“They call us lonely, when we’re really just alone” – Aztec Camera

With everyone spending so much more time at home over the last 18 months due to lockdowns, there has been a huge upswing in all things garden-related. Helped by some glorious weather in 2020, more and more people have been awakened to the joys of their gardens as outdoor extensions of their homes. The notion of creating ‘outdoor rooms’ in the garden has really taken off, as popular TV gardening programmes have shown us all how to make our own spaces within spaces to give ourselves a secluded spot for some ‘Me Time’. With the spotlight being shone on the nation’s mental health, these spaces took on increasing importance in a great many lives. From simply finding a spot in the garden for some private sunbathing, sheltered from the scrutiny of nosy neighbours to a full-on sanctuary for meditation, these spaces have become real focal points in our daily schedules. Such was the sudden demand for building materials, there was a nationwide shortage of everything from wildflower turf to paving slabs and cement!

Garden Sanctuaries or Retreats come in all shapes and sizes.

Naturally, a healthy, well-cared-for lawn is a perfect foundation for any outdoor room which may involve sitting, laying or standing as we get closer to Mother Nature. Many of us like the feel of walking barefoot on our lawns in any case, especially first thing in the morning on a crisp, sunny day.

Many people choose to create an area to simply relax in. Naturally, this means different things to different people and can just take the form of a screened-off suntrap in which to lie back and read. Others have really been drawn to making their own retreats in the garden, where they can meditate or improve body and soul by practising the more physical spiritual disciplines. Activities like Yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong (or Chi Gong / Chi Kung to us westerners) are perfect for practicing in the garden as we benefit from fresh air, a connection to nature and it’s a lot less painful to land on grass when you wobble and go down in a heap.

Your sanctuary can be the perfect place to rediscover yourself, and practice spiritual disciplines like Yoga.

There are many different forms of these disciplines, so it’s possible for anyone to start – your size, age and fitness levels don’t matter as there are modifications for every pose. UNICEF even says kids can practice lots of yoga poses without any risk and get the same benefits that adults do.

However you choose to use your space, you can make it to suit yourself. It’s YOUR happy place, after all.

So, having decided to embark on creating a secluded room within the garden, how best to tackle it? If you’re drawn to making it all as natural as possible, this is entirely achievable…

Grow a screen or provide shelter with climbers

A living screen, in the form of a hedge or climber, is a visually pleasing and practical way to protect your privacy. It can also provide shelter from the wind and sun, while offering habitat for wildlife.

  • Honeysuckle, Virginia creeper, climbing Hydrangea or Clematis are good for rapid cover.
  • Holly, Juniper, Yew and Laurel with thick branches at ground level may help to muffle noise as well.
  • Evergreens will provide year-round foliage.
  • Try hydrangeas for bursts of blooms or Buddleia, which butterflies will love.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for an instant solution…

Install a sail shade

If your garden is overlooked or you need to stay out of the sun, a shade sail provides an inexpensive, temporary barrier.

  • Usually made from polyester, they are stretched taut and fixed to walls, trees, fences or posts (eg a pergola).
  • It’s a great way to get creative as they come in a huge range of designs and sizes
  • You can even get custom-made versions if you’re prepared to pay a little more.
  • They’re really easy to put up, take down, clean and store when not being used.

Choose plants with big leaves

Some exotic plants have giant leaves that create a parasol effect and are perfect if you’re going for a tropical garden effect.

  • They thrive and look great in pots, so why not group some together for an immediate sense of seclusion?
  • Try Canna ‘Musifolia’ with large, paddle-shaped leaves and exotic flowers or a banana palm such as Colocasia (Elephant Ears) and Fatsia Polycarpa (Green Fingers).
  • These plants are tender, so bring them inside over winter, or put them in a sheltered porch or greenhouse. If you have to leave them outside, do make sure they’re wrapped in horticultural fleece.

How high can a privacy screen be?

To get the boring, grown-up bits out of the way:

  • Fences that are over 1 metre high need planning permission if they are adjacent to a road or public pavement.
  • Elsewhere, you need planning permission if a fence exceeds 2 metres.
  • If an existing fence already goes over these heights, it can’t be increased without planning permission.
  • Make sure you check if your property is listed, or in a conservation area, as the rules for these may impact the plans you’re making.

Hedges have fewer regulations although there are still things to consider (eg: if it blocks road visibility).

There’s nothing like a fire pit to make any space cosy, and Sanctuaries can have them too.

Finishing touches

So your own slice of heaven is nearly ready… but what will make it complete for you? Needless to say there are a million results for ‘outdoor rooms’ on Pinterest and Instagram, and you could easily buy enough gadgets to fill your own store, but we’ve put together a quick list of what you might want to consider when finishing off your new space:

  • Solar Lighting
  • Headphones or outdoor speakers
  • Solar or self contained water feature
  • Fire Pit, outdoor candles or Tiki Torches
  • Large rug, comfy seating or beanbags

I like the idea, but my lawn isn’t looking so good…

An ailing lawn, before and after Lawntech’s Lawn Renovation package.

Lawn Repair & Renovation

It is often underestimated how much mechanical treatments will improve your lawn. Lawntech’s Lawn Renovation package of Scarification, Aeration and Over-seeding will revive and rejuvenate tried, patchy or diseased lawns and set them back on the road to health. We guarantee the results of our Autumn Lawn Renovations, so you can rest assured that your lawn will bounce back to being green, lush and vigorous.

SOS Lawn Makeover – a perfect alternative to a new lawn

For lawns which need more intensive repair, our 6 step SOS Lawn Makeover is a cost-effective alternative to a brand-new lawn created from turf or seed. Our makeover is the perfect solution as it keeps the best features of your lawn rather than discarding them and in most cases is completed in just one day.

Organic Lawn Care Programme

Due to growing demand for organic lawn care we’re proud to say we can provide a 100% organic solution with our tried and tested Organic Lawn Care Programme. Ideal for lawns suffering from poor soil conditions, or just because you have taken the decision to care for your lawn in a more environmentally friendly way.

If you would like a quote for these or any of Lawntech’s services, please feel free to Contact Us, either by following the link to the form on our website, or giving us a call on 01722 744300.

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