Have you recently moved into a new house with a garden or just bored of the scrap of grass you’ve currently got? There’s so much you could be doing with this space so that it’s a playing space for the kids, a socialising space with friends, a calm oasis away from the bustle of everyday life and a space you can enjoy at any time of the year.

So, we’ve put together 10 features you need to integrate into your outdoor space to really make the most of the space.

Playtime Area

Whether it’s a sandpit, a DIY bed sheet wigwag or a tree house, create a fun space for the little ones. This way you can keep an eye on them and they won’t be trampling across your flower beds.

BBQ Terrace

Let’s face it, with this British weather, we can never guarantee what time of the year will be BBQ weather. Having a little terraced area means you can adapt to having dinnertime outside, at a minute’s notice.

Flowerbeds

Brighten up your garden with some flowers. If, like us, you manage to kill every plant you own, go for hardy plant options, like conifers or hydrangeas.

Somewhere to Sit

Having a bench or swing seat with the best view of the rest of the garden is an important addition to your outdoor space. You need somewhere to relax, enjoy and look out over your beautiful garden with a cuppa, a good book or even for an afternoon snooze.

Vegetable Patch or Herb Garden

Why not have a go at growing your own food. There’s a variety of things that can be grown at different times of the year – it’s satisfying to watch, it’s healthy and it’s a great project with the kids (or the other half).

Bird Feeders

Entice some nature into your garden with a DIY bird feeder. They’re pretty easy to make and from your perch across the garden, it’s a relaxing thing to watch too.

A Bit of Shade

On the rare hot summer’s days we get, you don’t always want to sit out in the sun, so make a shaded area of your garden with trees, a carousal or a pagoda, so you can always feel comfortable in your outdoor space.

Night Lights

Whether it’s string tea lights or a fire pit, have your garden night-time ready for those BBQs that go on a little longer than expected.

DIY Water Feature

If you don’t have the space or resource to upkeep a pond, why not get a bird bath or a water feature. After all, the sound of running water is very soothing background music when you’re out enjoying the garden.

Storage Shed

Keep your garden neat and tidy by adding a small storage area or shed, to store your hose, lawn mower and garden equipment, to keep it out of the way and your garden clutter-free. Then sit back and relax.

By Anna Duggal, RightMove