How to Design and Make the Most of Your Garden in a New Home

Martha Stewart once said, “If you want a year of happiness, get married, if you want 10 years of happiness, get a dog; if you want a lifetime of happiness, take care of a garden.” Creating a garden may feel demanding at first, yet it’s an ideal opportunity to discover new skills, relax and unleash your creativity to create something beautiful you can enjoy.

Yes, a new gardens come with distinct challenges, so let’s start from the beginning.

Where to begin…

First of all, take your time to browse online- find courses, images on Pinterest, YouTube videos and even old gardening books to find inspiration. Start dreaming of your new garden. How do you want this to look? To feel? What plants would you like to see? Flowers? Maybe bushes or tall trees? Do you need space for comfy furniture? A barbeque, perhaps?

A well-organized garden caters to different activities. Consider dividing your space into zones, such as:

• Relaxation Area: A seating area with comfortable furniture, a hammock, or a swing chair.
• Dining and Entertaining Space: A patio or deck with a table and chairs for outdoor meals.
• Gardening Section: A designated space for flower beds, vegetable patches, or herb gardens.
• Play Area: If you have children, allocate a corner for swings, a sandbox, or a small playhouse.

Once you have all these sorted out, you can now choose and design your garden format and start with the soil based on the plants you have chosen.

Clear the ground

Dig over soil that will be used to plant, remove rubble, and put it in hard landscaping. Adding soil conditioner and forking into the soil will help improve drainage and fertility.

Loosening the soil in new beds before sowing or planting will help new roots grow more easily and have access to the water and nutrients they need.

Get planting

The best time for planting is autumn and spring.  It is important to choose plants that are adapted to your climate, soil, and sunlight. For a Scottish garden, you can choose local plants. Cherry trees, bulb plants like daffodils, lilies, and hyacinths, wildflowers like foxgloves, lavenders and dandelions and evergreens like winged spindles for a colourful autumn foliage are low-maintenance, beautiful choices.

Buy young plants that you can transplant easily. Put them in their beds and add a tag with instructions that will help you organise watering and care. Pat the soil around the roots and soak with water.

Add lighting for ambience

Outdoor lighting transforms a garden but can also provide safety. Consider the effects you want to create. Look for LED exterior lights for efficiency and cosiness or solar-powered path lights to illuminate walkways.

Opt for indirect lighting by hiding lights under bushes, flowers or stones to create a subtle atmosphere. Don’t forget to light the seating areas. Consider fairy lights to set a magical environment. Don’t forget to light up your seating area; use candles or pendant luminaires above tables to create an inviting ambience.

Incorporate water features

Water elements add tranquillity and enhance the natural beauty of your garden. A small pond with fish and water lilies, a fountain,,n or a  to attract wildlife will create a unique ambience.  Depending on the style of the water feature, consider hiring experts, as they might need technical and mechanical skills.

Grow your own food

Nothing is more satisfying than harvesting your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Even a small space can accommodate:

• Herb gardens in pots or raised beds.
• Tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries in containers.
• Salad greens in hanging baskets or window boxes.

The fact that you’ve grown your food yourself it will make it even more delicious and satisfying.

 Make your garden cosy and personal

Create a seating and eating area close to the kitchen. Think about adding a shade such as a parasol and personalise it with outdoor cushions and rags, DIY decorations, and wind chimes. Make your garden truly yours by introducing a fire pit for warmth and an inviting focal point.

Maintain your garden

A beautiful garden requires regular upkeep. As your garden begins to grow, you should stay on top of weeding, pruning, mulching, and taking care of your lawn.

Final Thoughts

Your garden should be a sanctuary that reflects your lifestyle and brings you joy. By organising your space, adding greenery, incorporating cosy elements, and maintaining it well, you can create an outdoor paradise you’ll love spending time in. Whether it’s for relaxation, entertainment, or growing your own food, making the most of your garden will enhance both your home and your well-being.

Looking for a new home? Explore Muir Homes’ latest developments for new-build homes with beautiful gardens in Scotland.