Wales is a country renowned for its lush beauty, bucolic charms, and awe-inspiring scenery. If you are lucky enough to have purchased a Welsh country property, then you are probably wondering how to make the most of your little corner of paradise.
Whether you are the proud owner of a rustic country cottage or a grander abode, there are plenty of gardening and landscaping techniques you can use to create a stunning rural bower, just perfect for relaxing in, entertaining, or even growing your own food.
Can’t wait to get your hands dirty? Read on for some top tips as to how you can transform your new home’s country garden into a colourful sanctuary, filled with gorgeous sights and heady fragrances.
Create a Wildflower Garden
Most of us are well-versed in the charms of a blowsy tea rose or an elegant dahlia, but not as many of us appreciate the beauty and character of our native wildflowers. If you would like to rectify this oversight and rewild a corner of your lush Welsh garden to reflect the countryside beyond it – and benefit local wildlife – the process is quite simple. The first thing you need to do is designate an area of your garden. It should ideally be a relatively open and sunny patch of your property, with plenty of space available to sow a wide variety of wildflowers.
Once you’ve pinpointed the perfect patch of earth, the hard work begins. It’s recommended that you remove the first few inches of topsoil, using either a spade or a turf-cutter, to prepare the ground for your wildflowers. If you’re not confident in doing this yourself, there are sure to be knowledgeable and experienced landscape gardeners in your area who can help. To hire their services, simply post details of your wildflower meadow project on MyBuilder, and you can compare and contrast quotes from local landscape gardeners near you, then pick the best person for the job.
Once your area of ground has been prepared and weeded, it’s time to sow the wildflowers of your choice. You can do this part yourself, ideally during the autumn months. Choose a mix of seeds and simply scatter them over the prepared earth, then walk over the ground to help push the seeds down into the soil. Now all you need to do is water it, and wait for your glorious wildflower meadow to dazzle you – and your local pollinators – next spring!
Install a Greenhouse
If you would like to create an eye-catching focal point in your garden – not to mention having somewhere to sow and grow your own fruit and veg – then having a greenhouse installed is the perfect solution.
You may be pleasantly surprised by the sheer variety of greenhouses available. This diversity means you won’t struggle to choose one that will meld beautifully with your garden’s unique characteristics and your own personal taste. For instance, if you live in a historic property, then you might want to opt for a Victorian-style greenhouse to reflect the age and aesthetic of your home. On the other hand, you may prefer the crisp, clean lines and the impressive features of a contemporary model.
There are also various structures to choose from; for example, you can have a lean-to greenhouse, a round greenhouse, a combi, or even a miniature version. Each structure has its own benefits, so it’s important to pick the best option for you.
Invest in a Stunning Seating Area
If your Welsh country garden doesn’t currently have a seating area where you can relax and soak up the sights and sounds of your rural paradise, then perhaps it’s time to introduce one. There are a number of different options for you to choose from. If you have a particularly large garden, you may even want to have several separate seating areas, so you can enjoy different parts of the garden.
For couples or families who love al fresco entertaining, you might want to place a long table in a sheltered spot, and perhaps even erect a pergola to cover it. You can decorate the space with twinkling solar-powered fairy lights and lanterns, and display some cut flowers from your garden in vases or jam jars on the tabletop, to create a magical outdoor dining space for special occasions.
For a smaller seating area, consider placing a pretty stone or metal bench in a sunny spot. The ideal position would be against a garden wall, which will absorb the sun’s heat and release it back into the air as evening approaches, helping you stay warm as you relax and enjoy the views.
Last but not least, if you want a seating area that allows you to savour the garden whatever the weather, installing a garden room or summerhouse is the perfect option. If you work from home, you could even turn it into your home office, with some of the best views in Wales. What better way to enjoy the sights and sounds of your beautiful rural haven?