Gardening expert shares 5 tips for using your outdoor space
To help, Michael Griffiths, a gardening expert working with Gumtree, has shared a few tips to make the most of your garden this summer.
5 tips to make the most of your outdoor space this summer
1. Think Vertical, Not Just Horizontal
If you're short on outdoor space or generally want to make the most of the area you have, don't just think ground level.
Michael says: "Walls, fences, sheds, even balcony railings are all fair game. Add a trellis for climbers, hang up some wall-mounted pots for herbs or strawberries, or stack up a few shelves for trailing plants.
"Got an awkward corner or a narrow ledge? Pop in a pot and let something spill over the edge. Even the tiniest spot can be packed with life if you get a bit creative.
"Growing upwards not only saves space, it makes the garden feel taller, fuller and way more interesting."
2. Use Multi-Tasking Plants
Plants are a key element of any garden, so to make the most of them, it's useful to plant ones that do more than one job.
Michael explains: "Herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano are perfect: they look good, smell amazing, and you can chuck them in your cooking too.
"Small trees like bay or olive add a bit of height and structure without taking over the whole space, plus they bring that lovely Mediterranean vibe."
3. Clever Storage = More Space
In a busy garden, smart storage makes a massive difference, such as utilising benches with hidden compartments.
In lieu of a shed, make use of wall hooks, shelves or even an old cupboard fixed to the fence to keep tools off the floor and easy to grab.
Michael adds: "There is also absolutely no harm in clearing the clutter of any unused items you may have in your garden to help create space.
"But, before you look to the bin, consider listing any unwanted items on a second-hand marketplace such as Gumtree! It can be a great way to make some extra cash to reinvest in your garden."
4. Go Big with Pots
When utilising pots, go for bigger ones as they'll have more impact than lots of small ones scattered about.
Michael explains: "Group them in odd numbers (like threes or fives) for that proper designer feel, and mix up the heights to add a bit of depth without it all feeling crammed. It's a simple way to make your space look more intentional."
Recommended reading:
5. Light and Colour Tricks
A few tricks can make a smaller garden feel a bit bigger and brighter, as Michael explains.
He says: "Stick a mirror on a fence or wall and it'll bounce light around, giving the illusion of more space (plus it just looks cool).
"Painting your fences or containers in pale or warm tones helps reflect the light too, especially in shady corners that can feel a bit gloomy.
"And don't forget lighting. Fairy lights, solar lanterns or string lights along fences instantly make the garden feel cosy and inviting after dark, like you've gained a bonus room for evening chill-outs or drinks with mates."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Kate Hudson, 46, shows off her incredible figure in tiny bikini as she celebrates 4th of July in Ibiza with Dakota Johnson and Sofia Vergara
Kate Hudson stripped down to a tiny bikini as she, Sofia Vergara and Dakota Johnson celebrated the 4th of July in Ibiza. Kate, 46, showed off her incredible figure as she sported the tiny brown bikini before also enjoying a dip in the water. The Hollywood stars soaked up the sun as they partied with pals at Casa Jondal in the Spanish tourist hotspot this week. They were snapped disembarking their luxury yacht which docked near a seaside restaurant as they enjoyed a bite to eat. Modern Family actress Sofia, 52, could be seen heading back towards the boat, wearing a flowing white maxi skirt, paired with a black bandeau top. Dakota, 35, wore a crochet cover-up over her bikini and could be seen shielding herself from the sun rays. The Fifty Shades actress was also spotted throwing her legs into the air while sunbathing on the spacious boat. Also spotted on the Balearic Islands was former NFL quarterback Tom Brady who joined the trio on their Mediterranean holiday. The hunk, 47, showed off his wash-board abs as he went shirtless before plunging into the sea for a swim. Dakota's trip comes in the wake of her split from Coldplay's Chris Martin. She had was briefly spotted on the trip holding a lighthearted conversation with a pal before being joined by a mystery man. A source told last of her split with Chris: 'Their relationship has been over for a long time, they just haven't been able to figure out to make it official. 'Dakota held a flame for them to be together because she loved him so much and loved his kids so much.' Kate, 46, showed off her incredible figure as she stripped down to a tiny brown bikini before also enjoying a dip in the water Kate, 46, wowed with her incredible figure and seemed the most eager of the group to go for a swim in the blue Ibiza water Also spotted on the Balearic Islands was former NFL quarterback Tom Brady who joined the trio on their Mediterranean holiday The gigantic yacht was docked in Casa Jondal as the friends enjoyed the seaside town and a dip in the water The insider continued: 'Breakups aren't instant and they continued to breakup and makeup and sometimes things would work when they were away from each other, while they were working because absence makes the heart grow fonder. 'But then they'd get back together and little things just kept adding up to where they weren't right for each other anymore.' They added that Johnson 'is devastated that she isn't going to be around his kids as much anymore, but wants them to know that she is always there for them.' Martin is dad to Apple, 21, and Moses, 19, whom he shares with ex-wife and fellow actress Gwyneth Paltrow. While the source noted that the exes could potentially rekindle their romance, they said 'right now, being separated will do wonders if they were to have any type of future together.' However, a separate insider recently told that Dakota's mom Melanie Griffith believes the breakup was a 'huge mistake.' 'Melanie is desperately working behind the scenes to save Dakota's strained relationship with Chris. 'She's convinced that they are meant to be together and isn't giving up on them. She thinks her daughter is making a huge mistake and needs to meet Chris halfway. Melanie has always felt a kinship with Chris, he's like a son to her.' Meanwhile, supermodel Naomi Campbell was also spotted in Ibiza in celebration of Saudi Arabian producer Mohammed Al Turki's birthday.
Rhyl Journal
6 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Gardening expert shares 5 tips for using your outdoor space
There are obviously quite a few factors to contend with, such as the plants you want to grow there. Light can be especially tricky in confined outdoor spaces, and they can quickly feel cluttered. To help, Michael Griffiths, a gardening expert working with Gumtree, has shared a few tips to make the most of your garden this summer. If you're short on outdoor space or generally want to make the most of the area you have, don't just think ground level. Michael says: "Walls, fences, sheds, even balcony railings are all fair game. Add a trellis for climbers, hang up some wall-mounted pots for herbs or strawberries, or stack up a few shelves for trailing plants. "Got an awkward corner or a narrow ledge? Pop in a pot and let something spill over the edge. Even the tiniest spot can be packed with life if you get a bit creative. "Growing upwards not only saves space, it makes the garden feel taller, fuller and way more interesting." Plants are a key element of any garden, so to make the most of them, it's useful to plant ones that do more than one job. Michael explains: "Herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano are perfect: they look good, smell amazing, and you can chuck them in your cooking too. "Small trees like bay or olive add a bit of height and structure without taking over the whole space, plus they bring that lovely Mediterranean vibe." In a busy garden, smart storage makes a massive difference, such as utilising benches with hidden compartments. In lieu of a shed, make use of wall hooks, shelves or even an old cupboard fixed to the fence to keep tools off the floor and easy to grab. Michael adds: "There is also absolutely no harm in clearing the clutter of any unused items you may have in your garden to help create space. "But, before you look to the bin, consider listing any unwanted items on a second-hand marketplace such as Gumtree! It can be a great way to make some extra cash to reinvest in your garden." When utilising pots, go for bigger ones as they'll have more impact than lots of small ones scattered about. Michael explains: "Group them in odd numbers (like threes or fives) for that proper designer feel, and mix up the heights to add a bit of depth without it all feeling crammed. It's a simple way to make your space look more intentional." Recommended reading: 10 stunning plants for your garden that can thrive in poor-quality soil The top 10 (almost) unkillable plants that can help spruce up your patio Warning as 'shocked' homeowner threatened with fine up to £20k for gardening mistake A few tricks can make a smaller garden feel a bit bigger and brighter, as Michael explains. He says: "Stick a mirror on a fence or wall and it'll bounce light around, giving the illusion of more space (plus it just looks cool). "Painting your fences or containers in pale or warm tones helps reflect the light too, especially in shady corners that can feel a bit gloomy. "And don't forget lighting. Fairy lights, solar lanterns or string lights along fences instantly make the garden feel cosy and inviting after dark, like you've gained a bonus room for evening chill-outs or drinks with mates."
The Herald Scotland
10 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Gardening expert shares 5 tips for using your outdoor space
Light can be especially tricky in confined outdoor spaces, and they can quickly feel cluttered. To help, Michael Griffiths, a gardening expert working with Gumtree, has shared a few tips to make the most of your garden this summer. 5 tips to make the most of your outdoor space this summer 1. Think Vertical, Not Just Horizontal If you're short on outdoor space or generally want to make the most of the area you have, don't just think ground level. Michael says: "Walls, fences, sheds, even balcony railings are all fair game. Add a trellis for climbers, hang up some wall-mounted pots for herbs or strawberries, or stack up a few shelves for trailing plants. "Got an awkward corner or a narrow ledge? Pop in a pot and let something spill over the edge. Even the tiniest spot can be packed with life if you get a bit creative. "Growing upwards not only saves space, it makes the garden feel taller, fuller and way more interesting." 2. Use Multi-Tasking Plants Plants are a key element of any garden, so to make the most of them, it's useful to plant ones that do more than one job. Michael explains: "Herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano are perfect: they look good, smell amazing, and you can chuck them in your cooking too. "Small trees like bay or olive add a bit of height and structure without taking over the whole space, plus they bring that lovely Mediterranean vibe." 3. Clever Storage = More Space In a busy garden, smart storage makes a massive difference, such as utilising benches with hidden compartments. In lieu of a shed, make use of wall hooks, shelves or even an old cupboard fixed to the fence to keep tools off the floor and easy to grab. Michael adds: "There is also absolutely no harm in clearing the clutter of any unused items you may have in your garden to help create space. "But, before you look to the bin, consider listing any unwanted items on a second-hand marketplace such as Gumtree! It can be a great way to make some extra cash to reinvest in your garden." 4. Go Big with Pots When utilising pots, go for bigger ones as they'll have more impact than lots of small ones scattered about. Michael explains: "Group them in odd numbers (like threes or fives) for that proper designer feel, and mix up the heights to add a bit of depth without it all feeling crammed. It's a simple way to make your space look more intentional." Recommended reading: 5. Light and Colour Tricks A few tricks can make a smaller garden feel a bit bigger and brighter, as Michael explains. He says: "Stick a mirror on a fence or wall and it'll bounce light around, giving the illusion of more space (plus it just looks cool). "Painting your fences or containers in pale or warm tones helps reflect the light too, especially in shady corners that can feel a bit gloomy. "And don't forget lighting. Fairy lights, solar lanterns or string lights along fences instantly make the garden feel cosy and inviting after dark, like you've gained a bonus room for evening chill-outs or drinks with mates."
