Whether you have a cosy courtyard or a spacious garden, here are three ways to spruce up your outdoor space this spring.

With the arrival of spring, now’s the time to get your garden ready for the joys of alfresco living.

By making a few carefully considered changes, your outdoor space can work as another room of your home during the spring and summer months.

It can be the perfect place for a quiet drink or a barbecue with family and friends.

Here are three easy ways to breathe new life into your garden.

Upgrade your lighting

Clever outdoor lighting will mean you can enjoy your garden space at night as well as during the day. It will provide much-needed illumination and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Start by installing a few strings of warm festoon or fairy lights (choose a solar variety so you don’t have to worry about buying batteries).

If you have a path, add outdoor post lights at intervals along the edges to reduce the risk of anyone tripping over.

Also, invest in some outdoor candles and lanterns to decorate the table when eating or drinking outside.

Garden furniture

Garden furniture is a great way to stamp your personality on an outdoor space.

The first step is to consider how you plan to use your garden. If you enjoy entertaining, a sturdy garden table and comfortable chairs, or built-in bench seating are a must. 

But if you’re more likely to spend sunny afternoons stretched out reading a book, a swing chair or hammock might be more appropriate.

Next, consider your preferred materials, such as metal, wood or rattan.

If you’re on a budget, keep an eye out for garden furniture that is going cheap or for free on sites such as Freegle, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor. 

These can often be refreshed with a coat of colourful (outdoor) paint.

Go vertical

Vertical gardening is a great way to create visual interest and cover a boring fence or wall. 

Hanging flower or grow bags made from hessian are a plastic-free, biodegradable way to create an eye-catching vertical display. 

Plant petunias, pansies or primulas for a bold pop of colour, or create an edible display with strawberries or herbs.

Alternatively, plant climbers, such as sweet peas or runner beans in pots and train them to grow upwards on sticks of bamboo.

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