How To Add Interest To Your Garden

Innovative Ideas For Interesting Garden Design

Many homeowners miss out on amazing opportunities to spend time outdoors and engage with nature because their gardens are not up to scratch. After all, a garden that lacks spark and vibrancy is not going to motivate anyone to want to spend time outdoors and you could be missing out on opportunities for connection, relaxation and entertainment.

Luckily, it is possible to make your garden interesting and exciting through landscaping services. By adding excitement to your garden, you can inspire the entire family to embrace the outdoors, soak in the fresh air and reap the numerous health benefits of nature.

Transforming your garden into an engaging and captivating environment can be a fun experience and one that offers long-term rewards for the whole family. No matter what kind of garden you are dealing with, from a compact urban landscape to a sprawling country space, there are various ways you can add more interest to it.

In this guide, we are using our years of experience and passion for garden design to help you transform your outdoor spaces. This post will explore some of the most effective ways you can design an interesting garden so you will have an engaging and exciting space you’ll love to be in.

Seasonal Blooms

A simple, yet highly effective way to add interest to your garden is through blooming flowers and flourishing plants.

Depending on when you are transforming your garden, the best plants to use for this will vary. For example, during the spring and summer, you can incorporate a wide range of vibrant flowers and lush green plants for immediate benefits as these are the seasons of bloom.

However, this does not mean that landscaping at any other time of the year will not yield the same results as some plant species continue to thrive even as the weather becomes colder.

It is important to take your time when considering the plants and flowers you want to incorporate into your landscape. Using a mixture of perennial and annual plants can ensure that there is interest throughout the year and that you have something to look forward to with each new spring.

Implementing flowers and plants that bloom at different times can ensure your garden remains exciting throughout the year. Early summer blossoms such as peonies and irises can launch the season, followed by popular mid-summer flowers like roses, lilies, and coneflowers. Late bloomers like chrysanthemums and asters can extend the garden’s appeal well into autumn, ensuring that your garden keeps thriving despite the changing weather.

Layered Planting for Depth

As well as considering the blooming time of plants, you also need to evaluate the placement of these plants for a stunning display. You can make your garden more interesting and engaging by introducing plants of different sizes and shapes and creating unique layers and depth with their placement.

To this, consider the height. colour and texture of all plants before incorporating them into your landscape, ensuring you have a good mixture for more interest. Once you have chosen a good array, plan their placement carefully and keep in mind the overall aesthetic of your garden.

Generally, taller plants should be positioned at the back of borders, with shorter ones up front to create depth and optimise space. With this careful consideration, you can generate a visually enticing arrangement and ensure this interest is maintained as the season progresses.

Hardscaping Components

A thorough garden design incorporates both soft and hardscaping elements. Hardscaping includes features like patios, pathways, and decorative structures that can substantially boost the functionality and appeal of your garden by creating more areas of interest.

Features such as well-designed decking not only enhance the look of the garden but also make it a more engaging space. Patios, in particular, can be a great tool to design unique areas of the garden and create specific areas of interest for example spots for outdoor dining or entertainment.

When designing hardscape elements like patios or pathways, take the time to consider the various materials available.  This allows you to make the best choice for your landscape and develop hardscaping features that enhance the appeal of your property you can choose the best ones that match the style of your home and garden.

For example, timber patios are ideal for traditional homes, while modern properties might benefit from sleek tiled pathways.

Exciting Pathways

Pathways can enhance the functionality and appeal of your garden by creating a sense of adventure and discovery. Custom paths can guide visitors through your garden and make the entire outdoor environment more accessible.

While they are primarily functional, careful design and placement of pathways can introduce a sense of fun and added interest to the garden.

Considering the style of pathways is a great way to generate this interest and there are many options available for you to consider. With such a wide array of options for pathways and hardscaping elements, there is going to be something to suit any garden.

It is important, just like with other hardscaping elements, to carefully consider the materials used for paving in the garden to find the best fit for your landscape. Materials such as gravel, brick, or even stepping stones can be used to construct appealing and practical paths throughout your garden, based on your property style.

Focal Points

Focal points attract attention while also creating a sense of balance and cohesion throughout the garden and can be created using a range of outdoor features and structures, from garden sculptures to water features or even eye-catching plants.

Based on the style of your landscape and what you have available, you can develop a variety of interesting focal points to keep visitors captivated as they spend time outdoors.

Focal points do not have to be extreme or expensive, as a well-placed garden statue or plant can effectively inject personality into your garden. With careful consideration of placement and design, these features can offer a unique experience for your guests and create areas of interest.

If you are looking to add some elegance to the garden, water features should be considered. Elements such as water fountains can be a great element for added interest in the garden, not only visually but auditory too. The soothing sound of flowing water adds an extra layer of interest by creating a relaxing atmosphere for all to enjoy.

When incorporating focal points into the garden for interest, whether this is a water fountain or a particular unique plant, ensure that the surroundings complement it, not overpower it.

Garden Structures

Garden structures like pergolas or arbours are another excellent addition to any outdoor space. These structures can create private zones for entertaining or relaxing, as well as generate interest throughout the landscape.

From al fresco dining areas and relaxation spots to playrooms for the kids, pergolas, arbours and garden rooms are incredibly versatile and very interesting.

Vertical Interest

Even if space is limited, you can still make your garden engaging and interesting with vertical planting.

Vertical planting is an excellent method for adding colour and life to your garden without taking up essential floor space. Planting vertically, such as against fences or other structures, saves space while also allowing you to cultivate a captivating garden no matter the size.

Climbing plants, hanging baskets, and vertical planters can all contribute to a dynamic and layered look without occupying precious floor space.

Another option for vertical interest is to install trellises or garden screens across your garden, as these can support climbing plants. Train plants like honeysuckle, jasmine, or climbing roses to grow against these structures for added interest.

Not only does vertical interest make your garden more appealing, but it can also be a useful tool for generating more privacy across the garden.  Planting vertically or covering structures with climbing plants can shield you from overlooking neighbours when spending time outdoors.

They also contribute to a more cohesive appearance of the garden by disguising unsightly walls or fences.

Lighting for Ambiance

Garden lighting is more than just a practical tool, as it can also help to make your garden more interesting even when the sun goes down. With the right outdoor lighting, you can continue to enjoy your garden well into the evening and have more opportunities for entertaining guests, playing with the kids or relaxing under the stars.

Lighting is an effective tool for ambience and with many options for outdoor lights, you can set any kind of mood you desire.

For example, string lights, lanterns, and solar-powered stakes can all be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for outdoor seating areas or al fresco dining. Uplighting can highlight trees and architectural features throughout the garden, ensuring the garden remains engaging even after sunset.

As well as decorative lighting, consider installing motion-sensor lights near seating areas and entry points for added security. With careful planning and a variety of options included in your garden design, outdoor lighting not only enhances the beauty of the garden but also makes it more functional and welcoming after dark.

Nurture Wildlife

Encouraging wildlife into your garden will ensure it remains engaging year-round. You can cultivate an exceptionally vibrant and dynamic ecosystem, depending on your location, by attracting local wildlife.

Planting native plants, for instance, will provide food and shelter for birds, bees, and butterflies, and invite an array of life into your garden.

Bird feeders, bird baths, and nesting boxes can draw a range of birds to your garden and ensure that every day is filled with beautiful birdsong. For added wildlife interest, consider adding a pond or water feature, which can serve as a sanctuary for frogs, dragonflies, and other creatures.

If you decide to create a welcoming environment for wildlife, it will take more than just adding specific garden features. You should also refrain from using pesticides and choose organic gardening methods to protect the beneficial insects and creatures attracted to your garden.

By creating a wildlife-friendly environment, you contribute to biodiversity while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, which is something the whole family will be interested in.

Conclusion

With careful planning of your garden design and incorporating landscaping features, you can transform your outdoor area into an engaging environment that the whole family can enjoy.

Every element detailed in this guide, from seasonal blossoms to garden structures, injects a unique layer of excitement into the garden and contributes to its overall charm. Combining these elements can result in a distinctive garden that’s both beautiful and functional.

Whether you want to enjoy a quiet morning coffee or host a summer barbecue, a well-designed garden enhances every moment spent outdoors and keeps the garden engaging as the seasons change.

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Simon – Berry Hill Mansfield
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From the first meeting with Kevin I knew I was in safe hands. I had previously dealt with other ‘landscape’ companies who only seemed interested in charging above what they should for a poor quality job. Kevin knew what was needed not only to satisfy my needs but more importantly my plot. Plans were drawn up and changed a couple of times, I’m quite hard to please at times. The work started and all the team were amazing, hard working, polite and knew what they were doing, Kevin was always on hand to keep me calm and make sure my OCD (lol) was ok. The garden was handed back on time and on budget and WOW what a transformation. Kevin has been back a couple of times to sort out a couple of snags and nothing is too much trouble. My garden is now an extension of my home and I’m so pleased I was introduced to Knightingale Landscapes and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Kevin and his team..

Karen Mitchell – Kirkby in Ashfield
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I have been planning my garden makeover for a couple of years and never thought it would ever look like it does now and that is thanks to Kevin and his great team. From the planning stage through to work commencing on the garden Kevin was so helpful and knowledgeable, giving me advice on materials, and how everything would work together. Our garden is on different levels so we now have steps up to our lawn and patio which look amazing. The work was carried out to the highest standard and each day when they had finished the lads cleaned everything and left things neat and tidy. I cannot thank Kevin and his team enough for giving me a garden to be proud of. My husband and I are never out of it now and know that we will have many happy times spent in our beautiful new outside space. If you want your dream garden contact Kevin and his great team, I am so glad I did.

Jo Salmon – Berry Hill Mansfield
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Kevin created a design to completely transform my garden from a grass bank to a gorgeous, landscaped setting. Kevin and his team are knowledgable, professional and dedicated to working with you to create the design. Nothing is too much trouble and I would have no hesitation in recommending Knightingale Landscapes

Lynn and Martyn – Giltbrook
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Absolute fantastic job done, on rear garden with composite decking and resin yard, then resin on the whole of the front drive. Kevin and his dedicated team have really done us proud, with a truly professional job, and workmanship second to none, they are so friendly and helpful, and cleanliness is excellent. This has transformed our property, I would recommend Knightingale Landscapes to everyone. Thanks again

Mike & Vanda Maciborskyj – Hucknall
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We cannot recommend Knightingale Landscapes enough. From the first contact we had with Kev he was very professional and delivered a great customer service. We were clueless as to what we wanted apart from the fact that our back garden needed to be dog friendly. Kev came back to us with a design that was perfect. We had our back & front garden landscaped along with new fencing. From start to finish Kev and his team worked so hard, kept everything tidy, with regular updates on progress. We requested additional work and nothing was too much trouble. The final result is a beautiful garden that we enjoy so much. A fantastic job completed by reliable, professional people.

Laura and Dave – Kirkby in Ashfield
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Thank you to Kevin and his team for transforming our neglected driveway and front garden into a lovely space with a smart resin bound drive and wooden planter areas. We are really pleased with the work and it was carried out in a very professional manner – punctual, tidy and efficient. Would definitely recommend.

Albert & Judy Catt – Ashbourne
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We have a smallish, awkwardly shaped garden surrounded by walls and fences on a new development. We go away frequently enough to want a low maintenance garden but also need sufficient plant interest to keep enjoyment of our outdoor space not just limited to sitting out with a glass of wine. Kevin surveyed the plot, produced an imaginative design, gave us a quote and offered us a start date. He and his team duly started on the date they said they would. Each day just enough materials for that day’s work were delivered and at the end of each day the site was left clean and tidy. The job took exactly the length of time Kevin said it would and cost exactly what he said it would. We are delighted not only with the result but also with the whole experience. As it happened we were away for the last few days of the project but such was our trust in Kevin and his team that we were happy to leave him to finish the job and make any last minute adjustments to the planting.

Mrs Prickett – Sutton in Ashfield
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I cannot speak highly enough of Kevin and his team, they are professional hard working and just lovely people. My garden went from being a mass of weeds and stinging nettles and generally uncared for (the house was rented before we bought it) to being a lovely space for us to spend time in. The work was carried out during the school half term so they had two 5 year olds asking questions all the time and they were extremely patient with them. So if you are going to have a garden makeover Knightingale Landscapes are the best people for the job.

Mr & Mrs Pilch – Ravenshead
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Kevin and his team have just completed some work for us and we are delighted with the finished product.We found them to be very professional, hard working, nothing too much trouble. Great to find a company who work to such a high standard, would recommend them to anyone. Thanks again Kevin

Mark Herrington – Berry Hill
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I can’t help smiling when looking at my garden, the work that Kevin and his team did was excellent, I have no hesitation in recommending Knightingale Landscapes for your project. All aspects of the service the guys provide is seldom seen nowadays, excellent work guys much appreciated!

Andrea Porter – Forest Town
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You transformed our dream into reality. .you’ve exceeded all our expectations. .can’t thank and praise your expertise, professionalism and friendliness enough. .Thank you we love it !!

Robert and Charlotte – Kirkby in Ashfield
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Many thanks for the work that you did on our garden in Kirkby. The work was conducted in a professional and painstaking manner and the end result was absolutely superb. We are delighted with the way that our garden looks and are anticipating many happy days enjoying its beauty.”

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