We’ve had astroturf in the garden since I moved in 4 years ago, and I’ve never truly been happy with it. It never looked real and it was always wet and horrible (we live in England, why didn’t I think of this before!). The garden became a dumping ground in the winter and it ended up getting so out of control. One wet soggy day I decided just to rip the whole thing up and replace it with decorative stones. Little did I know how much of a job it was going to be but we’re FINALLY getting there (not finished!).

Why we chose gravel

Decorative stones can come in all different shapes, sizes and colours and they can play a variety of different roles in a garden from providing driveways to creating a unique garden border.

Gravel is easy to maintain, by topping up with extra aggregate if needed or if the area becomes dirty. There is also a range of colours and shapes to suit your home and outdoor space from traditional or creating a modern flair. Crushed gravel is ideal for pathways or driveways as the stones fit and come together.

It is a cost-effective and low maintenance way to decorate your outdoor space. Other than being cheap and low maintenance, there were two other reasons we opted for gravel, as opposed to alternatives such as patio:

• Drainage – The use of decorative stone can be an ideal solution for drainage in your garden, pea gravel which contains small round stones are available in different sizes and colours. Pea gravel can provide decorative drainage for flower pots and beds.
• Weed Control – Placing stones on a rockery or border can help prevent unwanted weed growth. It is ideal to remove any pre-grown weeds and roots before placing the stones, the stones will then create a barrier and prevent any regrowth of weeds or unwanted plants.

It’s pretty versatile, too. The use of decorative stones on a driveway is becoming increasingly popular and is a great way to add a personalised touch to your home. With an aggregate driveway, no matter how heavy your vehicle is you do not need to worry about damaging the material underneath the wheel, stones for driveways and paths are extremely durable and do not chip and crack with excessive wear.

Storage

We received this shed c/o Wayfair a couple of months ago, which was great because it’s something we really needed. We always wanted to put some type of storage underneath the decking but struggled to find something that would fit. Luckily we found this one, and with a bit of DIY, we managed to get it underneath the decking. The great thing is, we also have tons of room behind the shed to store bits and bobs, too without it being an eyesore.

As you can see, it’s still not finished. This is where we still need to do a ton of work like pressure washing the walls and floors, cleaning the kayaks and organising the shed a little bit more (perhaps put some shelving in there). But for now, it does the job and it’s had a decent clear out. These are always things we can do another time and at least now we know it’s only an afternoon job, rather than a mammoth task.

Landscaping

Honestly, who would know that going to garden centres and filling your garden with luscious plants and shrubs would be oh so satisfying? I love shopping but I never thought I’d care about getting my hands dirty in the garden to plant some flowers. It’s pretty addictive and there’s so much to learn about when it comes to gardening and it’s pretty cool to see them flourishing. My fiancée says I’m old before my time because I like to bake fresh bread instead of buying it at the shop and I get excited about going to the garden centre to get new bedding plants

Buying plants can be mega expensive, so we’ve started with some plug plants and small bushes, as opposed to buying mature trees etc. It’s slow progress, even our Jasmine tree is almost 4 years old and it feels like it’s barely grown, but it isn’t in the best spot. We might end up investing in some more plants but for the meantime, this will do (especially as we’ll be on our honeymoon this summer and barely be able to properly enjoy it!).

Borders and Planters

Another good thing about decorative gravel can create an appealing border and can help protect plants from the attack of weeds. Using an aggregate with plants can help keep moisture into the soil the summer months. Depending which gravel you choose you can create different effects, whether it is natural or sand effect to blend in with other natural elements such as stonework and paving or black gravel to add a dramatic modern effect to your outdoor space, there is a large range that will suit any project.

Gravel is also a good way of adding extra drainage to your outdoor space and can protect excess water from building up and damaging foundations. Our hydrangea bush and border flowers are only just beginning to flower (and some haven’t even got that far), so I’m going to leave it a few more leaks until layering our pea gravel over these. We’ve started to do it for our rose bush and jasmine in the corner though, as these are a little bit more mature and I figure they’d be able to handle it.

Decking 

We had the decking put in when the house was built and although it requires a little bit of upkeep, I do love it. I’m always so surprised how much better it looks when it’s been pressure washed and been stained. This year we decided to go for a slightly deeper colour, teak. Every year we seem to opt to go a little darker to cover a multitude of sins but I actually prefer it being dark like this. We’re planning on pressure washing and staining the fencing and decking surrounding the gravel area, too which will bring it all together.

When we were talking to our friends and family about re-doing our garden lots of people said about getting more decking at the bottom of the garden, but there are a few reasons that turned us off it. Firstly, it’s waaaay more expensive and time-consuming to install, especially when you have a wonky shape garden like ours. Secondly, we liked the contrast that the gravel gives to the garden, instead of it all being one colour.

Cost breakdown

• Bulk bag 800kg grey 20mm gravel £40 delivered from a local supplier
• Colours teak matt decking stain 2.5L £20 from B&Q
• Bedding plants, planters and shrubs £39 from a local hardware store

The thing that really transformed our garden here (other than blood, sweat and tears), was the gravel. So, if you are looking for a healthy-looking garden with low maintenance the use of decorative aggregate may be for you, it is easy to manage throughout summer and can create some stunning features in a garden adding colour and character. For landscaping projects, it allows you to keep the cost down as a decorative aggregate are cheaper than paving or other more extensive projects and you can enjoy your garden rather than maintaining it.

The post How We Transformed Our Garden With Less Than £100, And You Can Too! appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Add Low Maintenance Features

With limited space, you might not want to go for decking or stones, but you still want to create a good looking green space. You can install some artificial grass and feel as if you are walking on your own lawn. If the rest of your tiny garden is paved, you will love this green feature without having to squeeze the lawnmower in the tight space. You can check out LazyLawn for quality, easy to install grass features.

Improve Your Lighting

One of the best things about having your own patio or balcony is that you can improve your lighting and spend the nights outdoors when it is simply too warm or stuffy in the house. There are plenty of great solutions; from solar patio lights to lanterns that will do two things at a time; keep the bugs away and create a warm light for those romantic nights when you are enjoying your favourite glass of wine or cocktail and having a chat with your friends or loved ones.

Windproof and Waterproof Features

If you are planning to extend your living room to the patio or balcony, it is important that you protect yourself from the elements. You can add a reed screen that will not only give you the privacy in the midst of the city, but also prevent the icy wind from entering your little domain. You should also invest in a strong roof, such as a honeycomb panel, so you get the light in during the day and prevent getting wet when it is pouring down.

Plant Shrubs

When you have limited space, you have to get creative about greenery. Not all plants will survive the winter and the summer heat. The best way of adding green features is by planting small shrubs in small window boxes and placing them around your small space. Alternatively, you can get them hung from the rails, and this will improve the air quality indoors and on your patio as well.

Pot Plants

If you simply don’t want to have permanent features and plants in your balcony or patio, you can get some sturdy pot plants or even artificial ones on your balcony. The windier your outdoor space is, the more likely you will need to opt for this solution. Still, you can get a piece of paradise and improve your mood and living area on a budget.

If you would like to make the most out of your small patio or balcony and enjoy the greenery and outdoor living every day of the year, try the above tips.

The post How To Make Your Small Patio Greener When You Live In The City appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Make the Space Accessible

Many people choose to put their outdoor living rooms nearby to their houses so that they are able to access the amenities that they need from indoors. Putting your outdoor living room next to your house also allows you to provide some shelter from the elements.

Keep the Layout Comfortable

Keep your outdoor living room a similar size to your indoor space – or even smaller if you would like. Even if your outdoor furniture is different from indoors, you still want it to be comfortable. Check out the Rattan and Lighting Company for some possible options. One of the great pleasures of an outdoor living room is the fact that you don’t have to make it appear too overcrowded with stuff. Plush textiles, cushions, blankets etc will help to provide the finishing touches to the space.

Give Plenty of Lighting Options

There will be times when you want to continue the party after the sun has already set. On these occasions, you should provide enough lighting to make sure that all your guests can still see each other comfortably! There are plenty of outdoor lighting options to choose from. And while you are shopping for them, you could also look into the hearing options which are available to you as well.

Keep it Private

It is a lot harder to properly relax if you feel like the neighbours are going to poke their heads over the fence at any minute to see what is going on. There are a number of different ways that you can create an added privacy effect. Billowy curtains are a nice cost-effective and elegant option if you want to go down this path. Otherwise, you could consider investing in some screens, which are a moveable solution. If you have green fingers, you can shroud your living room in plants and flowers to shield your outdoor space from prying eyes.

Add a Focal Point

All good living rooms are supposed to have a focal point – and this is probably not going to be your big screen TV like it is indoors! Some of the favourite choices out there include fire pits, fireplaces, fish ponds, and water features. Otherwise, if you have a complete outdoor kitchen area as well, your focal point could be your cooker or grill.

Creating an outdoor living room will give you years of fun and memories – and you can always add extra features over time to make it even more special. Follow the strategic tips in this article to create the space that you are looking for.

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Another thing to remember is that it’s such an advantage to have an outside space these days, so you absolutely have to make the most of it.

Start using your garden more and making it a bigger part of the home. You need to do as much as possible to ensure that your garden is as practical and sociable as it can be. You can host gatherings here, and spend more time as a family outside. These are a few of the tips to make your garden a more sociable space.

Create a Chill Out Area

There are so many excellent ideas for making the garden more sociable and beneficial to the property. And one of the best ways of achieving this is to create a chill out area in the garden where you can relax and hang out together. Think about seating arrangements, and try to choose something comfortable for people to enjoy.

You’ll need enough seating, as well as soft cushions and blankets. It will also be important to make sure you have covering to protect the area and make sure you can still use it even when the weather is bad.

Add Lighting

If you’re serious about using the garden as much as possible, you will probably want to use it at night as well as during the day. This means you need to assess what the lighting options are for the garden and use them to really make this a great place to socialise.

Having the right kind of lighting can make all the difference, and there is a lot to be said for making use of solar lighting. This is an excellent way of lighting the garden and also helping to keep your property as eco-friendly as possible. Lighting can help transform the garden into the perfect social environment for summer nights.

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Make it Functional

If you want the garden of your dreams, you have to make sure it is functional. This is important because it makes it a more attractive prospect for hanging out. Think about the layout of the garden, as well as the size, and make a decision about what you want to do to improve functionality.

For instance, you may like to add a new set of table and chairs. Is there room for a gazebo or a hot tub? It is really important that you do what you can to improve the functionality of the garden and provide more places for people to sit, relax, and enjoy themselves.

Making the garden more of a functional and social area really helps to improve it and add value and worth to the property. The best gardens are the ones you can make use of, and they will help you ensure you get the best out of your home. You also need to think about how to sell your home, and what is involved in making it more appealing to buyers.

The post How To Turn Your Garden Into a Social Hub For Summer Parties 🌞🌻 appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Once you’ve developed a strong passion for it, it can really change how you live your life and view the world around you. So how should you make the most of your garden and use it as a way to improve your mental approach to life?

Create a Flower Bed and Curate the Colours and Plants

Creating a flower bed can be very fun and very rewarding because it forces you to use your brain and get creative with it. You need to first of all design the zone of the flower bed. This can be done using wooden railway sleepers and building upwards from there. You’ll then need to think about the flowers and the type of soil you want to combine in the flowerbed. Ensure the plants the flowers’ colours all come together nicely.

Take it Easy and Learn to Relax as You Tend to Your Garden

Gardening can be hard work, but it can also be very relaxing. There’s something beautiful about tending to small plants and helping them grow into something much bigger. It’s something you should try to approach in a relaxed and calming way. You can get lost in it and really relax in a way that’s quite specific to gardening. Most avid gardeners will know exactly what I mean by this.

If you want to put your body through its paces and give yourself a real workout in the garden, all you really need to do is tackle the weeds. This is where you really have to put your back into it and make sure that you get all of that weed out, from the root upwards. Only then will you be sure that the weeds won’t simply grow back. It’s pretty gruelling work, but it has to be done.

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Aim for the Perfect Lawn

The lawn is perhaps the most important part of the garden because it usually acts as the centrepiece. It’s the part in the middle of the garden that everything else works around. That’s why you should aim for the perfectly sculpted lawn that’s able to make anyone proud. It could be worth hiring a professional landscaper to make this happen if you don’t really have the skills for this.

Reap the Rewards and Satisfaction That Come With a Job Well Done

Finally, you just need to kick back and relax in your garden. This is what all the hard work is for, so why shouldn’t you enjoy it? That feeling of satisfaction that comes from knowing you’ve created what you’re now enjoying can be incredibly rewarding. But, of course, the hard work is never done, and there’s always more that can be done to improve your garden and take it to that next level.

There are so many ways in which gardening can improve you, so make sure you get out there and make the most of what your humble garden has to offer you. Not only will you feel better and become healthier as a result of your garden, you’ll also be able to enjoy it more during the summer if you start working on it now.

The post Boost Your Physical And Mental Health By Working On Your Garden appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.

Commercial landscaping is quite challenging. Hundreds of people pass by each and every commercial setting every day. The best way for attracting their attention is to have a good exterior landscape. Because the outdoor is the first point of contact with the visitors, it can exquisitely tell about the quality and class of your business. This is important for creating an everlasting first impression in the minds of the people. Moreover, when you use natural elements for decorating your commercial exterior, you have infinite latitude to play with your imagination.

  Add Some Curb Appeal To Your Home

But, the live plants have many hassles, and for this reason, the artificial trees and plants have gained much popularity in commercial landscaping. The essential requirement of commercial landscaping is that it should be perfect with low maintenance requirements. The faux outdoor plants score perfectly well on these fronts.

These are dead realistically made, that they create the illusion of natural greens while making it a one-of-kind setup for creating an irresistible attraction about the place. Let’s see why the faux plants are great outdoor landscaping products.

You can choose from SO many varieties

There are many varieties of artificial landscaping products. You can use them based on your landscaping theme.

• Artificial outdoor flowers: Available in different varieties and range of vibrant colors, these can adorn any commercial space with great blooms.
• Artificial Boxwood Topiaries: These are great for defining space besides adding elegance and charm to the commercial outdoor.
• Artificial outdoor plants: These impart a magnificent environment in the business outdoors bringing in a decoration that cannot be ignored.
• Artificial foliage: These spread a dash of greenery to the outdoor instantly transforming it to an attractive and welcoming place.
• Artificial privacy screens: These add a splash of color to the dull and drab commercial spaces making it a live but formal setting.

They create a FABULOUS outdoors!

The artificial landscape plants are made so realistic, that they are able to create the illusion of having a natural green environment. Manufactured meticulously from premium grade plastic material, these are the exact replica of their live cousins. By embellishing the exterior of your commercial setting with outdoor artificial foliage you can give it a celestial appearance.

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These removed the live plant hassles

• Have no maintenance requirement: The great thing about the fake botanical products is that these need no maintenance. Once installed, they stay there forever.
• These leave no mess: Unlike the live plants, the artificial plants do not shade leaves and, therefore, there is no need to clean the area.
• Customization is possible: While the natural trees and plants have specific sizes, the fake plants and other landscaping elements can be tailored to any requirement.
• Shines round the year: While live plants are season specific, the replicated landscaping elements are independent of seasonal variation.
• Cost-effective: The mimic trees and plants are relatively low price than other landscaping accessories and as they last longer, they are economic.

You can use them anywhere!

The greatest plus point of the fake bushes for landscaping is that these can be used in any type of commercial setting. Whether it is a large corporate house, or a municipal building, or a shopping mall, a hospital, luxury hotels, and restaurants, you can use the replicated landscaping elements for creating a heart-winning outdoor.

They improve business

The green environment helps to break the monotony. Including fake botanical products in the commercial space makes the employees energetic besides making the place refreshing. Thus, you are sure of increasing revenues.

Faux plants don’t fade, phew!

While using artificial trees and plants in the commercial exteriors, you need not worry about discoloration of the same due to scorching sunlight. In fact, these artificial outdoor plants UV-protected are manufactured from a special plastic material using PermaLeaf technologies to make them inert to the harsh rays of the Sun. You can use these for your commercial outdoors no matter, which part of the country you are located in.

They tolerate seasonal changes

The large artificial outdoor plants are produced from plastics that have special weatherproof qualities. These are made strong and sturdy to withstand all weather conditions such as scorching heat, chilling cold, stormy wind, and snowfalls. Whatever may be the outdoor climatic condition; these will continue to glorify the space.

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… and are super easy to install

While the fake landscaping products including the outdoor faux flowers are made to withstand weather changes, their installation plays a vital role for a permanent solution. Although these are available on standard basis and can be installed manually, a strong wind may topple the fake trees if not installed following the installation manual.  You can also get expert guidance for any problem.

Other benefits

Using the boxwood privacy screen and other fake landscaping elements you can enjoy many other benefits like:

• No insect attack: These do not attract pests and therefore your commercial outdoor space will never be invaded by insects.
• Cause no allergy: Some people are found to have a pollen allergy, and there are some who are also sensitive to the aroma of the flowers, using fake flowers can keep your customers safe.
• There is no mold growth: Being artificially made, these do not help mold growth.
• No pet damage: Pets are not attracted to the fake landscaping items and so, there will be no pet damage.

PS: They help save time and money

As the fake botanical products are easily installable and need no maintenance except periodic cleaning of dust, these save much time and money since there is no involvement of dedicated maintenance staff. These are also extremely durable. Once you install them on the exterior, they can last long saving replacement costs.

The post Why Faux Plants Are Perfect For Landscaping 🌵 appeared first on Strawberry Squeeze.