An effective way to make the most of your garden and turn it into an interesting space is by creating different ‘zones’ to organise your space.
If you’re thinking of selling your home, a garden is like an additional room for a potential buyer and therefore it is key to show it off at its best. Family buyers often have outside space as part of their search criteria, so improving that outdoor space is a great way to add perceived value and help sell your home. Zoning can even help a small garden to feel more spacious.
The ‘Zones’
Every home will have its own requirements but here are some ideas for dividing your garden into zones.
The dining zone
In warmer months, you’ll want to ensure you have a space dedicated to outside dining.
To section off your eating area from the rest of the garden, you could use garden screening or put your table and chairs on decking or patio. Adding in different levels will help to clearly define your dining zone from other areas of your garden. Tall hedges or trees create privacy and will help to absorb noise so that you can enjoy eating outside in peace.
An outdoor kitchen could also be a great idea if you’re entertaining a lot. For ease, it makes sense to have this particular garden zone just outside the back door.
The relaxing zone
Create a chill-out reading zone with a relaxed chair and some shady trees - the perfect secluded area for hiding away.
Incorporating cushions and throws in the same colour scheme as your living room makes the space inviting and cosy, and feel like an extension of the inside.
The kids zone
If you have young children or family members that visit, think about creating a garden play zone. A climbing frame, sandpit or play table would provide heaps of fun for the kids zone, or just give them a dedicated space to dig!
Teenagers would also appreciate a space to hide away from parents.
The water zone
Installing a pond is a great way to bring wildlife into your garden.
Or if you want something smaller, a water feature as a table centrepiece could work well and the soothing sounds of trickling water creates a calming environment.
The tidying zone
Create a tidying zone to keep everything organised. Clear away clutter by tidying away toys, tools, bikes and furniture items not in use.
If you don't have a garage or space for a shed, consider getting a smaller outside storage box to keep your belongings tucked away out of sight.
How to zone your garden
There are many creative ways to zone your garden and divide it into distinct areas for different activities.
- Try using coloured painted walls, plants and garden accessories, to give your garden the feeling of separate zones.
- For a more solid separation, build in walls, paths and hedges to physically block off different zones, or choose different materials for flooring.
- Playing with height works to visually zone gardens as well, by adding in layers of planting, raised decking, patio or adding a pergola or screen.
- With so many buyers looking for property with an attractive garden, improving your outdoor space could not only add to your home’s value, but help it sell quickly and for the best possible price.
Curious to know what your home’s worth?
As local estate agents in Stroud, Gloucester, Worcester and Cheltenham, we know what buyers want and what they are likely to pay a premium for. With property values having risen significantly over the last 2 years, your home may be worth more than you think and could be just what our buyers are looking for.
Book a free valuation to find out what your home's worth today.