Add pizazz TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Just like interiors, great gardens are accessorised and detailed to create interest and depth

Great gardens are like great interiors, where introducing layers of interest and subtle detailing can make all the difference. This can take a garden from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether it’s a thoughtfully placed piece of garden art, a surprising water feature or a delightful place to rest, adding that something extra to a garden will entice you out of doors again and again.

A PLACE TO REST

Follow the interior trend of creating reading nooks and intimate spaces inside, by adding a simple outdoor chair to a secret hideaway garden spot. There’s even a trend for garden offices so clean out the shed or unused playhouse, plug in the WiFi extender and get working in a more inspiring environment.

LIKE WITH LIKE

Think about how you use your outdoor spaces and group elements that logically belong together. Place a vege or herb garden or pots near the outdoor table or barbecue, and a scented shrub or water feature next to a lounge chair.

FIRE AND WATER

Why let LEDs light the way when you can have gas flares flanking your garden path? Fire pits can be built-in or free-standing; just check local bylaws for their use and placement. Water features can be calming and reflective, like a fish pond, or add sensory experiences in terms of sound with a fountain, says Sandra Batley of Flourish Garden Concepts. If you’re a capable DIYer, you can make your own water feature – bury a suitable water reservoir with a grate to sit beneath the pot, drill a hole in the base of the pot, attach a pump, thread in a pipe and seal it well. Run a 12-volt cable for power, which may need to be certified. Add water and turn on. >

THEME IT

Let your house and interior style flow into the garden so that they don’t clash. Repeat the colours from inside in flowers or plants, or choose a theme or style – mid-century interiors with native plantings, spa-like interiors with lush subtropicals, or classic style with an Italianate garden. Says stylist Fiona Hugues of Gatherum Collectif: “Don’t be afraid to bring your linens, best cutlery and crystal outdoors. Outdoor tables look much more glamorous when you are brave and bring finery from indoors; most things won’t suffer too badly if you get caught out with a warm summer shower.”

SAVE THE WORLD

Think about creatures that may benefit from garden additions. Urban gardens can be a nectar treasure trove for our endangered bees. Plant flowering species, or even consider installing a beehive; you can get a beekeeper to tend and harvest it and the scent of honey in summer evenings is intoxicating.

THIS PAGE Why hide the vegetable and herb garden out the back? Create a garden, or use pots, so that salad and cooking ingredients are handy to the table or barbecue. OPPOSITE (clockwise from top) Add a water feature where you'll appreciate it, next to a lounge chair. If in doubt, use symmetry for impact. Create a strong theme with a sweep of classic terracotta pots and immaculately clipped buxus balls, and a tight colour scheme of green, lavender and white.

THIS PAGE Fire pits are an easier and less expensive option than outdoor fires but with all the benefits of extending the seasonal use of your outdoor living space. OPPOSITE (clockwise from top) Add a simple shelter with a whimsical theme in a hideaway spot in the garden. This is clever use of a corner for built-in seating. You don't need much space for a cafe-style table and chair, framed and raised for extra impact.

THIS PAGE (from top) If lots of lawn isn't your style, use swathes of pebble or chip as a hardy and attractive ground cover; spray with moss-killer occasionally and lightly rake; you can buy special mesh to hold the pebbles in place. Go Romanesque with gas flares. OPPOSITE (from top) Use secondhand or antique finds as art in the garden, like this pair of old Indian doors. Create a sense of occasion by dressing your table as you would indoors – with lights, a centrepiece, good linen and candles.