What Features Can Make Your Garden Stand Out?

Once you have spent time on your garden,
your plants and flowers are flourishing and it now looks the way you imagined.
However, a garden can be considered a ‘work in progress’ and there’s always
more you could do. One of the ways you can embellish your outdoor area is to
add a garden feature. If money is tight, a financial magazine can give you
handy tips on budgeting to find the money to fund the project. Although
everything about money can be stressful, many of these additions can be quite
inexpensive. If you have some experience with DIY, they can also be done alone
without paying for a professional.

Before deciding which garden feature to
add, you should always think about the size of your garden. You want a feature
that won’t overpower the area. You also have to measure its location to make
sure that there’s sufficient room. You should take into account how much the
sunlight the area receives. For example, a water feature in a place which is
mostly in the shade will look dank and gloomy. Before you start any digging,
you should always check the location of any underground pipes and/or cables to
avoid an expensive mistake.

Now that you’ve made the decision to add a
feature, what are the possibilities?

Water features

Depending on the size of your outdoor
area, you might choose water features like a fish pond, water garden, fountain
or a bird bath. Not only are these features extremely soothing and relaxing,
but they have a re-circulatory system so you don’t have to worry about the size
of your water bill. A bird bath can be a source of amusement for the whole
family and make you familiar with native species, but shouldn’t be located too
near the house.

Screens

Screens serve a number of purposes. They
can be used as garden dividers. For example, if you have a vegetable garden
which you wish to keep separate, or as a way to conceal an area that you
haven’t finished working on yet. They also work well as a way to retain privacy
especially in urban areas where neighbours can be quite near. Finally, screens
like those made of latticework can be used to train climbing plants and add to
the beauty of your outdoor area.

Outdoor lighting

The easiest and cheapest way to transform
your patio or outdoor area is by installing lighting. There are a wide variety
to choose from. If you have a deck and/or a pathway, ground lights are
particularly effective, or you might choose to drape trees with fairy lighting.
When installing electrical fittings, you should always follow the appropriate
safety regulations.
Other inexpensive ways to add a magical atmosphere to your garden at night is
by purchasing solar lamps, vintage oil lamps or even by lighting candles. If
you buy a Citronella candle, this has the added advantage of keeping away
insects on summer nights too.