Do you know that 84% of UK adults feel that gardening helps their mental wellbeing?
Despite this statistic, many people don’t know how to utilize their garden’s maximum capability, both practically and aesthetically.
Garden corners add character to outdoor spaces, which are key for many people’s happiness.
Want to know how to make a cosy corner in your garden? Continue reading as we explain how to effectively construct one.
Build a Garden Bench
A garden corner is somewhere you can relax when you aren’t completing routine gardening tasks.
Therefore, it’s important that you have a well-crafted bench to sit on.
One of the key things is to source durable and tanalised timber. Tantalized, also known as treated timber is wood that is pressure-treated to make it resistant to rot and the elements.
Sketch out your plan for the dimensions of the bench; height will typically be 40-45cm from the ground and 35-50cm in terms of depth.
Remember to:
- Use a drill with screwdriver bits for convenience.
- Pre-drill to prevent the wood from splitting.
- Use wood glue to strengthen the joints.
Placement is Key
Having the perfect idea of what you want your corner to look like is one thing, but the location is also important.
This is due to the fact that different corners will have different levels of sun. For example, a full sun spot will have at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, whereas a full shade spot will have no more than 3.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the south or southeast corner will be the sunniest.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the north or northeast corner will be the sunniest.
The optimal spot depends heavily on the plants you want to grow in the corner (which we’ll get onto soon). Flowers and vegetables need at least 6 hours, whereas ferns and hostas thrive better in shadier environments.
Do the following:
- Calculate the amount of hours the sun shines on specific corners.
- Make sure the corner is accessible.
- Ensure that the corner is sheltered.
The Planting Process
Now that you have an idea of which plants thrive in certain sun/shade environments, you can work out the types that you want to grow.
A garden corner provides aesthetic appeal, which is why many opt to go for lavender, coneflowers, ornamental grasses, and rose; these plants fare best in sunnier conditions.
As well as hostas and ferns, coral bells and astilbe are plants that are visually enhancing for outdoor spaces, which prefer shade.
However, a garden is also an area of functionality, which is why many choose to use the space to plant extra vegetables so the plant choice really comes down to what purpose you want the area to serve. Are you more interested in aesthetics or practicality?
Illuminate the Corner on Shorter Days
You don’t have to restrict the usability of your garden corner solely based on seasons.
Sure, garden corners can be an excellent way to enjoy the sun in the summer, but they can also offer a cosy spot for some peace and quiet during the winter months.
Different lights can be installed, depending on your design preferences:
- Solar-powered lighting is eco-friendly and easy to install.
- String lights offer a cosy appearance.
- Spotlights focus on a particular area.
- Lanterns can be moved around as and when.
Conclusion
Garden corners are great for winding down, offering aesthetic appeal and a good area for various plant growth.
Now that you’ve got a clearer idea of location options and what to put in a garden corner, you can get cracking!
