Summer might be over but now is the perfect time to start planning how you want your garden to look next summer. The beautiful sunshine and hot weather saw most of us enjoying garden time perhaps more than ever before and it may have inspired you to do more with what you have.
If this sounds familiar, then why not consider using timber in your garden designs? The great thing about timber is that it is versatile, adaptable, natural and affordable. It can add rustic vibes or contemporary chic which makes it perfect for all garden types and any design trends. Whether you fancy a dynamic, multi-level planter or a tranquil zen-like pathway, timber is so versatile that you can easily achieve either or both!
Here are some of the most popular landscaping ideas using timber:
Raised Beds
This country cottage charm design involves layering timber to create rectangle or square planters raised above the ground level. These planters look beautiful and can be used to plant flowers, grow herbs or cultivate your own vegetable garden. Raised planters are both pleasing aesthetically and super functional, making them ideal for a vintage country garden or contemporary green space.
Curved Edging
Don’t want harsh lines? Curving softens a space and adds a gentle organic flow to garden design. Timber can be cut into small posts to position in flowing curves around flower beds. These posts are a great way to softly partition different areas of a wilder, more freeform garden. Timber works so well here because even though it partitions, it retains that natural rustic and cohesive feel.
Pathway
Timber is ideal for creating steps for a garden path. This is particularly effective for gardens with a gentle slope. Single set timber strips provide a natural, rustic country garden vibe whilst safely guiding people around the space. Line the path with vibrant perennials and solar lights to create a space you’ll want to spend time in every evening.
Fire Pit With Seating
What could be cosier on a chilly evening than being seated around a crackling fire with marshmallows and your favourite people? Timber from Timber Merchants Southampton can be incorporated into the excavated pit and the seating, creating an attractive and cohesive aesthetic.
Border For Playground
For gardens with a dedicated play area, a timber border is an attractive, safe and natural material to use for making a border. A low timber border helps to keep sand or mulch from spreading outside of the play area and can also serve to protect grass and plants by creating a definitive barrier. Timber has a far nicer aesthetic than plastic or metal and keeps an environment looking natural.
Water Feature Surround
For a pond, timber works well for a rustic look when raised around the water’s edge. The top layer can be used to hide pond liners and the edge is the perfect location for potted plants or decorative items. The warmth of wood contrasts beautifully with the cool, reflective surface of the water providing perfect serenity. See what’s available at Timber Merchants Southampton.
Kids Sandbox
A timber surround for a sandbox will keep sand where it should be whilst providing an attractive and natural material to blend with the natural environment. Creative play doesn’t have to mean mess and with timber sides with built-in seats, the kids have a place to express themselves comfortably without damaging the garden.
Garden Screen
If privacy is important to you, consider using timber to construct a garden screen. Timber posts set in concrete can be erected vertically leaving enough of a gap between each post to allow light to flow through. This prevents a closed in feel and avoids creating overly dark or shady areas. Screens can be used for privacy or to hide ugly areas like bin stores. You could even plant posts at different heights to create an interesting wave pattern.
Classic Garden Bench
Having a dedicated place to sit is essential for enjoying your outdoor space. A simple, rustic timber bench placed under a tree or beside a water feature is the perfect addition for any garden, regardless of its overall design or theme. Using timber for a bench means you can enjoy a highly durable material that will weather beautifully, eventually developing a unique patina. A bench overlooking a special feature or the most attractive area of the garden makes an ideal place for rest and contemplation.
Decking
Whether a single level or a more dynamic multi-level deck, timber is the top choice. Decking is ideal for breaking up the monotony of a plain, flat garden and is also useful at dividing spaces for specific purposes, such as lounge and dining areas. Decking also provides a cohesive flow linking home and garden for joined up living.
As you can see, there are a multitude of options for timber in a garden space. It truly is the most versatile material and fits in with any design, theme or size of garden. As a natural material, it retains that earthy, warm feeling that blends seamlessly in an outdoor environment.
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