with a drip groove to direct water away from the wall’s surface and reduce the risk of erosion, frost damage, and long-term structural issues. They also give the wall a polished finish and can double as a seating area on lower walls.

5. Know the rules and regulations

In most cases, building a new garden wall will be classed as permitted development, as long as you abide by a few rules. If the wall is next to a road or path, it must be less than one metre tall, and less than two metres elsewhere – both measured from ground level. If existing walls are taller than these regulation heights, they cannot be increased.

There are tighter rules and regulations for listed buildings or those in conservation areas – in these cases planning permission or listed building consent will need to be sought.

‘Planning permission can cost between £200 and £500 depending on your local authority,’ notes Joe Ragdale, technical director at Wetherby Building Systems, so it’s important to factor this into your budgeting. Retaining walls in the grounds of a non-listed building do not need planning permission.

It’s important to abide by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to prevent disputes with neighbours. ‘If you’re planning to build or alter a wall on or near the boundary between your property and a neighbour’s, you’ll need to obtain their consent before proceeding with any work,’ says Joe.

A good landscape contractor can help, and planningportal.gov.uk has lots of useful advice.

FAQ

Do I need foundations for a garden wall?

For most garden walls you will need foundations to ensure that they are stable. One exception to this is gabion walls – which can sit above the ground as the weight of the rocks keeps them in place.

Can I build a wall myself?

Gabion walls are one of the easiest to install on a DIY basis, though require a lot of heavy lifting as you need to fill the cages with stones. Corten steel walls require similar installation to garden fencing and are particularly well suited for retaining walls. Simple brick and stone walls are also an achievable DIY Project.

‘Make sure you have the right tools and equipment, and look for products that are easier to install,’ advises Trevor Knight at Marshalls. ‘For example, our Croft Stone Walling products do not require any mortar, which removes the need for any bricklaying skills and means the wall can be easily built, added onto and rebuilt as necessary. Croft Stone Walling can also be built without a concrete footing – it just needs a firm-level base.’

Now you have all the information you need you can get start on planning that garden wall transformation.

Growing up, I used to love visiting my grandparents and seeing the beautiful flowers my grandmother grew in her garden. This memory doesn't have to stay in the past, it can be recreated by growing plants and flowers that hold cherished memories in your garden.

Gardening trends fall in and out of favour, but nostalgic flowers such as foxgloves and roses will always have a place in our hearts. Whether it's a waft of their scent or the touch of the petals, nostalgic plants have the power to take you back to a time when you felt safe, relaxed and comforted.

I've rounded up six nostalgic plants that your grandparents will have grown to kick-start that trip down memory lane. They're British classics that will always looks good in a garden, big or small.

1. Roses

Would it really be a trip down memory lane without the inclusion of roses? These gorgeous, romantic flowers are a staple of any cottage garden and are quintessentially British.

‘Roses, especially old English varieties with strong fragrance and soft, layered petals,’ Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies, says. ‘They bring such a timeless, romantic feel.’

With such a huge variety of roses to choose from, it's easy to find something to suit your style. But if it’s nostalgia you’re after, the Rose Mary Berry (£21.59) at B&Q is a great choice.

2. Sweet peas

Not only are sweet peas a plant that will make your patio smell gorgeous, but doesn’t the scent remind you of your childhood?

‘This revival is closely tied to the rise of the cottagecore aesthetic - a cultural trend that embraces the beauty, simplicity, and sentimentality of bygone eras. With its emphasis on slow living, handmade charm, and natural beauty, cottagecore has reignited interest in old-fashioned flowers like sweet peas,’ says Lynne Lambourne, sustainability and DIY ambassador at GARDENA.

Sweet peas are best planted in spring or early autumn, but you can buy sweet pea bedding plants for £9.99 on Amazon that can be planted straight into your garden.

3. Foxgloves

There was a huge revival for growing foxgloves at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, and it’s easy to see why, with this stunning plant being one of the UK’s most distinctive plants. Flowering between now and September, you can pick foxgloves up for £12.95 at Sarah Raven.

Jo says they’re: ‘effortlessly charming, often popping up in more relaxed, slightly wild borders.’

4. Dahlias

‘Once considered old-fashioned, dahlias are becoming the “it” flower of 2025,’ says Lynne.

‘What was once seen as a dated garden staple has been completely reimagined thanks to a wave of floral designers, home gardeners, and trend-conscious growers who are embracing their drama, versatility, and sheer visual impact.’

There’s no doubt that dahlias are stunning, and if you were wondering when to plant dahlias, now is the perfect time, and you can pick up dahlia tubers for £5.49 at Crocus.

5. Peonies

At Ideal Home, we’re huge fans of growing peonies. Huge, pink fluffy petals, these romantic flowers deserve a place in any garden.

‘Their lush, romantic blooms have experienced a powerful resurgence in popularity, especially for weddings, garden events. The blooming season typically falls in late spring to early summer, brief but spectacular, making them feel rare and luxurious,’ says Lynne.

‘Peonies come in a stunning range of colours, from creamy whites and soft blushes to vivid corals, pastel pinks, and rich burgundies. This wide palette makes them ideal for both modern and vintage-inspired floral arrangements.’

With peonies coming to the end of their blooming period, you can still plant a potted peony (£14.99 at B&Q) ready for stunning blooms next summer.

6. Wildflowers

Perhaps the most nostalgic plants we see are the wildflowers that emerge every spring and summer. From primroses (£7.99 at Primrose) to Daffodils (£1 at Gardening Express), to me these flowers feel most like home.

‘If you’re after that nostalgic, countryside feel in your garden, native wildflowers are a brilliant place to start. Picture primroses tucked along old stone paths, bold foxgloves in pinks and purples swaying in the breeze, and cheery Welsh daffodils lighting up early spring. These aren’t just pretty blooms – they’ve been part of British folklore and tradition for centuries,’ says Dr Emily Attlee, conservation scientist and co-founder of Seedball.

The shopping list

Which plant makes you feel most nostalgic?

As summer beckons closer and the warm weather (hopefully) continues, many of us are looking to upgrade our garden's shade solutions. Pergolas are without a doubt the best way to do this, but in the interest of keeping costs down, it's worth asking - is it cheaper to build a pergola or to buy one?

In general, it's much cheaper to build pergola ideas yourself than to buy a pre-made structure, or to have a professional come in and build a custom pergola for you. But the cost difference will vary based on materials, size, and design complexity.

When we asked pergola experts the question, is it cheaper to build a pergola or to buy one - they had a lot to say. Here's all the info you need.

Generally, you can save a fair bit of money if you opt to build a pergola yourself from scratch or use a DIY pergola kit over a pre-made structure.

'To build your own wooden pergola, you’ll find the materials you need at a builder's merchants or timber yards with square posts starting from £9 each,' Reilly Gray, Co-Founder of Suns Lifestyle says. 'Arguably, you’d need to be a dab hand at right angles, or you can buy ready-to-build wooden pergola kits from selected suppliers.'

Keep in mind that building your own pergola isn't the easiest DIY job, but it is doable with the right tools and the know-how. Once you've constructed the wooden structure, you'll need to add pergola shade ideas as well, such as a canvas sail.

What makes wooden pergolas cheaper to build is that you can buy individual posts and rafters at affordable price points. Essentially, it's up to you how much wood you buy and the quality of wood you use, both of which will affect the overall cost. Size and longevity are, therefore, important things to consider before building a pergola.

That being said, you can still buy ready-made wooden pergola kits at an affordable price point.

'Pre-built kits have risen in popularity in recent years, offering a convenient and stylish finish for any garden,' Rory Parkers, outdoor furniture expert at B&Q says. 'You can find budget-friendly options like the Klikstrom Alizé Rectangular Pergola, £300 for the 3x3 and £340 for 3x4.'

Some assembly is required for these pre-built versions, but it is minimal compared to a DIY kit. Some of them are more like a piece of flatpack furniture.

Where can you save costs on a pergola?

You can also save on costs if you opt for a wooden pergola over an aluminium one. But, the budget-friendly nature of wooden structures means they do come with a couple of drawbacks.

'The cons of wooden pergolas are the seasonal use, and often transfer of colouration onto furniture below (green sap), which can be hard to remove,' Reilly says. 'For an all-season shelter, we don’t think you can get better than an industrial-grade aluminium pergola.'

Aluminium pergolas are more expensive - for example, you can get an aluminium pergola (3m x 3m with 4 screens) from Suns Lifestyle for £4,120. That's almost £4,000 more than the B&Q wooden pergola structure, which is a fair whack of money.

So in all, it is cheaper to build a pergola from scratch or a DIY kit than to buy one, but you'll have to weigh up cost versus effort and also if you have the DIY skills to do the job safely.

Nearly all pergolas, even pre-built versions, will require some degree of assembly, so if you're not confident in your DIY skills, it might be best hiring a professional or a TaskRabbit to put it together for you.

Where to buy a pergola

FAQs

Can I build a pergola without council approval in the UK?

'In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to install a pergola in the UK, as many builds fall under permitted development,' Andrew White, outdoor expert at Harbour Lifestyle explains. 'However, it’s crucial to check with your local authority before starting any work - especially if you live in a conservation area, have a listed property, or plan to install your pergola on a raised platform.'

As a good rule of thumb, you won't need planning permission to install a pergola if it takes up less than 50% of the land around the existing building.

Now that we've cleared that up, will you be upgrading your garden's shade solutions in time for summer?

Wildlife experts have revealed the two plants you need to deter garden predators and keep birds safe this summer.

As much as we all want to attract birds to our gardens with wildlife garden ideas, we also need to take a little responsibility for keeping them safe when they're visiting. You don’t need me to tell you that cats can be birds' biggest predators in an urban environment.

Unveiling their bird-friendly garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, charity SongBird Survival included two plants that provided both food and shelter for birds but deterred common predators. These plants were sweet briar rose (from £1.99 at Dobies) and cockspur thorn (£7.90 at Amazon).

Why you should plant sweet briar rose and cockspur thorn

‘Sweet briar rose produces nectar-rich flowers and red hips that serve as an essential food source for birds, while its dense growth provides a safe place for nesting birds,' explains Sue Morgan, CEO of SongBird Survival.

'Similarly, the cockspur thorn produces white spring flowers and red berries, and its thorny branches create secure perching and nesting opportunities. Its long thorns are a natural deterrent for cats and larger birds and allow smaller birds to have a safe space in the garden.’

Sweet briar rose and cockspur thorn are two of the best plants for birds because of the array of different benefits they have, providing food, shelter and protection. They’re also plants birds would take shelter in out in the wild.

Can you plant these shrubs now?

‘You can certainly plant cockspur now, while the temperatures are still mild,' says James Ewens, gardening expert at Green Feathers.

'Early spring or early autumn proves to be the best time to plant cockspur shrubs, in between any weather extremes. Early spring is an optimum time for the plant to establish itself before the hot summer causes any disruptions; the mild weather in September or October is a good time to plant cockspur before the cold winter months come into force.'

'Briar rose also thrives when the ground is still cool and moist, so early to late spring is a great time to incorporate these plants into your garden. These shrubs equally dislike extreme temperatures that are too hot or too cold.’

With hot weather on the horizon, it is most likely too late to plant cockspur and sweet briar rose as the plants may not be able to establish themselves.

Instead, you should wait until September when the weather is a little cooler to give your plants the best chance of survival and therefore help your garden birds thrive in the future.

Boho patios are the summer’s hottest trend, and it’s easy to see why this effortlessly eclectic style has captured our hearts.

Boho garden ideas are topping the most popular garden trends this year, as a favour towards sun-soaked styles increases. Relaxed and full of character, boho gardens have a holiday vibe that makes your garden feel like your favourite resort.

Currently trending on Pinterest, with searches for 'boho patio up 75%', boho patios are one of the easiest trends to achieve and one that has longevity, too. It’s relaxed, it’s cool, and this is how you get the look.

What are boho patios?

There are plenty of sun-soaked styles, such as French courtyard gardens and Greek style gardens to sink your teeth into, but what sets boho patio apart is its relaxed, eclectic look.

Where French courtyard gardens have a more structured and rigid style, boho patios have more give to allow your creativity to run wild.

‘The hallmark features include an eclectic mix of textures and materials—think layered outdoor rugs, plenty of seating, oversized cushions, and decorative ceramics. These are paired with plants, ambient lighting such as lanterns or fairy lights, and characterful accessories. The look is colourful, informal and intentionally unpolished, which is exactly what gives it its soulful charm,’ says Lena Gierasinska, Head of Product & Displays at Barker and Stonehouse.

‘The versatility of this style means that it is very much a timeless trend. The bohemian ethos celebrates freedom and self-expression, which never truly go out of fashion. Its adaptability means it can evolve with personal taste and lifestyle changes, making it a long-lasting choice for outdoor spaces.’

How to get the look

Styling a boho courtyard garden requires a little boldness on your part. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, textures and colours to create a playful style.

‘To create a boho courtyard garden, focus on designing your space in layers to create a cosy effect,’ says Mark Holloway, garden design expert and founder of Holloways of Ludlow.

‘Start by layering your space with rugs, soft throws, cushions and plush seating. Next, add layers at eye level such as greenery, plants and outdoor lanterns. The final layer should include pieces above eye level. Think string lights, hanging planters, wall art or mirrors.

‘Focus on mixing colours, patterns, styles and textures to create your boho style that reflects your personality.’

You don’t have to worry about having perfectly manicured grass or flower beds, either, as a wildlife garden or shaggy lawn style is far better suited to this trend. In a patio specifically, create your layers of blooms via a vertical planter (such as this stunning soft pink planter, £69.99 at Wayfair).

Garden lighting is another key part of this trend, so opt for festoon lights (such as these classic warm white festoon lamps, £35 at Argos) and pair with lanterns (such as this Habitat rattan solar lamp, £18 at Argos). For an authentic look, choose rattan garden furniture.

Get the look

Boho style is one of those timless looks that will never go out of style, and it's unlike boho patios will be the exception - will you be giving it a try?

Do you know how high your garden fence is? Probably not, right? But you might want to get your measuring tape as experts have revealed there is a legal limit as to how high your garden fence can be - and flaunting the rules could land you with a fine of up to £20,000.

The best garden fence ideas will give your garden both privacy and style. It can be tempting to build your fence up and keep noisy neighbours away, especially if you live in a busy area, but with rules for both your front and back garden, you want to avoid making this garden mistake.

Garden experts say your garden fence should not be any taller than two meters, or you risk being fined by the council. This is everything you need to know.

How high can a garden fence be?

‘The legal height of a fence in the UK depends on its location and the type of property. For gardens that are not at the front of the house, you’re allowed to have a fence up to 6.6 feet tall. This includes any decorative elements or additions on top of the fence,’ says Dave Sayce, co-founder and managing director of Compare My Move.

‘However, if the fence is in your front garden or borders a public road, the maximum legal height is reduced to 3.3 feet. There may also be additional restrictions if your property is a listed building or located in a conservation area.’

This means while your back garden fence can’t be any higher than two meters, your front garden fence shouldn’t be any higher than one meter. This is because a higher fence can impact road visibility or the aesthetics of your neighbour. After all, the right garden fence colour can boost your home’s value, so maintaining its curb appeal is important.

What are the consequences of having too high a fence?

If your fence is exceeding two meters then you will need to take it down and fit a fence of the correct height.

‘If your fence is found to be too high, the consequences can be pricey, although if initial advisories are followed, you should be able to avoid this. You may be ordered to reduce your fence's height or remove it entirely,’ says Luke Dejahang, Director at Crown Pavilions.

‘If you are non-compliant in reducing your fence height, you could be fined £2,500 under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015.’

If you continue to be non-compliant, you could face a £20,000 fine from the magistrates. However, if you’re looking for privacy, hedges have no legal height limitation.

‘There is no official height limit for hedges, regardless of where they are on your property. However, local councils do have the authority to intervene if they consider a hedge to be excessively high, and they may issue a notice requiring it to be trimmed,’ says Dave.

Make your garden private

If it is privacy you're after, these features can help.

Now you know the official height, is your fence too high? Or have you got it just right?

Greek-inspired gardens are quickly becoming one of the biggest trends for the summer, and I think this bright, summery style will last for years to come.

It probably hasn’t escaped your attention, but Mediterranean-style gardens have been leading the charge of this year’s garden trend. But if you were looking to hone in on some Mediterranean garden ideas to transport you to a favourite holiday spot, outdoor spaces inspired by the Greek Isles are proving most popular this year.

Searches for ‘Greek garden ideas’ have surged on Google by 250% according to interiors brand Ruggable, but what makes the trend so popular? And how do we get the look at home?

What's the trend?

‘Greek-style gardens have really caught the imagination lately, and it’s easy to see why,' says ,’ says Luke Newnes, new build garden specialist and member of the Hillarys Interior Squad.

'The hallmark features of a Greek garden are their relaxed, sun-soaked feel and the sense of timelessness they evoke. You’ll often find natural stonework, gravel paths, and terracotta pots filled with aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme.'

‘Olive and citrus trees are classic choices, and the plant palette leans heavily on silvery greens, whites, and blues—colours that reflect the Mediterranean landscape.'

'Architectural touches like pergolas, urns, and simple water features add to the atmosphere, and shade is usually provided by vines or small trees over seating areas.’

Greek-style gardens take a chunk of sun-soaked holiday bliss and add it to your outdoor space, which is one reason why it’s been so popular.

Last year, Almalficore inspired our spaces as we longed for the Italian coastline and French courtyard gardens that have also been trending as a chic take on the Mediterranean style. What sets Greek-style gardens apart is the more modest look they create.

‘I think they’ve long held a quiet appeal, but they’re probably becoming more popular thanks to their beauty, simplicity and sustainability,' says Katerina Kantalis, garden designer who specialises in Mediterranean outdoor spaces.

Unlike other Mediterranean gardens from Italy, France, or Spain, which can often be more formal, with bold colours and lots of detail, in my view, Greek gardens tend to be much more modest and connected to nature.'

How to achive the look

To create a Greek garden at home you’ll obviously want to opt for the best Mediterranean plants such as lavender, rosemary, thyme and jasmine.

Not only do these plants look amazing, but they're also some of the best-smelling shrubs you can buy to fill your garden with a gorgeous scent.

‘Pots are an essential feature in Greek gardens, so opt for terracotta or weathered-clay pots filled with herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano or with sun-loving plants such as succulents, pelargoniums and lavender.'

'Grouping pots at different heights creates interest, especially in smaller or paved spaces. Using pots also helps with overwintering delicate plants,’ says Katerina.

Consider using terracotta over plastic when choosing your plant pots for your container garden and opting for lightly-coloured stone when choosing your patio slabs, pathways or gravel.

‘Add a few architectural elements, like a small pergola or a classic urn, and keep things uncluttered to let the space breathe,' advises Luke. 'Even just painting a wall white or adding some blue accents can evoke that Greek island feel. With a few thoughtful changes, you can bring a bit of the Mediterranean to your own backyard.'

‘As for whether this is a lasting trend, I believe it is. The principles behind Greek gardens—simplicity, sustainability, and a connection to nature—have enduring appeal.'

'As we face more extreme weather and water shortages, gardens that require less water and upkeep are only going to become more attractive.’

Get the look

I, for one, welcome any opportunity to achieve that holiday feel at home. Will you be giving your garden a Greek glow-up?

Zoe Ball has unveiled her garden’s transformation, and her choice of lilac, violet and mauve blooms has convinced me that purple planting schemes are having a moment, and wow, do they look good!

Filling your garden with purple blooms is becoming an increasingly popular garden trend, and we love the romantic and dramatic framing they give to an outdoor space. It’s not just Zoe Ball’s garden either; purple planting schemes were everywhere at the Chelsea Flower Show 2025, too.

Purple is an incredibly versatile shade. It can be both bold and dramatic, and calming, making it easy to see why it’s a popular choice. And this is how to introduce this stunning shade to your garden planting scheme this summer.

The broadcaster and presenter often shares glimpses into her beautiful home and garden. Only recently, Zoe Ball’s colourful kitchen wowed her followers. And she’s proved her mastery with colour once again with her garden transformation.

From a patch of astroturf to bold purple flower beds, Zoe showed off her transformation in honour of the beginning of the Chelsea show. Featuring every shade of purple from deep-toned geraniums to pastel daisies, the garden was packed with pretty colours.

‘I saw lots of purple flowers at the Chelsea Flower Show this year, from alliums and foxgloves to irises and lily turf. I think it's such a versatile colour in the garden, because you can go for deeper, bolder hues or stick to softer lilac shades for a cottage garden feel. It's great to see it featuring so heavily in the show gardens this year,’ says Sophie King, Garden Editor at Ideal Home.

‘There’s something about purple that feels both luxurious and soothing. This year, I’ve noticed people are really drawn to the calming, almost meditative quality of purples — think lavender, salvia, and alliums,' says Luke Newnes, new build gardening specialist, content creator and member of the Interior Squad at Hillarys.

'These shades also play well with the natural light we get in UK gardens, shifting beautifully throughout the day. Plus, purple is universally flattering: it works in contemporary, cottage, or wildlife-friendly schemes.'

What’s more, introducing purple to your garden can also make it more wildlife-friendly. In fact, bees and butterflies will flock to your garden if you plant purple flowers like agastache.

‘Purples are pollinator magnets — bees, butterflies, and even birds are drawn to them,’ says Luke.

‘I think purple will always have a place in our gardens, but right now it’s definitely having a moment. Trends come and go, but the great thing about purple is it’s timeless — it doesn’t feel as fleeting as some colour crazes. Once people see how well it works, I think many will keep it as a garden staple, even as other colours trend.’

Luke recommends planting blooms such as alliums, catmint, geraniums and caradonna to achieve a beautiful purple look.

If you’re feeling inspired, here are a few purple blooms that will help you get the look.

If your garden decking is starting to feel more wobbly than wow, it might be time to take a closer look and see if it's showing the signs you need to replace it.

Wooden decks have a lot going for them. As garden decking ideas, they’re warm underfoot, easy on the eye, and create the perfect stage for hosting summer BBQs, lounging on loungers and sundowners.

‘Wooden decks bring a natural, rustic charm to your garden while creating a versatile space for relaxing, dining, or entertaining,’ says Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades. ‘It’s cost-effective, easy to repair, and, when well-maintained, can be incredibly durable and even boost your home’s value by extending your living space outdoors.’

However, even the sturdiest, most carefully nurtured timber deck reaches a point where fresh screws, patch-up and a fresh coat of wood stain will no longer cut it. From squishy spots you can push your thumb through, to sinister squeaks and overall sagginess, some red flags really shouldn’t be ignored.

If your deck is looking rather worse for wear and you’re now repairing the repairs, it might be time to consider replacing your wooden deck, and possibly a new material altogether. The composite vs wood decking debate has come a long way, with low-maintenance options now offering impressive durability and sleek good looks.

But before you start ripping up your wooden deck, look for these 7 tell-tale signs your wooden deck is only fit for the bonfire.

1. Riddled with wood rot

Wood rot is one of the most serious and irrefutable signs that your deck is stuffed. ‘During the life of a timber deck, you will likely see elements of decay, such as surface mould like algae growing on the top of the deck – which can be removed by cleaning and prevented by maintenance,’ says Darren Gooch, owner of Beams & Braces.

‘But when it comes to serious structural problems like wood rot, the deck will start to show signs like movement and a feeling of ‘sponginess’ and sometimes even cracked boards. Once rot sets in – especially within a subframe or the structure of a deck – it is often irreparable.’

Caused by fungi that thrive in wet conditions, rot undermines the timber’s grain, leaving it squidgy and soft. To work out whether rot is your problem, just push your thumb or a stick into the wood in any areas that are causing concern. If it slides in like a knife into butter, that’s rot.

If the damage is contained, you may be able to replace a couple of planks, but if it’s in the framework or structural supports, it’s safer to opt for a full replacement. Left to its own devices, wood rot can seriously impact your deck’s structural safety and will inevitably spread until the whole thing becomes a major hazard.

2. Loose or Wobbly Railings

If your deck has railings, stability is everything, especially if the deck railings are there for safety rather than just looks (or to keep the dog in).

‘Over time, weather and use, railings can become loose, most usually at the upright posts,’ says Darren. ‘Determining the cause of the problem depends on what type of posting you have, whether it’s bolted through the side or through the deck. Ultimately, posts need to be bolted onto something structural. If non-structural fittings and blocking haven’t been used, railings will tend to get loose and move.’

It doesn’t take a genius to work out if the railings are wobbly, but even a little looseness or visible separation from the deck is a serious red flag. Sometimes it’s possible to shore up or brace loose railings, or reinstall them with new, stronger fixings. If the issue is down to serious rot, an issue with the substructure or just old age, it could pose a real risk of injury – never ignore wobbliness.

3. Cracked, splintered, or warped boards

While it’s normal for timber to move a little – especially during sudden temperature fluctuations in the weather – any major cracking, splintering and warping is a concern. It is also a sign you, or the previous owners, have been lax on the care and maintenance front (regular cleaning and sealing will help protect your deck from weathering).

Depending on the extent of the damage, these issues aren’t always terminal, but they can lead to splinters and become a potential trip hazard. Plus, your deck will not look pretty – even if you patch up or repair! ‘If your deck looks and feels uneven underfoot, and there are multiple sections you avoid altogether, it’s best to opt for a full replacement,’ advises Darren.

4. Rusted or weak fixings

Nails, screws, and other metal fixings might not be exciting, but they’re the busy little bees holding your deck together. In time and use, they can rust, loosen, or go AWOL entirely, leaving your deck bouncier than a trampoline with wobbly railings, or worse. Keep your eyes peeled for rust spots around screw holes, protruding nails, or gaps where boards are on the wonk.

‘If your deck screws or fasteners are rusting it may suggest that they are not suitable for outdoor use. They will therefore need replacing with screws or fasteners made from stainless steel or another corrosion-resistant material to prevent rust,’ says DIY expert Mark Irving, from Build & Plumb.

‘If rusted deck screws or fasteners are not replaced they may become loose or fall out, this can lead to instability of the decking’s framework and compromise its ability to bear weight, which is a serious safety hazard.’

If your deck's hardware is older than God (or not stainless/galvanised), it might be past its prime. A few knackered fixings can be swapped out, but if they’re seriously failing, or the wood underneath isn’t playing nice, it could be time to consider a full refresh.

5. Visible sagging

A deck should feel solid, not like a trampoline. If yours is sagging something serious is likely to be going on underneath. A bouncy surface isn’t just annoying, it could be a red flag for more sinister issues underfoot.

There are several reasons decking might sag. ‘Insufficient support is a common cause of a sagging or uneven deck. It often stems from support posts being spaced too far apart or using the wrong type, or poor quality, lumber that can’t properly bear the load,’ explains Mark.

‘Wood rot is another common cause of sagging decks, softening boards and weakening the structure. It’s usually triggered by excess moisture and can be spotted by dark patches, a spongy feel, or a musty smell.’

Shifting ground is another culprit, especially if the deck wasn’t built on level, compacted soil or lacks proper drainage.’ If the surface slopes or support posts have moved or cracked, soil movement may be to blame,’ adds Mark.

If your deck starts to make you feel seasick as you walk the plank, don’t ignore it, especially with raised decks as you might end up falling right through. Replacement is the safest solution.

6. It no longer works for you

Sometimes the problem isn’t just what’s wrong with your deck, it’s that it’s no longer right for you. Maybe your family has grown, the garden’s had a glow-up, or perhaps it was never built to your design in the first place and you would have gone for an entirely different shape, scale or style.

If you’re already staring at a massive repair bill, now might be the perfect excuse to start fresh. A new deck could give you more space to hang out, or get creative with built-in garden seating ideas, fancy deck lighting ideas or funky planters.

‘The chance to start again can provide the opportunity to improve the flow. It can be helpful to design the decking with specific zones in mind, for example, creating separate areas for dining and lounging,’ suggests Mark.

‘To futureproof your new decking, use materials that will be long-lasting and highly resistant to corrosion and weatherproofing. For instance, using high-quality timber that has been properly treated and sealed, or even opting for a composite decking to improve durability.’

Safety matters, but so does how you live. If your deck no longer suits your needs, it could be time to rip it up and start again.

7. It’s dying of old age

Even a deck that has been painstakingly maintained, loved and cherished has a shelf life. Most wooden decks last between 15 to 25 years, depending on the type of timber, weather conditions, and upkeep. Older decks will also never have benefited from the high-tech waterproofing sealants and modern seasoning methods we use today, nor will they likely have been checked out by a Building Control officer or built to any structural safety guidelines.

If yours is pushing 20+ it’s served you well and owes you nothing, so best to get it gone before there’s an accident. Happily, modern materials and smarter designs mean your next deck could last far longer, be less needy on the maintenance front and look better in the process.

Can you replace a wooden deck with composite?

Heck yeah, composite deck is made from a mix of wood fibres and plastic polymers and is loved for being low maintenance yet durable.

Darren Gooch (who admittedly is a composite decking specialist) says he spends most of his time replacing wooden decks with composite and absolutely recommends it. ‘The benefits are a no-brainer. There’s no staining or sealing required, no splinters or rot, it’s weather resistant and can last as long as 30 years,’ he says.

‘If you’re thinking of changing just the decking boards from timber to composite, I would recommend asking an expert to check that the joist centres are in the correct position, the timber substructure is UC4 treated and there are no signs of rot or decay.’

What is the average cost of replacing a wooden deck?

‘The cost of replacing a wooden deck in the UK usually ranges from £1,500 to £4,000, depending on the size, timber type, and labour involved. Hardwoods like oak will push the price up, while softwoods like pine are more affordable but may need more maintenance over time,’ says Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades.

Composite decking typically costs a bit more than premium hardwood, but it pays off in the long run thanks to its minimal maintenance needs – saving you time, effort, and ongoing upkeep expenses.

Costs include removal of the old deck, labour and new materials, all of which will go up the bigger your deck. An elevated deck and any balustrading, split levels and railings will also cost more, as will any fancy features like integrated lighting, bars or outdoor kitchens. The more work you can do yourself, the less your new deck will cost.

A wooden deck can be a beautiful thing, but only when it’s safe, sturdy, and suited to your lifestyle. By watching out for the red flags above, you can make timely decisions about whether to repair or replace and avoid the risks of deck failure.

Side return garden ideas are one of the trickiest places to plan. In a nutshell, it is the area that runs along the side of a house. It’s typically a narrow, sheltered space, and it can be tough to know how to zhuzh it up.

However, like with all small garden ideas, where there is a will, there is a way. Sometimes these small spaces can be more rewarding to plan and design than a large outdoor space, as you need to be so much more creative.

As it turns out, there are a number of ways you can revamp a side return garden. I spoke to the experts to gather a list of the best ideas to turn this overlooked space into a beautiful pocket garden, whether it is an extension of your outdoor space or the only garden space you have.

1. Go vertical

Space in a side return garden is often limited, so planting space can be a little thin on the ground. Instead, look above the ground and think about living wall ideas or fast-growing climbing plants that will quickly cover a trellis.

‘Vertical gardens are a great way to save space,’ says Liam Cleary, outdoor plants expert at Old Railway Line Garden Centre. ‘Use trellises with climbing plants like clematis, and add fragrant plants such as honeysuckle or jasmine to create a sensory experience.’

2. Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space

We’ve celebrated garden mirror ideas as a hero for small gardens before, and the same benefits apply to side return garden ideas. You’ll just need to make sure you position it correctly.

‘Mirrors are a clever way of creating an illusion of more space if you have a side return, but only the mirrors are north-facing, as you don’t want any sun to reflect back into the house,’ says garden designer Harriet Worsley.

Something like this Country Arched Indoor Outdoor Mirror from Dunelm would work well.

3. Create a cosy seating area

If you’ve got room for garden furniture ideas in your side return, it’s a great opportunity to create a cosy nook for outdoor gatherings or time spent relaxing alone. This is especially effective if your garden is south-facing, according to Harriet.

‘If it’s south-facing, you can create a seating area with an outdoor sofa surround by pots, or a wiggly path edged with pots,’ she says.

This Keter Elements Grey 4 Seater Modular Corner Seating from B&Q can be rearranged to suit a small space.

4. Choose shade-loving plants

If you’re looking for side return garden ideas in a gloomier space (particularly if you're working with a north-facing garden), you’ll need to plant accordingly to ensure the greenery stays nice and healthy throughout the year.

‘These spaces are often a bit shady, so it’s also a good idea to go for plants that love the shade, like hostas, epimediums, and ferns,’ says Liam Cleary, outdoor plants expert at Old Railway Line Garden Centre.

This Dryopteris filix-mas plant from Crocus does well in light shade.

5. Use archways

We’ve already spoken about climbing plants on trellises in a side return garden, but Harriet thinks training climbing plants on arches can make even more impact.

‘Arches covered in scented climbers such as Trachelospermum can be used at intervals along a side return to create a fabulous journey to the main garden – a fragrant experience,’ she says.

You could even try a walkthrough garden arch, like this affordable Garden Stories Galvanised Steel Climbing Archway from QVC.

6. Go crazy for clematis

I was especially fond of Harriet’s take on clematis for side return garden ideas, inspired by the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025.

‘There were some beautiful new clematis on the Raymond Evison stand this year at the Chelsea Flower Show, including some small clematis bred specifically for using pots, and some medium-sized clematis for walls developed so that they don’t get too big and rampage and go wild.'

They’re great for small gardens. ‘You could have some low ones in pots, a series of medium clematis planted in a skinny bed trained up the wall for a double tier of colour, and even a third tier of high ones for the top of the wall. There would then be a beautiful tapestry of changing colour to look at from the house.’

7. Opt for lighter colours

If you’re trying to choose between garden fence ideas or garden paint ideas on a side wall, going for lighter shades can make a side return garden feel larger than it actually is.

‘If your side return is overshadowed, use light-colored paving and reflective surfaces to brighten it up,’ suggests Justin Nielsen, home improvement expert at Wolf River Electric.

Which side return garden ideas will you be trying out this year?

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is back for 2025, and as ever, it’s packed with incredible garden inspiration for the growing season ahead.

I visited the Show today and made note of all the garden trends that stood out above the rest. Among the beautiful planting schemes, climate resilience was a huge theme, along with future-focused gardening and various other garden design schemes – and they're all perfect if you're looking for small garden ideas, too.

I’ve rounded up the top RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 trends you’ll want on your radar this year.

1. Climate-resilient planting

Climate resilience seemed to permeate every corner of the showground this year. Several of the show gardens featured drought-tolerant plants, from the Mediterranean planting scheme of Hospice UK’s Garden of Compassion to the drought-tolerant vegetables showcased in the Garden of the Future.

What really stood out to me were the extremes – The King’s Trust Garden: Seeding Success, set in a volcanic environment, highlights how plants can adapt to hostile environments. Of course, we won’t have to worry about volcanic conditions here in the UK, but I thought it was a brilliant way of showing that plants can be incredibly climate resilient. And after the hot summers of recent years, I gleaned a lot of Mediterranean garden ideas from Hospice UK’s Garden of Compassion, which featured plants like the strawberry tree and tulip poppies.

You can buy Austrian pine from B&Q, which featured in The King's Trust garden, or go for the unique Allium 'Hair', which is available at Suttons.

2. Coastal planting

If climate-resilient planting was the trunk of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 trends, coastal planting was one of the main branches. In fact, several gardens took on coastal garden ideas this year.

The Hospitalfield Arts Garden is set amongst dramatic dune topography with drought-tolerant plants established in sand instead of soil. I spoke to the garden's designer, Nigel Dunnett, who told me that there's currently a huge horticultural interest in growing plants in sand or gravel, not in traditional garden soil or topsoil.

'They're in this really free-draining layer, which as a byproduct is also completely weed-free, so you're cutting down on the gardening and maintenance as well,' Nigel said.

I loved the pink seathrift, which you can buy from Crocus.

Another personal favourite of mine was the Seawilding exhibition. Inspired by the Loch Craignish landscape on the west coast of Scotland, it features an array of exclusively native plants adapted to the Scottish coastline.

What I found really fascinating, though, was that the seagrass from the garden will be planted on the sea floor in England after the Show ends, to extend existing sea meadows. Brilliant!

3. Technology and AI

We've seen a huge rise in technology-aided gardening recently, and my visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 confirmed it: now, more than ever, technology is playing a huge role in the way we garden.

The Avanade 'Intelligent' Garden is RHS Chelsea's first garden with embedded AI for urban garden management. It features an AI assistant which monitors factors like soil moisture, temperature and the weather to track and predict trends for 'proactive, resource-efficient care'. But it's more than just smart gardening – visitors can interact with the garden itself and ask what it needs, and the garden will respond!

I tested Elho's smart pebble houseplant monitor earlier this year, and that was clever enough for me, but this AI integration goes one step further, and opens up a conversation with the garden based on live data.

4. Japanese gardens

Japanese gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years, but from what I saw today, they were a huge RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 trend.

The Cha No Niwa Japanese Tea Garden brought the essence of Japanese garden planting to the fore with Japanese maples, lily turf, ferns and moss playing central roles in the scheme.

But it wasn't just the show gardens that put the spotlight on this garden style – balcony gardens like the Komorebi Garden proved that small Japanese garden ideas can have just as much impact, with a series of Betula pendula trees and Fargium japonicum taking centre stage.

And Secret Base – The Another Green Room took small space design to another level (literally) with layered planting to make the garden feel larger than it really is.

Get the look

5. Recycled and reclaimed materials

Another feature I noticed a lot this year was the abundance of recycled and reclaimed materials used to create planters, furniture and other hard landscaping in the gardens.

From the recycled and repurposed hard landscaping in The Avanade Intelligent Garden to the recycled acrylic planters in The Glasshouse Garden, there was a real emphasis on sustainable gardening this year – and we love upcycling ideas for the garden.

My absolute favourite? The seating is upholstered in recycled Pensioners’ scarlet uniforms in The London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden. I loved the mycelium walls in the Pathway Garden, too, which were made from recycled waste material from previous RHS shows.

I can't wait to see these RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 trends take off. If you haven't already, you can still buy tickets for the Chelsea Flower Show now.

With summer fast-approaching, making the most of the garden is at the forefront of our minds. But there is still a little bit of time until the alfresco season is in full swing. So, if you’re looking for an innovative way to give your garden some wow-factor in time for summer, then you might want to consider outdoor tiles.

When we think of paving materials for the garden, our minds often conjure up images of dreary, grey slabs. But this patio idea doesn’t have to be boring. Using tiles in your outdoor space is a perfect way to inject some colour and personality into your garden scheme.

‘Outdoor tiles can completely transform a garden,’ shares Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra. ‘They set the tone and style in the same way flooring does indoors. Whether it’s a courtyard, patio, path or seating area, the right tile can help your outdoor space feel curated, cohesive and beautiful.’

But, deciding which material to use, where to place your tiles, and how to style them can feel like more work than laying the tiles themselves. That’s why we’ve asked the experts all you need to know about how to incorporate outdoor tiles into your garden this summer.

Using tiles in the garden

‘Outdoor tiles are a fantastic way to elevate your garden. They create defined, stylish spaces that blend seamlessly with your home’s overall aesthetic,’ says Lesley Taylor, founder of The Baked Tile Company. But, it is of course important to pick the right tiles to achieve this look.

From ceramic and natural stone to porcelain and granite, there are many options on the market when it comes to outdoor tiles. And, while all will work within garden landscaping ideas, some are recommended over others.

‘Before laying outdoor tiles for decor, make sure that they are durable and hardwearing,’ advises Steve Holloway, sales and marketing director, tiles at RAK Ceramics. ‘Choose weather-resistant materials and look for tiles that are slip-resistant.’

With this in mind, porcelain tiles are the top pick for use outdoors. ‘Porcelain is generally more robust for full exposure to the elements, so it’s worth checking the material, thickness and slip rating before you buy,’ suggests Grazzie. ‘Anything below 36 PTV wet or under R10 is best avoided for external floors.’

That said, other materials, like ceramic, can also be used. However, bear in mind that they typically don’t hold up as well against British weather conditions due to their higher water absorption rates compared to porcelain, making them a potential slip hazard.

Once you’ve chosen your material, it’s essential to ensure that your garden is ready for laying the tiles. ‘A well-prepped base is key to longevity, especially in climates with seasonal changes, so consider practical factors like drainage, surface preparation, and slip resistance before laying outdoor tiles,’ advises Lesley.

This may include jobs like levelling uneven ground, clearing weeds and debris from the space, installing a base layer, and taking precautions to improve drainage in the garden.

Alongside ground preparation, you should ensure that you’ve selected an ideal location. For instance, you should think about how much sunlight your chosen area gets. ‘White or pale tiles can become dazzling in bright conditions, and some natural stones may fade over time,’ says Grazzie.

How to style outdoor tiles

Now, the fun part! There are so many ways to style outdoor tiles, which is perhaps no surprise considering their versatility.

‘Whether it’s a sleek patio, a tiled path, or a statement wall, outdoor tiles add texture, colour, and structure – transforming even the simplest garden into a purposeful and beautiful extension of your living space,’ says Lesley.

These are our favourite ways to style them.

1. Zone your outdoor dining space

‘One of the benefits of outdoor porcelain tiles is their versatility and ability to be used in a variety of different ways throughout your garden. Although, many people use them for patios, around an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area,’ says Steve. Not only is this a practical paving alternative, but it also helps to visually separate this area from the rest of the garden.

‘When it comes to styling outdoor tiles, I always recommend thinking in zones,’ adds Lesley. ‘Use them to frame seating areas, define walkways, or even introduce a patterned feature under a pergola.’

It’s a great way to lead your guests' eye toward a specific area, while breaking up the overall look and feel of the garden.

2. Create a cohesive feel

When using tiles outdoors, it’s important to treat your garden in the same way that you would treat the rooms inside your home. For instance, if you want to keep your style the same, consider carrying the same tile designs through from your home to the garden.

‘Using the same floor tile indoors and out means there is no change of texture or height, which makes it an appealing choice if you’re looking to future-proof your home and garden,’ suggests Steve. And, as there is no visual break, it creates a sense of added space when making a small garden look bigger.

Or, if you want to keep the areas feeling separate, simply complement your chosen tiles with accessories. Pick cushions in complementary colours to draw the scheme together, or frame with contrasting plants to help the look pop.

3. Think outside the box

When considering how to style tiles outdoors, the ground is our first thought. But, tiles can be used outside of garden path ideas. Why not take a creative approach instead? Use tiles in your outdoor kitchen ideas to mimic a splashback. Not only will this protect exterior walls, but it also helps to add pattern and colour in a different way, giving guests a visual break from fencing.

‘Tiles work beautifully on vertical surfaces like retaining walls and planters. With the right tile and a bit of creative vision, your garden can become a year-round destination for relaxing and entertaining,’ adds Lesley.

4. Layer soft furnishings

In the same way that you’d furnish a room indoors, don’t forget to add finishing touches to your outdoor space. ‘Patterned tiles are particularly effective for creating a ‘rug’ effect underfoot,’ says Grazzie, ‘so pair this with outdoor furniture in natural finishes and don't forget the details – from planters and textiles to lighting.’

What to pair with your tiles

Not only do accessories like these add a sense of softness and contrast, but it also makes your garden feel inviting and warm – both for you, and for your guests.

Will you be adding tiles to your garden this summer?

French style has been dominating the interiors and gardening world this year, and Rococo-style gardens are the latest trend I can’t get enough of.

This garden trend is inspired by the intricate Rococo art and style made popular in France during the 1700s. Its beautiful style can be characterised by asymmetrical designs, elaborate decorations and a pastel colour palette.

These elaborate designs may sound a little intimidating, but trend experts have revealed how to get the look in your own garden - and it’s easier than you think.

What are Rococo gardens?

Rococo gardens are the latest of French styles to influence our decor. This year, it has been a huge home decor trend, as we’ve favoured the grand, maximalist interiors, and now it’s making its way outside.

Most recently, French courtyard gardens were set to be one of this summer’s biggest trends, defined by their structured beauty and serene, classic style. Rococo gardens are a more elaborate take on this style.

'Rococo-style gardens are back this summer because they provide a lighthearted escape from the tyranny of modern minimalism. The fanciful lines, over-the-top details, and romantic details seem to cast a spell – a power that many hanker for in a relatively cold world,’ says Sarah Fletcher, interior designer and CEO of Flower Delivery.

‘I recently overhauled a client’s dinky urban terrace with such signature elements as scalloped-edged planters and a serpentine herb garden, and turned it into a luxuriant, dreamy escape.’

Rococo gardens have a fun, whimsical look, which makes them excellent for escaping. If you’re looking for an outdoor space to retreat to, a Rococo garden could be just the tonic.

How to get the look

‘You don’t need a Versailles-level budget to create Rococo flair. Try introducing affordable touches like decorative mirrors, gravel paths or painted pots. Nature can do a lot of the work too — a bit of wildness actually enhances the style,’ explains Olly Cavner, Operations Director at Essential Living.

Try and opt for pastel colours or classic white when it comes to your garden furniture ideas and flower beds. Opt for flowers such as roses, delphiniums and peonies and their showy flowers will stand out in your garden.

If you have a larger budget, you should consider a water feature to achieve the grand chateau aesthetic. However, there are affordable water features available on the market, such as at Argos, which has a mix of rustic and more contemporary designs from £80.

'Introduce curved paths and interesting little nooks to draw the eye. Plant plenty of cottage favourites in soft pinks, blues and whites, which look wonderful against the warm backdrop of Cotswold stone. It's all about creating those little visual moments - a pretty bench tucked away or a small water feature that catches you by surprise,' recommends Tracy Archer, owner director at StayCotswold.

You don’t need a grand estate to embrace the Rococo style in your garden. But opting for romantic shapes, pastel colours, and decorative details is enough to please even Marie Antoinette.

Shop the look

Japanese-style gardens are becoming more and more popular, but the focus isn’t just on the plants – a few Japanese garden lighting ideas can go a long way, too.

Like with zen garden ideas, the lighting in a Japanese garden should be soft and subtle. But with so many garden lighting ideas to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to start.

To help me put this guide together, I spoke to a few outdoor lighting experts. Vanessa Macedo, associate lighting design at John Cullen Lighting, is passionate about using Japanese-inspired lighting, and I wanted to highlight a key point of hers before we get into the list.

‘At the heart of Japanese garden design lies the concept of wabi-sabi – the beauty of imperfection, transience, and subtlety,’ Vanessa explains. 'Lighting in this context isn't about visibility or grandeur. It's about revealing just enough. It’s not the light itself, but the shadows it casts that give the garden depth.’

With that in mind, let’s delve into some of the best Japanese garden lighting ideas…

1. Let plants cast shadows

You don’t have to go all out when it comes to Japanese garden lighting ideas. In fact, you can let the shadows do most of the work, even if you’re working with small Japanese garden ideas.

‘Low-placed uplights beneath bamboo, maple, or pine trees can produce elegant shadows against fences or walls, mimicking the ink brushstrokes of sumi-e painting,’ Vanessa explains. ‘This technique works especially well with deciduous trees that offer a lacy silhouette.’

You can buy affordable garden spotlights from Amazon.

2. Go for traditional lighting

Lanterns are key features of a Japanese garden, and there are so many different options available to buy, from paper lanterns to garden solar lighting. To really embrace the traditional look, choose LED lights wisely.

‘Traditional Japanese lanterns like the andon (a paper lantern typically used near walkways or porches) and the tōrō (stone lanterns placed near water or among mossy beds) are timeless symbols,’ explains Vanessa.

‘Modern LED versions exist, but wherever possible, opt for warm, dimmable bulbs to replicate the soft flicker of candlelight. Place them sparingly — they are ornaments of atmosphere, not floodlights.’

3. Create shadows with lampshades

Plants aren’t the only way to create shadows in your Japanese garden. You can start with the lampshade itself.

'These gardens are based on organic shapes and flowing lines – so look for lighting that will cast beautiful streams of light and shadow,’ says Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography and film at Cox & Cox. ‘The Outdoor LED Tapered Rattan Pendant offers pretty shadows and grounding natural materials.’

4. Illuminate stepping stones for a floating effect

This is one of my favourite Japanese garden lighting ideas. According to James Kendall, operations director at KES Lighting, you can create a floating effect along your garden path with a few recessed ground lights.

‘Low-level lighting installed in the ground can subtly illuminate stepping stones, creating a floating effect and guiding movement through the garden without disrupting the natural aesthetic,’ he explains.

Vanessa agrees that path lighting is important in a Japanese garden. ‘Japanese gardens are often designed for strolling,' she says. 'Light the journey, not just the destination.'

5. Highlight water features

Water feature ideas are never amiss in a Japanese garden, and they can be enhanced with a few clever lighting tricks.

‘If your garden includes a pond, waterfall, or tsukubai (a stone water basin), use recessed spotlights to create shimmering reflections,’ Vanessa suggests. ‘Keep the lighting indirect – install it slightly off-angle to the feature to avoid glare, mimicking moonlight rather than artificial beams.’

You could even buy a water feature that already includes lights. ‘Water features like bowls and fountains are important in Japanese gardens, so look for a water feature that has built-in light to draw further attention,’ says Danielle from Cox & Cox.

6. Choose warmer hues

The style of Japanese lighting is important, but so are the bulbs themselves – and selecting outdoor lighting in warm white can make all the difference.

‘Cool white lighting can feel too clinical or harsh in a garden meant for reflection,’ explains Vanessa from John Cullen Lighting. ‘Opt for warm white (2400K–2700K) LEDs to evoke the calming golden hue of lanterns or firelight.

'Keep brightness low – less is more.’

Which Japanese garden lighting ideas will you be starting with?

Pergolas are versatile, but if you want to get the most out of them after dark, you'll need to get on board with some pergola lighting ideas.

No pergola idea would be complete without some cosy ambient lighting, and you can illuminate your space in so many different ways. Whether you're looking to make a statement with a pendant light or prefer the whimsical look of festoon lighting, there are garden lighting ideas for every garden style.

We've rounded up our favourite pergola lighting ideas, with styling tips from pergola and lighting experts, to give you a little inspiration.

1. Keep it cosy with festoon lights

One of the most popular pergola lighting ideas? Festoon lights.

'Festoon string lights will look great as part of a pergola and can help turn the space into a cosy little haven,' says Adam Wilkins from LightingLegends.com.

Whether you decide to wrap these string lights around every part of your pergola frame or drape them around the edges, outdoor string light ideas provide plenty of coverage and charm. Go for the traditional glass light bulb style, or opt for opaque bulbs for a softer look.

Personally, I love 4lite's outdoor festoon lights, which you can buy from Amazon.

2. Make a statement with pendant lighting

If you're hoping to make a feature of your pergola lighting ideas, try hanging an outdoor pendant light from the centre of the frame. With so many different styles to choose from, there's a statement piece for every aesthetic, and they're a great way to make use of your pergola roof ideas.

'If your pergola has the height and structural support, consider lantern-style or openwork pendant designs that add visual interest during the day and cast a soft, inviting glow at night,' says James Kendall, operations director at KES Lighting & Home.

Try hanging a pendant light over garden seating or an outdoor dining area to really pull the space together.

Where to buy outdoor pendant lights:

3. Opt for wall lights

If your pergola is positioned next to the wall of your house or a garden fence, it's worth experimenting with pergola lighting ideas on those spaces, too. You'll just need to consider wall fixings and the style you're aiming for.

'Wall lights provide soft, directional lighting that highlights architectural features while creating a warm and inviting ambience,' says James. 'Choose weatherproof materials such as aged bronze or blackened steel for a timeless, durable finish.'

Where to buy outdoor wall lights:

4. Try integrated lighting

Some pergolas come with built-in lights, offering a luxe, cohesive feel. In fact, the PERGOLUX Skydance S3 also includes a smart control function, so you can adjust the lights from your phone.

If you don't want to splurge, there are other ways you can create a similar integrated feel.

'If you’ve purchased a pergola that doesn't come with integrated lighting, then consider adding LED strips, which can be hidden to give the illusion of integrated lights,' suggests Ammar Nova from Pergolux UK.

5. Keep it sleek with downlights

A variation of wall lighting, downlights can be a brilliant way to create ambience within your pergola space.

'Warm LED downlights are perfect for illuminating dining or seating areas, especially when recessed into the structure for a sleek, seamless look,' says James from KES Lighting. 'Always ensure they are IP-rated for outdoor use to guarantee longevity and safety.'

4lite's Smart Outdoor Up Down Wall Light, available at Amazon, can be controlled via an app.

5. Bring things together with floor lighting

For pergola lighting ideas on the ground, consider options like lanterns and other outdoor lamps.

Positioning these around your seating area can create a cosy outdoor living room feel. Add cushions, an outdoor rug and a coffee table to complete the look.

Plus, you can move this type of lighting around, and you won't have to worry about mounting lights onto your pergola, wall or fence.

6. Layer it up

Why not combine multiple pergola lighting ideas? Layering up different types of outdoor lighting can add a sense of luxury to the space.

'Wall lights, downlights and pendants offer a layered, functional and stylish lighting scheme that enhances both the structure and the surrounding environment,' agrees James.

Table lamps, lanterns and fairylights are all brilliant companions for all-mounted lights.

FAQs

How many lights should I use on my pergola?

Layering light is a brilliant way to pull a pergola space together, but how much is too much?

'Pergolas are a luxury item, so less is definitely more when it comes to incorporating lighting,' says Ammar from Pergolux UK.

'Subtle lighting that is strategically placed will help keep your space elegant and functional – perfect for both entertaining and relaxing.'

So, quality, not quantity, is the key!

Which pergola lighting ideas will you be trying out this year?

I’m sure you’re already well aware of the practice of using Feng Shui in your home, but have you thought about applying the same practice to the plants on your patio? Experts have revealed the three Feng Shui principles you should add to your patio to improve its flow, balance and harmony.

There are several ways to Feng Shui a garden, but if you are focusing purely on a patio or only have a small courtyard garden, there are Feng Shui principles you can apply to your potted plants and container garden ideas.

‘When used in the garden, feng shui involves arranging features that suit your energy or life force. Plants are central to this concept, as they are believed to bring positive energy to any space,’ says David Fryer, head of technical at Mr Fothergill’s.

‘Even if you only have a patio or are limited to growing plants in pots and containers, you can still incorporate feng shui principles by carefully choosing your plants and considering how to set them out.’

1. Pick your plants carefully

The first thing you want to ensure is that you have chosen something that can boost positivity, balance and energy. Houseplants known to bring luck have been a welcome Feng Shui principle in the interiors world for some time, and this can apply to your patio, too.

‘Feng Shui principles advocate for plants that promote positivity. Bamboo, jasmine, lavender, and holy basil are top picks for good fortune and their perceived air purification benefits. Snake plants, peace lilies, and money plants are also considered to have energy-cleansing properties. Be mindful to avoid thorny or dried-out plants, which are said to stagnate energy,’ says Adam Oldfield, director at outdoor living specialists StovesAreUs.

You should also consider the shape of your plants to give your patio a better flow.

‘When selecting plants, avoid those with sharp edges. Instead, choose varieties with soft, rounded leaves, which are more in keeping with flowing feng shui principles,’ says David.

2. Use the five elements to position your plants

The five elements of Feng Shui are water, metal, earth, wood and fire. You should try to incorporate these elements into your patio space. The good news is that your plants and garden features can define each element.

‘The Feng Shui Bagua map divides a space into nine zones, each representing aspects of life such as health, love, and prosperity, as well as one of the five elements,’ says Adam.

He explains that the north of your patio represents the water element and is the best spot to plant flowers and trees. The North East represent Earth and should be filled with plenty of greenery.

East is wood, and you should: ‘Incorporate lots of wooden elements like wooden furniture and trees. Bamboo, orange trees, and plum trees are popular in Feng Shui. Herbs are also good here for vitality and healing,’ says Adam.

Finally, south symbolises fire, and here you should use vibrant colours such as bright red flowers. It’s also the best place for large trees if you have the space, especially along the walls.

3. Consider colour

The final thing you should do is consider the colour of your plants, and how they apply to the five elements and the atmosphere you want to achieve.

David explains that water is represented by blues and purples, metal is distinguished by plants with white flowers and silver foliage. Earth plants should be subtle, scented and calming colours, wood should be plants with lots of brown and green shades, and finally, fire is characterised by vibrant red, orange and yellow.

‘By being selective with your plants and furniture, you can transform the mood of each space. For example, to create a calming, peaceful environment, use cool colours like blue and lavender. For an energising social space, opt for warmer tones like red, orange, and yellow. If you want to create a dreamy, romantic look, stick to shades of pink, purple, and white,’ says Adam.

Water plants

•  Lavender 'Hidcote' (£3.99 at Gardening Express): An aromatic perennial with purple flower spikes; ideal for pots and excellent for pollinators.
• Delphinium 'Aurora' (£5.48 at Mr Fothergill's): A tall perennial that offers beautiful spikes of double flowers in various shades of blue and purple throughout the summer.
• Pansy Matrix Mix Ocean Breeze (£12.99 at B&Q): An annual bursting with large blue and purple blooms that flower from autumn through spring.

Metal plants

• Azalea 'Adonis' (£5.99 at Gardening Express): An evergreen with bold early-season white flowers; significant for container growing.
• Begonia' Illuminations White' (£9.99 at J. Parker's): A trailing plant perfect for hanging baskets or pots.
• Senecio 'Angel Wings' (£16 at Roots Plants): Known for its soft, velvety silver leaves, which thrive in a sunny container spot.

Earth plants

• Jasmine 'Clotted Cream' (£26.95 at Sarah Raven): A compact plant with beautifully scented cream-coloured flowers.
•  Narcissus' Pipit' (£10.95 at Sarah Raven): Produces pale yellow, fragrant blooms - perfect for container planting in autumn for early spring display.
• Tulip 'Elegant Lady' (£7.99 at J. Parker's): A lily-flowered tulip with soft peach tones that blooms from March onwards.

Wood plants

• Hosta 'Lemon Lime'(£6 at Rewela): A vibrant perennial with lime green foliage. It is ideal in containers and away from slugs.
• Heuchera 'Chocolate Ruffles' (£12.99 at Thompson & Morgan): A compact, low-maintenance plant showcasing dark brown ruffled foliage.

Fire plants

• Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff' (£3.99 at Marshall's Garden): A garden classic with striking red flowers against dark foliage, blooming from mid-summer and returning year after year.
• Petunia 'Surfinia Hot Pink' (£9.99 at Suttons): A vivid annual with a cascading habit and abundant pink flowers, great for containers and hanging baskets.
• Dwarf Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) (£24.95 at Gardening Express): Excellent for containers, with varieties like 'Red Emperor' and 'Orange Dream' offering vibrant red and orange foliage.

‘Creating balance through feng shui on your patio doesn't require a total garden overhaul. With thoughtful planting, conscious arrangement, and deliberate use of the five elements, even the smallest outdoor space can become a serene and energising sanctuary,’ says David.

Create peace on your patio this summer with Feng Shui. What principles will you adopt?

Cuprinol Garden Shades’ Natural Stone has been trending on Pinterest for a while, and for good reason: it’s the perfect foundation shade that sets the stage for a myriad of garden colour schemes. But which garden paint ideas should you pair it with?

'Cuprinol Garden Shades' Natural Stone is one of those quietly magical shades – soft, grounding, and endlessly versatile,' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. It’s like sun-warmed pebbles or weathered driftwood, bringing a calm, natural elegance to any garden.'

We’ve pulled together a list of the best garden colour schemes that work with Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone to help you design an effortlessly beautiful outdoor space. Although the images below don't display Natural Stone, we've found similar shades to illustrate how the pairings can work in the garden.

Where to buy Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone

1. Soft greens

For a natural, cohesive look, opt for soft green hues. Sage green has been a trendy colour for a while, and it’s the perfect match for Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone.

‘If you’re looking for a calming, muted style, pair Natural Stone with soft green such as sage, as it blends well with stone tones,’ says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

Marianne is also a fan of greens against Natural Stone. 'It pairs well with gentle greens like Fresh Rosemary or Olive Garden for a restful, sanctuary feel – perfect for leafy hideaways,' she says.

2. Calming blues

For a Mediterranean garden feel, calming blue is another garden colour scheme that works with Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone.

'If you’d rather a holiday-inspired look, to achieve a sun-drenched Mediterranean vibe, try Barleywood or Coastal Mist,' says Marianne. 'Together with Natural Stone, these colours evoke the feel of soft linens, ceramic pots, and lazy summer afternoons.'

Adding some of the best Mediterranean plants to your garden, like lavender or an olive tree, will enhance the look.

3. Silvery foliage

Speaking of plants – If you're keen to tie foliage and flowers into some garden colour schemes that work with Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone, silvery tones are a must.

'Tones like cool lavender hues, deep purples, and silvery greens look perfect with this soft, earthy tone,' says Andrew Porwol, garden and landscaping expert and founder of Garden Centre Shopping. 'Your best bet should be plants like Salvia 'Caradonna', Eryngium (Sea Holly), and Nepeta (Catmint). These plants will create an eye-catching contrast while also keeping the look harmonious.'

4. Dusky pinks

For a romantic look, go for soft, muted pink tones, which pair perfectly with Natural Stone.

'Add a pop of personality with romantic shades like Sweet Pea or Dusky Gem,' Marianne suggests. 'They contrast beautifully while keeping things soft and welcoming.'

If you're looking for garden trellis ideas, it's a great opportunity to try out a pink palette.

'Use mute dusky pinks on furniture or trellises,' says Andrew from Garden Shopping Centre. 'These tones bring out the warm undertones in Natural Stone while adding subtle depth.'

There are also plenty of climbing plants with pink flowers, as well as other rosy-toned plants. 'You can also go for soft ornamental grasses like Stipa tenuissima, which add movement and texture without overpowering the palette,' Andrew adds.

5. Darker tones

Using darker shades against Natural Stone can create definition and highlight areas of the garden.

'If bold is your preference, a darker grey, navy or black will stand out and even help to enhance the colours of the plants you choose, providing a dramatic backdrop,' says Morris.

If you're on the hunt for garden container ideas that pair well with Natural Stone, Andrew recommends looking at metal-style planters.

'A pro tip that I'd give is adding accents in weathered copper or brushed brass, which pick up on the earthy base of Natural Stone and offer a beautiful, timeless look,' he says. Something like this Sandburg Metal Pot Planter from Wayfair is a great choice.

There are so many palettes you can experiment with when it comes to the best garden colour schemes that work with Cuprinol Garden Shades Natural Stone. Which look will you be going for?

Family life often revolves around the garden once summer arrives, but if your outdoor space is overlooked by neighbours it can be a real challenge trying to create privacy in a garden or patio area.

Even if you have the friendliest of people living next door, being able to sit outside undisturbed and away from prying eyes (or just nip out to hang the washing on the line) is a must.

There are lots of creative garden screening ideas that can solve the problem of an overlooked garden, from fencing to fast growing hedges. But for speedy fixes that won’t cost a fortune, we’ve rounded up some brilliant budget-friendly ways to create privacy in a garden that are easy to put together and look fabulous too.

1. Go for easy-up slatted panels

While garden fence ideas are the obvious solution to creating privacy in an overlooked garden, erecting a new fence can work out pretty costly. Plus, an overly-high fence will restrict light coming into the garden and may make it feel darker and more enclosed, which isn’t ideal, especially when it comes to small garden ideas.

As an alternative to solid timber fencing, slatted panels can be an easier fix that will help to screen off an area, while still allowing plenty of light to flow through. Position panels individually, join together in a run or combine with storage or planters to screen off a larger area.

‘Screening is one of the most traditional and easiest ways to add some privacy to an exposed garden,’ says Jenny. ‘This can be done with traditional garden trellis ideas or more modern slatted timber screens that can be joined together in a run and turned into living walls.’

2. Use salvaged materials to make a vertical planter

Instead of simply buying new, it pays to think creatively when it comes to patio privacy ideas using salvaged materials or repurposing existing pieces to create a one-off piece that works perfectly as garden screening.

Scrap metal, such as a length of old wire fencing, mesh or even the springs section of an old mattress can be repurposed to create a rustic-style garden screen that is perfect for a cottage garden style scheme. This quirky vertical planter is made using an old metal grid that is attached to lengths of timber to create a frame.

Adding hook-on planters, like the Terracotta pot with wall hanger from Sarah Raven and filling them with colourful geraniums and trailing plants creates extra coverage.

3. Get creative with trellis

For an inexpensive fix that requires minimal DIY skills, there are plenty of budget garden trellis ideas to consider.

Attach a length of trellis panel to a low-level fence and it will provide an extra layer of privacy - try the 6ft pine trellis panel from B&Q. The slats will still allow plenty of light through and adding flowering plants or climbers will bring a welcome splash of colour.

Try this fun budget idea for brightening up trellis using recycled tin cans. Spray-painted in different colours, thread cans with wire to use as hanging plant holders or punch with a pattern of holes and pop a nightlight inside to make cute mini lanterns.

4. Build a screened-off seating area

When you’re relaxing in the garden, the last thing you want to feel is 'on show', so ensuring that seating areas are shielded from the view of neighbouring properties is a must.

While many pergola ideas will provide shade from the elements, they're often open-sided so won’t necessarily provide full privacy. Adding simple slatted panelling to one or two sides of the frame is an easy fix that creates a screened-off corner and the perfect spot for a secluded seating area.

Another brilliant budget garden option, pallet furniture makes are cheap to construct and can be configured to suit your space and garden set-up. To add screening, simply use inexpensive timber battens nailed into place on corner posts (with a few uprights in-between).

5. Create coverage with greenery

Whether you are looking for budget-friendly ways to create privacy in a garden, or you need ideas for how to hide an ugly fence, then greenery is the obvious choice. Trained to climb over a structure, like an arch or the Gerlinde corner arbour from Dunster House, greenery will add colour, height and dense coverage.

‘Plants are a fantastic natural way to create privacy in your garden without impacting the overall appearance of your space with tall fences or walls,’ says Nigel Lawton, plant buyer at Dobbies. ‘While mature, larger plants will provide instant results, these tend to be more expensive, so if you’re looking for a cost-effective solution, opt for younger plants that can be nurtured and grown over time.’

‘Bamboo is a great plant for adding privacy and structure to your garden year-round. This evergreen perennial is a fast-grower so will make an impact in as little as a few months.'

‘Planting climbers around the space will add privacy and a sense of height that will encourage the eye upward, which can also make the garden feel bigger,’ adds Jenny Davis from Forest Garden. ‘Choose vigorous climbing species and fast growing climbing plants such as honeysuckle, jasmine, and clematis that will spread quickly.’

6. Cover all angles with a canopy

If your garden is overlooked by neighbours from upstairs windows, finding a solution that gives overhead coverage is key. Whether for shade or pergola roof ideas, consider a temporary cover-up such as the Gunnon pergola from Ikea or try an inexpensive pop-up gazebo design.

With a lightweight frame and fabric canopy that will give protection against the elements, it can be left outside for the summer months or makes a great temporary cover-up if you’re holding a summer party.

‘A pergola can provide plenty of privacy in a smaller garden,' advises Jenny. 'Add some hanging baskets full of petunias, ivy, and lobelia or opt for a pergola with a canopy for increased overhead privacy.'

7. Elevate with pots and planters

When it comes to budget small garden ideas, clever pot placement or ‘staging’ is a trick that gardeners often use to add height to plant displays and create extra privacy. Plants or mini trees can be easily moved around according to what is in bloom or not looking its best and then switched out again as needed.

Use pots of different sizes and heights to create a multi-level display, positioning taller plants at the back and shorter ones in the front to create depth. Natural elements like sliced tree trunks, bricks or stones can be used to create risers for plants or consider adding a tiered plant stand, raised beds or troughs to add extra height.

8. Position furniture strategically

Garden furniture placement is another easy way of creating privacy outdoors without the need for any pricey structural divisions.

Start with strategically-placed outdoor seating instead of dotting it randomly around the garden, grouping it together in a dedicated area. Find a spot that lets you take in a lovely view or gives natural shade and then position garden chairs or modular outdoor seating grouped sociably in a corner or U-shaped arrangement.

'Position plants around seating so that they help create natural screening. As well as encouraging garden wildlife, plants and greenery are great for creating extra privacy in seating areas,’ advises Nigel. ‘Try hedging plants such as hawthorn or field maple which make ideal windbreakers or go for sturdy evergreens like holly and firethorn that will give plenty of coverage.’

FAQs

What is the cheapest fencing option?

‘A traditional and cost-effective option for garden privacy is a classic fence; available in different styles to suit any garden,’ says Becky Rackstraw, director at Protek. ‘Small gardens may need a lighter option, either slatted fencing or top latticed fencing to go higher (within regulations) to create ‘peak privacy’. A larger garden can accommodate any style and is suited to standard fencing panels.’

‘But whether existing, or new, wooden fencing can look dull and overshadow a garden, and it also needs to be protected from the elements – so paint the fence and take the opportunity to add colour, whether neutrals and classic tones to give a softer, classic look, or bright pops of colour that will bring personality, joy and create a lively garden scheme.’

What is the cheapest way to secure a garden?

The cheapest way to secure a garden is often a combination of fencing and hedging plants, such as traditional yew, spiky hawthorn or dense bushes likes holly or pyracantha. Adding motion-activated security lights can also be an added deterrent to intruders and are fairly simple to fit yourself.

Early spring is a great time to get ahead outdoors and start ticking those gardening DIY jobs off the to-do list. Which budget-friendly screening ideas will you be tackling?

If paving is on your list of garden upgrades this year but you're trying to avoid breaking the bank, you'll probably be wondering what budget alternatives to paving slabs are out there.

Whether you're looking for patio ideas on a budget to pave a larger area or you're hoping to find cheap DIY garden path ideas, there's an array of budget-friendly alternative materials to choose from.

We checked in with the experts to pull together a list of the best budget alternatives to paving slabs if you're hoping to cut costs this year.

1. Old bricks

Block pavers don't have to be shiny and new – and if you can source some old bricks from construction sites or builders' merchants, your paving slabs might just take on a new type of charm.

‘I've used old bricks before, and there’s something tactile and grounding about walking on surfaces that have a past,’ says Gary Tidman, lead designer at Only Lifts.

In fact, bricks are among the best materials for paving if you're aiming for a low-cost but classic look.

2. Railway sleepers

The list of garden railway sleeper ideas is long - they're versatile, to say the least – and if you're after some budget alternatives to paving slabs, they're another brilliant option.

‘Old railway sleepers are budget-friendly paving alternatives,’ says Gary. ‘They don't just cut costs – they add unique stories to the landscape, too.’

You can shop a huge range of railway sleepers at B&Q, or check your local timber yard. Sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are also great places to nab a good deal.

3. Gravel

Gravel garden ideas are worth looking into if you're looking for budget alternatives to paving slabs, too.

‘Gravel can be utilised to create a softer look throughout the garden, whilst also offering additional drainage to reduce standing water,’ says Trevor Knight, technical garden and driveway specialist at Marshalls Plc.

Of course, gravel won’t be as sturdy as traditional paving slabs. ‘With gravel, you’ve got an economical winner, but bear in mind that it can shift underfoot – true to personality but needing regular attention,’ Gary says.

That said, it’s a brilliant basis for styling your outdoor space. ‘From my experience, like when incorporating solar garden lighting ideas, the simplest materials marry brilliantly with modern tweaks for an efficient, stylish upgrade,’ Gary adds.

Where to buy gravel:

4. Higher quality materials on a budget

If you're hoping to invest in a more premium paving material but don't want to break the bank, there's a surprising amount of choice.

'It is possible to find good quality paving at the budget end,’ says Steven Walley, managing director of London Stone. 'For example, the most popular Indian sandstone colours – Raj Green, Autumn Brown and Kandla Grey – are hard-wearing and start at £25/m².

'Plus, porcelain paving often offers a very convincing alternative to expensive natural stone at a fraction of the price.’

Just watch out for lesser quality materials disguised as premium. 'There are cheaper colours on the market that are false economy, as they are extremely soft and will start to flake quickly,' Steven warns.

5. Look for off-cuts

If you'd still rather avoid stretching your budget to cover the costs of high-quality paving slabs, it's worth thinking outside of the box, just as you would with bricks and railway sleepers.

‘Checking suppliers for off-cuts and remaindered stock can be a way to access good-quality paving at budget prices,’ suggests Steven from London Stone.

6. Try outdoor tiles

If you're looking for a wide choice of style and colour, outdoor tiles are brilliant budget alternatives to paving slabs. Of course, price ranges vary, but you can find a surprising range at an affordable price tag.

'Outdoor tiles might be more your speed,' says Trevor from Marshalls Plc. 'They're a low-maintenance option that offers a sleek, modern look to your garden.'

Where to buy outdoor tiles:

• B&Q: Shop a huge range of outdoor tiles.
• Wickes: Porcelain tiles starting from low prices.

Which budget alternatives to paving slabs will you be trying this year? Whether you're working with small patio ideas or a larger space, there's an option for every garden size.

Painting the garden fence might be high on your to-do list now that warmer days are (finally) upon us. But before you do, you need to know about the common fence painting mistakes to avoid if you want to avoid a patchy or streaky finish and save yourself the effort and cost of repainting it again soon.

While you might think you know how to paint a fence properly, some key dos and don'ts will make all the difference to the result. There's little point in picking a beautiful colour for your garden fence ideas if you can't do it justice, and that's where knowing which fence painting mistakes to avoid comes in handy.

I've asked a number of experts in DIY and painting to share what you shouldn't be doing when painting a fence, as well as their tips for what to do instead to get a perfect, streak-free finish.

1. Picking the wrong day

One of the most common fence painting mistakes that people commit is starting the job on the wrong day - i.e., when the weather conditions aren't ideal. While we might think that a hotter day is a good time to give our fence a makeover, experts have revealed that this isn't going to lead to the best results in the end.

'Too hot weather can cause paint to dry out quicker and become flaky, which can cause an uneven finish,' interior expert and brand manager for Ronseal, Clara Dursent says. 'The temperature should ideally be above 10°C and mild.'

A mild temperature is the ideal sweet spot for painting a fence, because too cold a day can lead to peeling and flaking as well (warm wood absorbs paint better than cold). 'And if you're spray-painting, windy conditions can interfere with the process, so be mindful of this too,' Clara adds.

2. Not cleaning the fence first

When it comes to jobs like painting the fence, it's tempting to skip the prep and get stuck in as quickly as possible. That's why many of us are guilty of not cleaning the fence before painting. But if you want an even finish and long-lasting results, the surface needs to be as clean and smooth as possible, so taking the time to clean green off the fence before you paint is essential.

'If your fence is mostly clean, apart from a little dust, use a stiff wire brush to sweep off excess dirt,' Clara advises. 'And if your fence is covered in grime, such as moss and dirt, it's best to use a general-purpose cleaner to remove it. You can also use sandpaper to remove old and flaky paint before repainting.'

Removing algae from a fence can also be done easily enough once you've got your hands on an algae-removing solution. The experts recommend the Wet & Forget Mould, Lichen & Algae Remover, currently £27.45 for a 5 litre bottle at Amazon - it's a tried and tested product that will make light work of cleaning algae-covered fences.

3. Forgetting to stir the paint

Just like when painting garden furniture - or any DIY paint jobs for that matter - paint needs to be stirred before it's applied to the fence. But many of us are guilty of forgetting to do this, which can lead to an uneven finish at the end.

Paint needs to be stirred so that all of the liquid and solid components in the mixture are distributed evenly, as these naturally separate in the tin. So, the fence will wind up with a better colour and texture if you take the time to stir the paint first.

'Use a paintbrush handle or another wooden tool to mix the paint to give your fence the best finish,' Clara advises. It's a quick job that can be done in a matter of seconds, so there's no excuse on this one.

4. Painting when the fence is wet or damp

Rainy days are part and parcel of British weather, meaning our garden fences can be wet more often than dry. While it's understandable that you might want to seize the moment and paint your fence after a downpour - it's a job you want to get done when you have a chance, after all - this is a big mistake, according to the experts.

'Always wait until the fence is dry before repainting as the paint won’t adhere properly on a wet surface,' Clara warns. 'Otherwise, you'll need to use a product that’s specially formulated to work on damp wood.'

Painting on wet wood will lead to flaking, peeling, and bubbling. You'll probably end up scraping off the new paint soon after it's dry and having to start again, so save yourself some effort and cost by waiting until your fence is completely dry.

5. Not spreading the paint evenly

When it comes to actually painting the fence, we can often stop paying close attention to what we're doing once we get into the flow. But, this can lead to spreading the paint too far or too thin, which results in an uneven finish in terms of both colour and texture. That's not we want when we're going to the effort of repainting.

'Focus on painting one panel at a time to avoid this,' Clara says. 'When using a paint brush, make sure to wipe off any excess paint on the rim of the tin and spread the paint across the fence, going with the grain.'

Keep an eye out for any drips running down the panels as you paint as well. Run your brush over these to catch them and stop them from creating that uneven finish.

6. Using the wrong brush

One of the most commonly committed fence painting mistakes is using the wrong brush for the job, which can have a big impact on the final results. It's tempting to use brushes you already have lying round the house, but you'll get a far better finish if you opt for a brush that's designed with fence painting in mind.

'We don’t recommend using standard indoor paint brushes or small DIY brushes for fence painting,' Nick Parsons, Technical Manager at Harris comments. 'These types tend to be too narrow and hold less product, which can lead to an uneven finish, streaks, or longer painting time. They also may not be designed for outdoor use or rougher surfaces, which can cause premature wear.'

The Harris Ultimate Shed & Fence Swan Brush, £15.49 from Amazon, is a good option for fence painting. It's designed to give a smooth, even coat and is the ideal size for fence panels. You can also use a roller brush to speed up the process, but you'll need to switch to a smaller brush for edges and corners.

7. Holding the paint sprayer too close

While some prefer a traditional brush or roller for painting the fence, you can opt for a paint sprayer instead. They're more expensive, but will get the job done quicker.

But it's easy to use a sprayer incorrectly when painting the fence. The biggest mistake people make is holding the sprayer too closely to the panels, which can cause several issues, including a build-up of excess paint, and runs or drips.

'Make sure the sprayer is about 15cm away from the surface of your fence to achieve an even and consistent coat,' Clara says. 'This distance will prevent drips and splatters. It's also best to work in horizontal lines when using a paint sprayer, dropping down and overlapping by around 50% with each new line.'

8. Painting over peeling paint

Don't be tempted to go straight over old paint with a fresh coat. It's not always necessary to scrape off the old paint, but if it's cracked or peeling, it's essential not to add any fresh paint on top of it.

'If the existing paint is flaking, peeling, or uneven, it’s important to sand or scrape those areas back to create a smooth surface for the new coat to adhere to,' explains Clair Albone, Senior Category Manager for Gardens at Wickes. 'Leaving loose paint behind will affect the finish and could lead to premature peeling.'

A tool like the Stanley Long Handle Scraper, £13.20 from Amazon will make light work of removing old paint before you apply a fresh coat. It's well worth taking the time over if you want to get an even finish at the end.

FAQs

Should you pressure wash a fence before painting?

Enlisting the help of one of the best pressure washers to clean the fence before you paint it is helpful. It will deep clean the fence and remove every bit of dirt, grime, and algae. But, it needs to be done with care.

'Too much pressure can damage the wood, especially if it’s older or untreated,' Clair explains. 'If you do choose to pressure wash, always allow the fence to dry out fully - ideally for 24–48 hours - before applying any paint.'

If you don't have a pressure washer, you can still get good results at the end if you take the time to clean the fence first. Use a wire brush to scrape off any dirt, then use an outdoor cleaning solution like the Algon Organic Fence & Outdoor Furniture Cleaner, £12.99 at Amazon. And remember, the surface of the fence needs to be completely dry before you start painting.

Can you legally paint your side of your neighbour's fence?

If your fence is shared with your neighbour, you'll need to check who legally owns it before painting - whether you're thinking about painting your neighbour's side of the fence or your own. Ownership usually comes down to where the boundary lies between your homes and where the fence sits between the two.

'If you’re unsure, a good place to start is checking the deeds you received when you bought the property - you’ll often see a ‘T’ indicating which fence side is your responsibility to maintain,' Clara from Ronseal advises. 'If the land registry states that you are the sole owner of the fence, then you’re free to make any alterations you like, including painting it.'

But, if it's your neighbour who owns the fence, you're not legally allowed to paint it, even if it's just the side facing your garden. You'd need to obtain their permission first, so it's always worth having the conversation before you start to paint.

Now you know which common fence painting mistakes to avoid, you should be well-prepared to paint your fence properly and get the best results in time for summer.

Looking for Zen garden ideas on a budget?

This garden style is all about bringing tranquillity into your outdoor space. Luckily, many of the best Zen garden ideas involve materials which are cheap to source – think gravel, cobbles and sand – and it's a minimalist concept, meaning you won’t have to worry about splurging on too many features.

‘Because one of the main principles of a Zen garden is to avoid anything flashy and flamboyant, it is one of the most budget-friendly looks to achieve,’ agrees Pim Dickson, horticultural expert at Mr Fothergill’s. ‘Above all, it is about purity, simplicity and restraint, which creates a beneficial, calming environment.’

We’ve checked in with the experts to find out how we can implement our own Zen garden ideas on a budget.

1. Use gravel as the foundation

Gravel is a leading feature of Zen gardens, and it’s really affordable if you’re on a budget.

‘Gravel and cobbles are cheap to lay, as you just flatten the ground, spread a permeable anti-weed membrane on the ground and chuck down the stones,’ says garden designer Harriet Worsley.

You don’t need to spend lots of money on gravel, either.

'Instead of fancy stones, you can use pea gravel,’ says Liam Cleary, gardening expert at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre. ‘It's much kinder on your bank balance. Just rake it well.’

You can buy gravel from B&Q in a range of styles and quantities. This pea gravel from Amazon is reasonably priced, too.

2. Start with a seat

Zen gardens are a meditative space, and they offer a calming sensory experience beyond the aesthetic. That’s why it’s important to incorporate some garden seating ideas – and you don’t have to buy a brand new set.

‘The most important thing when creating this garden on a budget is to remember that Zen gardens are about how they make you feel, rather than what they look like,’ explains Liam.

‘Start with where you would like to sit and relax – a comfortable seat. This could be an upcycled bench with cushions, or a chair salvaged from Facebook marketplace.’

3. Make your own water feature

We’ve spoken about the importance of water features in small Japanese garden ideas before, and the same applies to zen garden ideas on a budget. It’s actually really simple to introduce a pond to your space without breaking the bank.

‘Make your own no-tend pond, or a simple water feature with buckets and a pump, rather than spend money on expensive water features,’ suggests Liam.

Even a second-hand bird bath can provide a serene feature in a Zen garden.

4. Keep it stripped back

Bold colours and flashy features are a no-no when it comes to zen gardens, and that means you won’t have to splurge on expensive paints and ornaments. Instead, keep it natural and simple.

‘Finishes should be natural where possible, with raw wood and stone being the ideal,’ says Pim from Mr Fothergill’s.

You won’t have to worry about edging your lawn and garden paths, either.

‘The natural look should also extend to the building, paths and fences as much as possible,’ Pim explains. ‘Blending their hard lines with neat but naturalistic planting along their edges softens them and makes them part of the outdoor ‘landscape'.'

5. Source young plants and cuttings

Although zen gardens are minimalist, a few evergreen or Japanese garden plants will create a sense of natural harmony within your outdoor space.

‘Small evergreen shrubs are ideal for creating a year-round structure,’ says Pim. ‘I think a garden should be as beautiful in winter as in every other season.’

You can take cuttings from friends’ and family’s plants to save you buying new plants – you’ll just need to be patient while they grow – but you can buy affordable young plants from a range of garden retailers, too.

Try these:

Zen gardens are a brilliant garden design scheme choice if you're on a budget. What will you be including in yours?

A shed isn't just for gardens on the larger side – there are plenty of small garden shed ideas that you can try to welcome the building into a tiny outdoor space, too.

In fact, many of the best garden shed ideas can be applied to small gardens with the right know-how. It's all about optimising the space available to you and thinking about which designs will work best with its size and shape.

We've checked in with garden building experts to round up a list of the best small garden shed ideas to help you get started.

1. Go for wide double doors

You’ll need to maximise all of the space you have in a small garden – and according to Sam Jenkinson, garden shed expert at garden building retailer Tiger, it starts with the doors.

‘If you’re working with a smaller space, my top tip is to go for a shed with wide double doors,’ he says. ‘This makes it far easier to move larger items in and out, something that’s often overlooked in tight spaces.

‘Bike sheds are a brilliant option here because they’re typically more compact than a standard shed but still offer generous storage for bikes, tools, and garden essentials.’

There are plenty of small sheds with double doors out there, like this Forest Pent Tall Garden Store from Argos.

Where to buy bike sheds:

2. Try an open-plan corner shed

The best small garden shed ideas make the most of every inch of the space you have – including the corners.

‘A corner shed may be the perfect solution if you’re looking to add one to a smaller garden,’ says Aaron Priestman, founder of Brighton Bike Sheds. ‘Because it’s tucked into a corner and often designed with no solid outer walls, it avoids that boxed-in feeling you can get with traditional sheds.’

It’s undoubtedly a more spacious small garden storage idea. ‘It still does the job, sheltering tools, bikes, and even outdoor furniture from the unpredictable weather, but it keeps the garden feeling open,’ explains Aaron. ‘It’s all about making the shed work for the space you’ve got, not the other way around.’

If you've got space for it, this Shire Corner Shed from Robert Dyas is ideal.

3. Keep it tall

Slimline sheds are a brilliant option if you're tight on space, and they're usually available from all of the best places to buy a shed. This Charles Bently Tall Slim Shed is a steal for £127.99.

'If the garden itself is too tight, but you’ve got a strip of space along the side of your house, you’re not out of luck,' says Sam. 'Long, narrow sheds are perfect for those awkward spaces in your garden.

'Their slim profile makes them ideal for storage without blocking walkways or taking up too much room.'

Where to buy a slimline shed:

4. Incorporate a foldable workspace

For a workspace that can be pulled out as and when you need it, consider fitting a foldable table to the inside or outside of your shed. A pallet can be transformed into a nifty garden bar, for example.

‘Incorporating a fold-out table onto the outer wall of your shed gives you flexibility,’ says Aaron. ‘You can use it for entertaining guests with a few drinks, working on a DIY project, or potting some plants.'

5. Plant up the walls

Why not create a living wall on the side of your shed to make room for as many plants as possible? You can try window boxes with some trailing plants or even fix a panel planter to cover the entire wall.

'Maximise your vertical space and turn the outer panel of your shed into a planter wall,' says Aaron. 'It’s a great way to keep your ground space clear while still being able to enjoy lots of greenery.'

This Forest Slatted Wall Planter from Argos is ideal.

FAQs

Does a small shed need a foundation?

Yes! Even a small shed needs a foundation if you want it to last.

'It’s essential that any garden building is assembled on a firm, level base made from a suitable and durable material, such as concrete, paving slabs, or a purpose-built shed base,' says Sam from Tiger Sheds.

Without one, you're likely to encounter a number of shed problems.

'Not only can it make the shed difficult to assemble properly, but over time you may notice issues like misaligned doors, water ingress, or even structural damage,' Sam explains. 'A weak or uneven base can cause the shed to shift or settle, which puts stress on the frame and joints.'

Which small garden shed ideas will you be trying this year?

Shirlie and Martin Kemp have unveiled their pastel-coloured flower beds on Instagram, and their romantic design should be part of any cottage garden’s inspiration.

Pastel-hued flowers have always been a popular choice for any flower bed idea. They have a soft and gentle look, which can make your garden feel like a more calming space. And with an abundance of beautiful pastel blooms, the Kemp’s have nailed this look.

If curating one of the best cottage gardens is on your to-do list, you really need look no further than Martin and Shirlie Kemp’s gorgeous pastel garden - this is how you too can get the look.

Martin Kemp, former bassist for Spandau Ballet and Shirlie Kemp, known for being part of the pop group Pepsi & Shirlie, frequently share glimpses of their life on social media, including the renovation of their Victorian home. On their home Instagram account @maisonnumber9, Shirlie frequently shares snaps of the couple's beautiful garden, and her recurring pastel colour scheme stuck out to me.

I’m sure you’re already aware, but pastels are everywhere right now. The pastel garden furniture trend, for one, has taken off this spring. Pastel pink flowers, as Shirlie demonstrates, are the timeless take on the pastel trend, and one that isn't going anywhere.

‘I've noticed a significant surge in the popularity of pastel gardens, particularly over the last couple of years. The trend seems to be driven by a desire to create softer, more romantic spaces that offer a gentle escape from our increasingly digital world,’ says Ted Bromley-Hall, managing director of IBRAN Limited.

‘Pastel gardens are popular because they create a sense of tranquility and calm - something we're all craving these days. These subtle colour schemes also photograph beautifully for social media, which has certainly contributed to their rise in popularity. The cottagecore aesthetic, in particular, has gained massive traction on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.’

Get the look

The Kemp’s have opted for a plethora of pink pastel flowers which are framed beautifully by the greenery of their garden. The flowers in question include foxgloves, daisies and violas - all great choices for nailing the pastel look.

‘To get the look I would use sprays of scented climbing roses up arches and fences, and double tulips in pale pink and white in the spring such as the white tulipa mount tacoma - think Lady Di’s wedding dress squashed into the carriage and plates of giant Ottolenghi meringues,’ says Harriet Worsley from Worsley Design & Consultancy.

‘Swathes of tall poppies in pastel colours weaving through beds with puffs of white geraniums and the pretty daisy flowered erigeron karvinskianus would all help to create the look. Nothing should look too neat and tidy, this is about wild country gardens, where plants seed at random and there is an element of the unkempt.’

What do you think about Martin and Shirlie’s pastel garden? Is this a look you can see yourself adopting, too?

I don’t know about you, but the Lidl Big Garden Event is the gift that keeps on giving - and their new Parkside 3-Level Raised Planter is the latest item I’m adding to my garden wish list.

If you have a small garden like mine, you’ll want to pay attention to this new raised planter, which is ideal for any of your small garden ideas. Its compact size makes it great for adding beautiful blooms to the smallest of spaces.

Vertical planting has been a huge garden trend for quite some time as budding gardeners look to make the most of their space. Hitting the middle aisle today, (10 April) the Parkside 3-Level Raised Planter is an affordable way to nail the trend. But like all middle aisle products, when it’s gone, it’s gone…

If you’re looking for budget garden ideas, supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi are always a great port of call, and at £29.99, not only is the Parkside 3-Level Raised Planter affordable, it’s also designed to make the most of your space.

Made from durable solid wood, the planter is also weather resistant and has been pre-treated with water-based stain, so you can expect the planter to survive any unpredictable weather over the summer. It also comes with three plastic liners for each tier. These are helpful to retain moisture and act as a waterproof barrier to protect the wood.

Measuring L70 x H115 x W40 cm, the Parkside 3-Level Raised Planter is tall but narrow, making it the perfect garden accessory to slot onto balcony gardens, courtyards and patios. Its narrow width is not to be sniffed at, however, as each tier has an 11L planting volume and the planter can hold a max total load of 18kg. Roughly speaking that means each tier will hold about 4 to 8 plants depending on their size.

Its tiled design also gives the planter a stylish edge, and I’d say it looks more expensive than its price point. Its size is perfect for any herb garden ideas, making it a great choice for any garden chef, too. Especially as also hitting the middle aisle today are a collection of stylish herb pots (£3.99).

Investing in a vertical planter is a great way to make the most of your space without scrimping on plants, so you can still achieve a gorgeous green oasis at home. But if you haven’t managed to track down the Lidl Parkside 3-Level Raised Planter, here are a few more affordable alternatives I’ve spotted.

A beautifully-maintained garden is one of the easiest ways to boost the value of your home, and experts have revealed the colours you should paint your garden fence to improve your home’s value.

Your garden fence paint ideas can have a huge impact on your home’s appeal. Of the garden features that will help sell your home quickly, giving your fence a fresh lick of paint is one of the easiest ways to boost its value - however, you must take colour into account as certain shades are more desirable than others.

‘The impact of curb appeal on a property’s value should not be underestimated – and your fence could be one of the first things potential buyers spot when viewing your home. First impressions are really important when it comes to selling a property, and the colour of your fence should be one of the first signals of a welcoming, well-maintained home, kick-starting the viewing on a promising note,’ explains Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Cuprinol.

So without further ado, these are the four paint shades you should paint your garden fence to boost your home’s value.

1. Sage green

Sage has been a trending shade of green for some time, and it’s no surprise that its fresh, earthy look is popular for garden fence colours, too.

‘In general, natural tones continue to be the most popular choice when it comes to painting fence panels, and for good reason. Sage Green is a firm favourite, known for creating a fresh, calming atmosphere that blends beautifully with lush planting and suits cottage-style homes down to the ground,’ explains Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades.

Sage green is a great choice for leafy or small gardens as it blends seamlessly with your surroundings, emphasising the pretty colours of your plants.

2. Slate grey

Grey is a fence colour that can also make your garden look bigger as it softens and blurs the edges of your garden, making it look bigger.

‘Slate grey is a modern and sophisticated choice for fence paint, it works particularly well with medium to large gardens, as at a glance it gives the illusion that the garden has no boundaries, helping it appear larger. Often, we associate white with making a space look bigger, but when it comes to larger gardens, it can do the opposite by creating an obvious perimeter to the garden,’ says Clara Dursent, interior expert and brand manager at Ronseal.

3. Earthy browns

Earthy brown shades have been a massive paint trend this year, due to it’s warm, cosy effect. When applied to a garden fence, the colour can add extra warmth to your garden and blend in well with your layout.

‘Earthy browns bring warmth, depth, and a timeless quality to any garden. They’re practical, low-maintenance, and pair naturally with wood, brick, or stone features. This shade gives the impression of a well-looked-after, durable space,’ says Glen.

4. Bold colour

Lastly, if you were looking for something a little more dopamine-inducing, bold colour can also have a lasting impact on a potential buyer.

‘Not only do dandelion yellows, sky blues and rosy pinks bring an instant dopamine boost (a perfect way to bring the enduring dopamine décor trend to your outdoors), they also do a great job in welcoming wildlife to the garden too,’ Marianne explains.

‘Take Sweet Sundae or Dazzling Yellow, for example – two popular, smile-inducing colours that very much lean into the current trend of decorating for pleasure. These are great for homeowners and prospective buyers who want to create spaces for play, and to attract nature.’

Which fence colour is your favourite? Will you be going for a classic grey or something much bolder?

French courtyard gardens are emerging as one of the biggest garden trends this summer - and we think it’s timeless, elegant style will be in bloom for years to come.

One of the best things about the start of spring is the emergence of the year's hottest garden trends as the first buds start to blossom - it is the best time of year to seek inspiration for your garden space.

Currently, French courtyard gardens are trending on Pinterest and it’s easy to see why. Defined by their structured beauty, French courtyard gardens are characterised by lush greenery, antique-style garden furniture and aged stone - it’s a serene, classic style that’s perfect for relaxing and hosting this summer.

What is a French courtyard garden?

Traditional French gardens inspire the French courtyard garden style. These types of gardens have strict symmetry, geometric shapes, neatly trimmed hedges, and they prefer gravel pathways to stone. Out of all the different garden layout ideas, it stands out as being neat, ordered and of course sophisticated.

In a courtyard, the French style feels intimate and serene. Its symmetrical design works well for small spaces, turning into a relaxing retreat, and I have to say I’m a fan of courtyard garden ideas that are designed to calm.

'The key components typically include symmetrical layouts, paved or gravel floors, lush plantings like lavender, roses, and boxwood, and charming decorative elements such as wrought iron furniture, fountains or statues,’ says Victoria Robinson, product and style expert at Hillarys.

‘These types of gardens create a sense of tranquility, making them ideal for those seeking to reconnect with nature in a space that's both functional and beautiful.

How to get the look

Thinking of French courtyard gardens, your mind drifts to Euro-summers and hot Mediterranean sun. Think potted olive trees, sweet-smelling flowers and the feeling of being completely relaxed - it’s about almost turning your garden into a holiday destination.

‘Achieving the look doesn’t have to be costly - simple touches like repurposed terracotta pots, climbing vines, and a small water feature can transform even the quaintest courtyard into a retreat. For those looking to invest, weatherproof bistro sets, and elegant planters help bring that quintessential French charm to life,’ says Alex Bridgman, CEO at Bridgman.

We've rounded up some of our favourite garden products that have the French courtyard look. If you don't have the budget to fit gravel pathways or install soft stone, don't worry - there are plenty of small changes you can incorporate the look.

I love this garden style and think the French courtyard garden will be a trend that sticks around for a while. Will you be incorporating the style into your space?

Matrix planting has been tipped as next year's big garden trend after it became the star of the new Oudolf Landscape at RHS Wisley, which has been wowing visitors ever since it opened earlier this year.

The trend has shot straight to the top of our list of garden border ideas, and it's easy to see why – matrix planting blends the best ornamental grasses with woody and perennial plants to create something utterly unlike the neat, orderly rows seen in formal gardens.

Pioneered by Piet Oudolf, the matrix planting technique 'fosters dynamic landscapes which more closely mimic natural plant communities than traditional ornamental borders,' explains award-winning garden designer Zoe Claymore.

'Matrix planting blends the drive for a more relaxed and free/wild looking aesthetic with the need for multi-season interest and more resilient planting,'

The idea is that you select ornamental grasses and perennials for visual impact, then plant in large numbers to create an exciting background effect.

'It's great for bigger and medium sized areas and borders as you need to plant enmasse for impact,' she adds. 'It layers grasses with flowering perennials to create a spontaneous-looking border that's actually highly controlled.'

What you will need

You will need a mix of long-flowering perennials and ornamental grasses to make good on your matrix planting dreams.

Try blending, then Mexican fleabane from Crocus with Achillea millefolium 'Lilac Beauty' from Sarah Raven or Echinacea 'Green Twister' from Thomspon & Morgan.

All that's left to do, then, is mix in some striking grasses:

How to get the look

If you're a fan of matrix planting, it's worth noting that it will 'initially take a bit of work to get established', according to Zoe.

'Once it gets going , though, it can lead to lower maintenance beauty over time!'

1. Do your research

The most important thing to do before you adopt the matrix planting technique, according to Zoe, is to read a book or two on the subject.

Try something like Planting: A New Perspective by Piet Oudolf and Noel Kingsbury from Amazon.

2. Select your bedrock

Once you've read up on matrix planting, you can begin your good work in earnest.

'Pick a few key ornamental grasses, like Carex or Deschampsia, as the bedrock of the space, then blend through these (interplant) a series of key perennial plants in uneven groups that look good when dried in autumn winter and have contrasting architectural forms,' says Zoe. 'Think alliums alongside Eryngium and Echinacea.'

If you're not sure how to plant a border with grasses, most designers suggest planting in drifts of three to add cohesion and movement. You'd ideally weave in grasses of different heights, for plenty of visual interest and texture.

3. Don't forget to contrast

Zoe says it's a good idea to contrast these against the grasses for longer season impact and leave up in the autumn/winter.

'It is also important to pick plants that all thrive in similar conditions. For an even more free-spirited look, add in a couple more perennials (in small doses as secondary plants) dotted over the whole area (verbena is sometimes used here),' she adds.

Now that you know how to start matrix planting, it's time to get out there and create a riotous display ready for the growing year ahead. Good luck!

Learning how to create a foliage border is a lesson in celebrating the under-appreciated elements of a plant. Too often flowers and blooms take centre stage with foliage taking a supporting role – however, when you look more closely, there are so many different colours and textures of foliage to enjoy.

Garden border ideas that let you make a feature of the leaves and greenery will create a display that will shine regardless of the season. If you want to give a foliage border a go in your garden, here's how to get started.

Research different ideas for creating a foliage border

The first step to creating a foliage border is to develop a colour scheme. There are plenty of colourful garden ideas that can help inspire you.

Just as when designing flower bed ideas, take a painterly, artistic approach – creating combinations that complement each other and bring out the best in the other plants. Do you want to bring in plants with deep red, orange and yellow leaves or are you more drawn to the cooler greens, white and silvery blue hues? If you're unsure, then the colour wheel can prove infinitely helpful.

With that decided, you then need to choose the plants. Start with the best evergreens. These will help you establish a solid backbone against which you can add deciduous plants to create different points of interest throughout the year.

'When designing your border, consider the specific location and choose plants that thrive in those conditions, whether it is full sun or dappled shade,' says Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.

There are lots of plants from which to choose – however, you must select plants that suit your space. For example, opt for bedding plants for shade in borders that are afflicted by shadows or consider low-maintenance border plants if you know you don't have the time to dedicate to lots of gardening.

'Heathers are an excellent choice, as they come in a wide range of colours and are ideal for low-growing borders. For shady border areas, Heucheras provide beautiful foliage in various shades of red, orange, and purple,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. 'We also recommend ornamental grasses – such as the best ornamental grasses for shade – to add movement and texture to the border, with many species turning golden or bronze in autumn.'

'If you want a low-maintenance minimalist garden why not edge a bed in blue fescue and infill with a single species such as ajuga, a low-growing evergreen shrubs which needs no maintenance? Mass planting of heuchera also looks fabulous in a border of crisp green Japanese holly. If colour is more your thing fill with autumn bedding underplanted with spring bulbs then replace with summer bedding once they have gone over,' says Angela Slater, gardening expert at Hayes Garden World.

Adding some ground cover plants to prevent weeds will also keep the foliage border low maintenance.

Consider layout

Garden layouts can feel daunting but they're actually straightforward when you know what to do.

'One of the most important things to consider is to vary height, scale and leaf shape. You’ll need some tall bold plants as full stops, and at the back and perhaps some lower options to edge the border,' says Harriet Worsley of Worsley Design & Consultancy. It's also worth seeking out bedding plants that slugs hate to prevent your foliage border from being decimated.

'You might want to weave soft grasses through the bed – or just have a mass of grasses on their own – using just one plant in blocks can look very striking. For a mixed bed or border, the best option is to use contrasting leaf shapes – long thin strappy leaves next to round pads next to soft ferns next to spiky holly,' adds Harriet.

Create a plan

Once you've chosen your plants, the next step in learning how to create a foliage border is to draw up a plan. Depending on your artistic skills and ability to visualise, this can be done on paper or can involve placing the plants, in their nursery pots, on the soil and moving them around until you get an arrangement you love.

Whether you draw up a plan on paper, or physically put the potted plants in the proposed spaces, remember to take into account the estimated full height and width of the plants as well as how the colours may change throughout the year.

'The first thing to look at is structure; borders need some bold plants to anchor a scheme. These could be tall uprights – pleached trees, pyramids or even a wooden structure. It’s so important to imagine how a garden will look during the cold dark months – look for plants that will add colour to a winter garden. If you have a small garden, every plant needs to work, and no one wants to look out onto a flat brown pad of earth between November and February,' says Harriet Worsley of Worsley Design & Consultancy.

Plant your foliage

Now that you've got your layout and plants decided then it's time to start planting. Getting the timing right is essential – for example, if planting bedding plants, make sure you know when to plant out bedding plants. You should also check the specific instructions as this will help your foliage border have the best start in life.

Maintain your foliage border with mulching and pruning

Maintenance is vital when creating a foliage border – this will keep the plants looking vibrant and colourful and will prevent everything from becoming overgrown.

'To keep down the maintenance, always mulch with chipped bark, it not only keeps the weeds down but also retains moisture,' says Angela Slater, gardening expert at Hayes Garden World.

If you are including ground cover, it is also important that you know how to trim ground cover plants to prevent them from taking over your foliage border.

What are the best plants for a foliage border?

Angela Slater, gardening expert at Hayes Garden World advises these are the best plants for a foliage border.

• Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca). Small clump forming blue grass makes a good border in a minimalist garden.
• Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’. Low-growing herbaceous perennial with large evergreen cream and green heart-shaped leaves. Produces lots of small blue forget-me-not type flowers. If you are a foliage purist and don’t want flowers just cut them and place them in vases in the house.
• Christmas Box (Sarcocca). This has dark green shiny foliage and is no relation to the box which is susceptible to box blight. It produces small white highly fragrant flowers over winter.
• Hebes. These small evergreen shrubs come in a huge range of coloured leaves from silvery blue, cream/green variegated, red-edged and pink. They produce small flowers in shades of pink, white, blue and lilac.
• Heuchera. These evergreen herbaceous plants come in a huge range of colours from almost black to pale lime and light coral. They are low-growing and virtually maintenance-free, just remove dead leaves in spring.
• Hostas. These large-leaved herbaceous perennials come in a huge variety of sizes with colours ranging through green, cream variegated and glaucus blue. Try lining the path to the front door. The downside is that they are not evergreen, they die back in the winter.
• Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata). This evergreen shrub looks almost identical to box but without the problems of blight.
• Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium). This evergreen shrub will grow tall so needs to be pruned twice a year to keep it small. It is a good alternative to box.
• Yew (Taxus baccata). This classic evergreen tree is ideal for a formal parterre style border and can be kept to a manageable size by clipping. If you want it kept low let it grow to about 6ins above the desired height then clip back to your preferred height. Clip it over once a year in the autumn to maintain its shape.

Where to buy plants for a foliage border

• Crocus: An amazing range of grasses to add height to a foliage border.
• Sienna Hostas: These Hosta specialists have a huge range to choose from.
• J. Parkers: conveniently has all its foliage plants, even edimentals gathered together in one place to browse.

Low maintenance and beautiful, what more could you want in a garden border.

While you may be hanging on to the last dregs of summer, the reality is that it’s never too early to start thinking about winter - especially if you have a decking area you want to protect. And if that’s the case, you need to know how to prepare your decking for winter.

Yes, there’s no point in spending your time and money creating the perfect decking idea if you won’t also put time and money into protecting it. And one of the biggest decking mistakes you can make is leaving your decking exposed to the winter elements. After all, all it takes is one harsh UK winter to leave your decking damaged beyond repair.

Knowing how to prepare your decking for winter can prevent this, though. By cleaning and sealing your decking before the seasons change, you can get one step ahead of the game and prevent rot and decay. So, this is how to do it.

What you'll need

Step-by-step

1. Remove furniture and accessories

During the warmer months of the year, there are many ways to make your deck look expensive. Typically, this means accessorising your decking area with the best garden furniture - and there's a high chance that you use your decking to house your best BBQ or best pizza oven, too.

If you want to prepare your decking for winter, however, it’s a good idea to remove these added extras. This will prevent water pooling and mould build-up and allow you to follow the steps below without anything getting in the way.

If that isn’t possible, remove them temporarily (until you’ve finished preparing your deck for winter) before covering your garden accessories with waterproof covers.

2. Inspect your decking

Similarly to if you want to prepare your patio for winter, there’s no point in preparing your decking for winter if your decking is in poor shape. When the warm spring months arrive, you’ll likely find that your decking has deteriorated beyond repair thanks to the wet and cold weather.

As it’s better to repair what you have rather than lay new decking, now is the perfect time to inspect your decking and see whether any repairs need to be made.

The garden and landscaping experts at Dino Decking say, ‘Take advantage of the crisp but dry weather by setting time aside to inspect your decking for any signs of wear, damage, or potential issues. Have a look for areas where boards may be loose or uneven, as well as any signs of rot, mould, or mildew.’

Of course, how you fix your decking depends on whether you have composite or wood decking, and you’ll need a greater sense of urgency if you have wooden decking.

Jimmy Englezos, a woodcare expert at Ronseal, explains, ‘The earlier you spot any signs of rotting and damage, the better you’ll be able to treat the issue and prevent it from spreading.’

‘Things to look out for include bubbling or peeling paint, holes in the wood surface, crumbling or soft sections, and visible rotting,’ he adds. ‘If you spot any of these, be sure to assess the extent of the damage and remove the rotten board before it can spread.’

3. Give it a clean

When you’re happy that your decking is in good shape, you can then move on to cleaning your decking. While this may sound counterintuitive weeks before your deck will be hammered by wind, rain, fallen leaves, and other winter debris, this is actually a vital step.

The experts at Dino Decking advise, ‘To begin, use a broom to push aside any leaves or debris to give you a clear surface to work on. Then, using lukewarm water, gently scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly, or for a quicker solution, mop away any excess water.’

You can use a specific decking cleaner for this. But if you want to use a gentle cleaner, you can also use a solution of warm water and washing-up liquid to clean any tough spots. And if you want to get rid of mould on your decking, cleaning with white vinegar will work a treat.

The Dino Decking experts also add, ‘For any stubborn stains caused by grease and oil spill from the BBQ, consider purchasing a specialised spray or cleaner, and with a bit of scrubbing, they’ll vanish like magic.’

Just be warned if you choose to use one of the best pressure washers for this task, as not all decking can be washed with a pressure washer.

4. Apply a waterproof stain

After repairing and cleaning your decking, you probably want to keep it that way. If you have wooden decking, one of the best ways to do that is to apply a waterproof stain or sealant to your decking. This will stop your wooden decking from naturally absorbing the moisture, which can lead to rot and decay. However, this step is not necessary if you have composite decking.

There’s an art to applying this waterproof stain, though - especially if your wooden decking has been treated in the past. Jimmy says, ‘You must make sure any old treatments have been cleaned off beforehand otherwise the stain won’t stick as effectively.’

He also adds, ‘Your decking stain is best applied in temperatures above 10°C and on a clear, dry day. Also make sure your deck is thoroughly dry before you begin - usually, you will need several hours for the deck to dry afterwards, so it's better to do it early Autumn whilst the weather is still mostly dry.’

You’ll typically need to apply at least two coats of this waterproof stain to it to prepare your decking for winter, but it’s always best to check the specific instructions of the stain that you buy to ensure you’re doing it correctly.

FAQs

What do you put on a composite deck in the winter?

As composite decking is already pre-treated and made from hard-wearing materials, you shouldn’t need to put anything on composite decking in the winter. In fact, most manufacturers would advise against using any sealants or protective coatings.

That doesn’t mean that you should ignore your composite decking in the winter, though. Regularly brushing and cleaning debris can help prevent any damage or discolouration as the winter months go by.

How do I stop my composite deck going green?

Water and debris build-up on composite decking can result in a green tinge, and this is normally caused by moss or algae. To prevent this from happening, you should brush it regularly over the winter months to get rid of water pooling and the decomposition of natural debris such as leaves.

If you spot any signs of green mould or algae, you should also clean it as soon as possible to stop it from spreading. You can do this with a solution of water and white vinegar or water and lemon juice. Just make sure you rinse it off afterwards and give it time to dry.

Now you know how to prepare your decking for winter, it’s time to get cracking!

From the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics to (ahem) Netflix's Emily In Paris, all eyes are on the French capital right now – so it makes sense that the oh-so-chic Paris balcony garden has gone rocketing to the top of our balcony garden ideas wish list.

This garden trend is all about capturing the essence and vibes of a top European destination via our gardens. The Paris balcony garden, however, is perfect for anyone working with a smaller space than most.

'If there is something Parisians have nailed, is the art of optimising small spaces and making them chic – balconies included!' says lifestyle and travel writer Alessia Armenise, who has spent the past decade living in Paris.

'Outside space is a luxury in Paris,' she continues. 'So, when one has it, you bet they are going to make the most of it, no matter how small it might be.'

Paris balcony garden rule of 3

You'll be pleased to learn that you can create a Paris balcony garden, one of the things many stylish balconies have, at home by following just three simple rules.

'The Paris balcony gardening rule of three is about breaking a balcony into three different planting zones to maximise space and be aesthetically pleasing,' explains Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

With that in mind, then, here are the three easy rules to creating a Paris balcony garden of your very own...

1. Utilise the floor space

When creating a Paris balcony garden, it's important to – as well as invest in a nice bistro set, of course – transform the floor with some container garden ideas.

'Using the floor for pots means you can move them about during different seasons if needed and easily bring tender plants inside for overwintering,' says Morris.

'It also means growing small trees and shrubs, herbs, flowering perennials and potted vegetables is possible, even in an urban environment.'

If you're not sure how to arrange pots in your Paris balcony garden, Patty Willems, PR Manager of sustainable plant pot creator, elho advises that you surround 'your seating area with long statement planters is an easy yet effective way of transforming a patio'.

'Elho’s vivo next pots have built-in invisible wheels for easy repositioning and transporting, and an integrated water reservoir so your blooms stay hydrated and thriving,' she says. 'And you can brighten up a dull corner by adding an array of colourful plant pots in different sizes, such as elho’s green basics range.'

She recommends 'pairing larger pots with taller shrubs or climbers at the back of the arrangement, and placing bedding and border plants towards the front, as this will help create depth and interest'.

2. Use the railings

Look out the best planting ideas for window boxes to help you make the most of your petit Paris balcony garden.

'Filling window boxes with pretty annuals is a great way to create an impact and adds to both the privacy of the balcony and also really starts to make the space feel more like a courtyard garden,' says Morris, who notes that 'annuals can easily be replaced each season so there is something looking interesting all year'.

Alessia adds that 'it's all about making the flora work for the senses', so opt for highly-perfumed flowers wherever possible.

'Think lavender pots for a smell of Côte D'Azur in the city or herbs for cooking on the kitchen windowsill,' she advises.

3. Think vertically

It's time to dig out your best living wall ideas, as a Paris balcony garden is nothing without a dash of vertical gardening.

'Using all of the available space on a balcony includes vertical spaces such as the wall. From green walls to hanging baskets with trailing plants or even shelves, the Parisian style is to maximise the space for greenery,' he says.

Not sure how to do this? Patty suggests that you 'select pots that hook onto the top of fences like the vibia campana easy hanger, or wrap around drainpipes like the vibia campana drainpipe clicker, to let nature flourish in even the smallest of spaces.'

FAQs

What is a Paris balcony garden?

You can create a Paris balcony garden by creating three distinct planting zones: the floor (for pots), the railing (for window boxes), and the facade (for climbing plants and vertical garden ideas).

'Using each of these spaces for different types of plants is a great use of space and allows for not just privacy but also a really beautiful balcony that can be maintained with ease,' says Morris Hankinson of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

'The different layers from floor to wall creates an interesting and versatile space which can also be productive for using in the kitchen. Don’t forget to leave a space for a Parisian style bistro set where you can have your morning cup of tea!'

How do I make my balcony feel like a garden?

The easiest way to make your balcony feel like a garden is to inject plenty of greenery, which can be achieved via potscaping.

'This trend involves artistically arranging flowers, plants and shrubs in different pots and planters,' explains elho's Patty Willems.

'It can create a big impact in any space and is a great low-maintenance way of adding portable greenery to your outdoor area as they don’t require much weeding and can be relocated with ease.'

And just like that, a Paris balcony garden is within your grasp... even right here in the UK. Best stock up on the croissants, eh?