Create Your Own Oasis: Discover the Beauty of Adding Garden Structures to Your Property
The wonderful thing about garden structures is that they have an aesthetic appeal as well as a practical function. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of structures you can have in your garden and what purpose they serve.
Pergolas
A pergola is made of vertical posts which support several beams to create a shaded area underneath. They can be positioned on the front, rear or side of a house and are often used as climbing frames for plants such as wisteria, vines, roses or honeysuckle. Some designs are freestanding and can be placed anywhere in the garden to provide shade and a hidden corner for relaxing.
Pergolas can be a wonderful focal point in your garden and an ideal place for a dining area. They are relatively simple structures and can be built from scratch or you can buy a pergola kit. If you want some privacy in your garden, particularly from overlooking properties a vine-covered pergola is a beautiful natural barrier.
Gazebos
If you prefer a solid roof over your head in the garden, particularly when contending with the British weather a gazebo, is a wonderful addition. This garden structure will provide a focal point in the garden as well as keep the sun or rain from ruining your time in the garden.
For those lucky enough to have a hot tub a gazebo is a must. It will protect you in all weather and maintain your privacy so you can relax and enjoy your outdoor space. Put your seating area under a gazebo and hang lights all around to create a warm and welcoming ambience in the garden. The shelter will also help to protect your garden furniture from the sun’s fading rays and the inevitable summer showers.
Sheds
Every garden needs a shed and there’s a shed to suit every garden. Whether you buy a pre-made shed or build your own this garden structure should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Think about what you want to store in the shed, how you want to use it and how it will fit in with the design of your garden.
If you have the space and you want a custom-built structure the cost to build an outbuilding will depend on its size, design, your location and any planning fees you may need to pay. Larger outbuildings such as a garage or garden office can add substantially to the value of your property as both are often high on potential buyers’ wish lists. But remember not to overcrowd your outside space with an outbuilding as you risk detracting from the garden.
Arbours
An arbour is a wonderful garden feature and can be used in various parts of the garden. They look great over a path and give the impression of going through a doorway so work well for zoning.
When planted with pretty and fragrant climbing plants such as honeysuckle, roses or clematis the wooden structure is softened and provides the plant with a framework on which to anchor itself. Some arbours have seats and are used in tranquil corners of a garden to provide a haven of peace.
Greenhouses
With the rising cost of living, not to mention the stress that goes with it, having an oasis of calm where you can grow your own food is a definite win-win. A greenhouse will provide you with the perfect micro-climate in which to grow vegetables all year round, give outdoor plants a great headstart and even cultivate some exotic plants.
Growing flowers, fruit and vegetables from seed costs a lot less than buying established plants so you can keep your garden stocked and refreshed without spending a fortune. If you spend a lot of time at a desk or working indoors having a greenhouse to go to in your spare time is a great way to relax and unwind at any time of the year.
