Gardens that catch your eye and are a delight to be in, take careful planning and commitment. Gardeners are always thinking ahead to the next season, looking at which seeds to sow, which plants to add in for the next year, or even which features to incorpora. If you are a passionate gardener coming up to retirement or already retired, it may be worth planning a garden design for the future too; one which is easier to manage later in life.
A garden for retirement doesn’t have to be boring though, a clear design can encompass creative, accessible, and interesting elements that can continue to bring joy.
Create a budget
If you are ready to redesign your garden to better suit your needs, it’s time to create a budget. If you have a rough idea of what you want your garden to look like, getting a few quotes from garden designers will provide you with an estimate to budget to. If you don’t have enough cash in savings but a dream garden is what you’re after, releasing equity from your property may be an option to consider.
Accessibility
How you will move around the garden plays a large part on its design and the materials used. Having a small lawned area will provide you with a natural green area but it will also be more manageable. Using hard paving for footpaths will make movement easier and compliment the lawn. Installing raised beds will enable you to plant, weed and prune flowers without having to stoop and bend. Raised beds can also incorporate a seating area, the perfect way to admire the garden.
Wildlife
Encouraging wildlife into your garden can have many benefits; not only will it provide you with something to watch from your window, but it benefits the environment too. Ways to encourage wildlife include,
- Install a bird box – place the bird box up high in a sheltered area. Providing food for the birds will also encourage them, hanging bird feeders with fat balls and seeds for example.
- Provide water – if a large pond isn’t manageable, providing a small container or an old sink full of water will be sufficient enough to create a tiny pond, just make sure it includes a ramp for wildlife to get in and out.
- Grow native flowers in a variety of colours – this will attract different pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
A Seating Area
A garden is the perfect place to socialise with friends and family. Adding a seating area to your garden design will enable you to sit outside whatever the occasion, whether it’s with friends or alone. It also provides the perfect place to sit and admire the plants and wildlife through the seasons.