Ways to make your garden more private

I love spending time in my little garden space. I love sunbathing while enjoying a cocktail (or two!) during those super sunny days of summer. However, one thing I don’t like is my nosy neighbours… why can’t people just mind their business? I just want to relax, unwind, have some me-time without having people poking their noses out of the window trying to see what I’m doing or not doing.

I just want some privacy in my garden, is that too much to ask? I don’t think so. Sorry for this little rant but I just had to say it. My desire for more privacy (in my own home… the garden counts as my home, right? Okay, no more ranting from now on) has lead me to search and search the internet for all kinds of solutions. So, today I thought I’d share with you some of the ways I found to make my garden more private. Who knows – maybe you’re looking for the same thing!

Consider a garden fence

Having a garden fence is one of the easiest ways to add some privacy to your garden. Plus, garden fences offer much more than privacy to a garden space, garden fences define the borders of your property, keep your pets out of trouble and more. Because of this, it’s important to give your garden fence some attention. Having a strong and stable garden fence is essential! Speedy Fixings recommend installing fence post shoes on your garden fence’s wooden posts. Post shoes will add extra support and stability whilst protecting against water and insect damage.

If you don’t have a garden fence, it’s time to install one. If you do have one, make sure it’s in good condition and, if it needs some repairs, time to tackle them! Garden fences can also be a decorative element of your garden – who said that garden fences need to be boring? Nobody. Make your garden fence stand out by giving it a colour update. As A July Dreamer comments in a recent blog post, “Grab the paintbrush and it’s time to paint your garden fence in your favourite colour. You can show off your personality and paint it with different colours and patterns.”

Plant small trees and large trees strategically.

It’s all about thinking strategically. Plant different sizes of trees around your garden to get different levels of privacy. 

For instance, larger trees can be planted near the border of your garden to completely cut off the view from the outside whilst smaller trees should be planted closer to the places in your garden where you want more privacy. “Smaller trees near the places where you want privacy the most are also a good idea to add if you have space – these will keep you sheltered and provide a space away from view.” explains Luxirare.

Create a secluded retreat.

If you want to have an area of your garden that’s completely private, creating an outdoor “room” is the way to go. As this article on Better Homes & Gardens mentions, “A simple way to do this is to carefully place a couple of trees to form a pocket.” 

This will form a little secluded area that nobody but you will be able to enjoy!

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How to host the perfect tea party

One thing is certain when the weather is sunny and warm – I’m having breakfast, lunch and dinner outside. Alfresco eating takes me straight back to holidays in Spain, enjoying whatever meal of the day outdoors with a glass of Sangria in my hand. Now, during the few weeks of summer in England, I can finally enjoy my meals outside… minus the Sangria but I might just replace it with some bubbly, sounds good to you? Sounds good to me.

I think I got a bit side-tracked there but back to eating outside. Eating al fresco is simply fabulous. Another meal I like to have outside is afternoon tea. Normal afternoon tea and even themed afternoon tea – the only thing I need is good company and it’s set! It’s lovely to invite my friends over for some afternoon tea in the comfort of my garden. 

If you’ve never hosted a tea party, it’s time to change that! Plus, it’s a great excuse to wear a cute outfit. Today, I’ve partnered up with Springvale Foods, UK fine food wholesaler, to share some tips and tricks on how to host the perfect tea party.

Prepare the menu.

What type of afternoon tea will you want to put together? Cream tea? Full afternoon tea? Sparkling afternoon tea? First, decide the type of afternoon tea you’d like to host and then start to think about what food and drinks you are going to serve. Home Restaurant recommends considering “your friends and family’s requirements and get some goodies that everyone can enjoy.” I think that is essential for any gathering, it’s important to think about your guests’ requirements to ensure everyone enjoys their stay.

As Luxirare comments on a recent blog post, “Garden parties are not complete with a cup good of tea and a biscuit.” And I couldn’t agree more! Have a few biscuits and sweet snacks ready to serve after the savoury section of your afternoon tea. Luxirare recommends Border Biscuits saying these are “perfect to dunk or dip on tea, or simply to eat straight out of the box.”

If you need some inspiration for the savoury goodies, Janine Huldie shared a variety of delicious finger sandwiches that will go down as a treat at your garden tea party, from avocado egg salad sandwiches and turkey and cheese sandwiches to tuna cream cheese sandwiches and even strawberry shortcake sandwiches.

Theme or no theme?

To choose or not to choose a theme? That is the question. If you have time and are passionate about a certain subject, movie, place or you’re celebrating a specific occasion, do it! Go all out and create a fabulous themed afternoon tea. Go for a Mean Girls themed afternoon tea with everything pink or maybe a Harry Potter themed afternoon tea with some magical tea options.

Although there is nothing wrong with a traditional (non-themed) afternoon tea, the High Tea Society believes that when “deciding how to decorate, it’s important to select a colour palette to carry through the whole event; Pastels are a classic hallmark of High Tea, but in our modern day, your Tea Party can be as unique and colourful as you are.”

Most importantly, have fun! Choose your favourite teas, have a good spread and invite some of your great friends, that’s all you need.

Image credit - Adlab

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Top outdoor living trends for a stunning garden

I think it’s extremely important to make your outdoor space look as good as your indoors, after all, your garden space is an extension of your home. I’ve always had this opinion and recently, as the weather gets warmer and I want to spend more time outdoors, I’ve been thinking about giving my garden space an uplift.

After browsing social media for days looking at what others are doing in their gardens and reading a variety of articles about outdoor design, I managed to narrow down some of the top outdoor living trends that would look perfect in my outdoor space! If you are thinking of refreshing your garden, patio or terrace, you will love these ideas!

Outdoor retreat.

Creating an outdoor retreat that provides shelter from the rain but still allows people to enjoy their outdoor space seems like a great idea. Designer Shade Solutions Sydney retractable roofs recommend installing a modern pergola in your outdoor space to create the perfect outdoor retreat. These modern pergolas can be combined with side glass screens, lighting and heating to create the ultimate outdoor retreat, offering you the comfort of an indoor space whilst being outdoors.

As Deep in Mummy Matters says, “These can be installed in the middle of outdoor spaces as a stylish and functional garden centrepiece or attached to your property to provide a seamless transition from your indoor living space to your outdoor living area.” 

Modern pergolas can be fully customised to your function and style requirements to perfectly suit your property – what else do you need?

Wild gardens.

“Wild gardens are perfect for those who are looking for a low maintenance space, no more pruning and mowing.” comments Sims Life. 

You might not want to let the whole garden grow wild or you might. However, having a little untouched corner of your garden will not only be great to give a safe haven to wildlife but will also create a relaxing space for you to unwind after a long day of work.

Add dark tones.

Victoria’s Vintage says, “Dark colours are taking outdoor spaces by storm and for a good reason.” Adding dark tones around your garden will make it look more elegant, modern and will make your greenery stand out. 

How to add dark colours to your outdoors? Paint your garden fence black, go for dark outdoor furniture or simply add some plant pots in dark colours.

 

What do you think of these trends?

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*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.