A Garden For All Seasons

Gone are the days when gardens merely came into their own during the warmer months of the year. Today's homeowners expect their outdoor rooms to provide near enough year round usage opportunities.

As a nation we are increasingly viewing our gardens as a natural extension of our indoor living areas so just as we wouldn't accept a room in the house lying dormant for months on end, so too are we less likely to agree to an outdoor area which only delivers additional living accommodation during the summer.

There are a number of initiatives which can be employed to extend the amount of time that can be spent in the garden, ranging from heating and lighting solutions to reviewing the choice of materials and structures which feature in your outdoor room.

Let there be light

An obvious "must" for an all year outdoor room is the installation of a lighting system and there are now many options available to illuminate your outdoor space. Mirroring the use of lighting techniques in our interior living space, effective lighting is no longer purely a practical function for the outdoor room but is now viewed as an integral element of the overall garden design.

Lighting can be used to control which features are highlighted in the garden, drawing attention to key focal points and amplifying their impact. Just as we may vary the lighting in different rooms in our house, so too can we adapt the lighting effects in the various "rooms" within our outdoor space, to create a unique ambience for each section of the garden. Since the average garden occupies a larger space than most interior rooms, the magic of creative lighting can often achieve even more dramatic results.

The use of solar powered lighting is becoming increasingly popular in the garden but the downside in this country is that during the winter, we are less successful at harvesting sunlight. For a truly year round solution it makes sense to have access to a more reliable source of power - either via a battery operated or low voltage unit, or by linking into the mains. Always remember, mains power must be installed by a fully qualified electrician.

Finally, don't forget fire - either in the guise of torches or candles - which can also create a fantastic ambience in the outdoor room, but beware of the obvious hazards associated with an unmanned flame and high winds!

Keep it hot, hot, hot

With winter temperatures averaging a chilling 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 0c) in the UK (compared to summer's blissful 60 degrees Fahrenheit, 15.6 oc) it is clear that there is a need to heat things up in your outdoor space during the colder months of the year! Patio heaters still represent a quick fix solution to delivering instant warmth to the outdoor room, but since they contribute so much to global warming by releasing vast quantities carbon dioxide, many homeowners are keen to explore alternative more environmentally friendly heating methods. Fire pits (or Braziers) are essentially contained outdoor fires which are equally at home in a traditional country garden or an ultra modern urban outside room. These stylish devices provide a dramatic style statement and encourage a cosy, hospitable setting. Chimeneas (a freestanding front-loading fireplace or oven) are often used for cooking but with a heat output capable of reaching 70 kw they are also great for warming things up in the garden - some models can heat from 2-15 people - and of course, there's also the added benefit of being able to roast chestnuts or marshmallows on the blazing charcoal fire!

Banish mud!

Whilst the traditional image of a garden conjures up expanses of lawn, the reality is that grass does not provide the ideal year round surface. Installing a paved patio area or wooden deck creates a feature which can be used throughout the seasons. A professionally installed patio should allow water to drain away effectively, leaving no unsightly puddles (which would be an instant attraction to younger members of the family!). If the garden features a dedicated play zone, it is important to install a safe play surface, such as rubber chippings. Not only will the rubber cushion any falls, it also provides a more stable (and by that we mean less muddy) medium on which to walk. Properly constructed pathways will also minimise messy footprints - paving is preferable to bark chippings or gravel in terms of both stability and durability.

Take shelter

Incorporating features that provide shelter from the wind (as well as from the sun) is an essential consideration for the year round outdoor room. Choosing the right form of fencing is a good starting point - be aware that whilst open fencing looks attractive it will also act as a less effective barrier against the elements. Fencing can be re-enforced by the addition of a railing topper panel. Installing a pergola in the garden not only creates a fantastic focal point, with the right selection of climbing plants, it can also offer a private and relaxed sanctuary. Hedging provides another obvious form of shelter and is being increasingly used not just around the perimeter of the garden but as an effective screening device to create dedicated "rooms" within an outdoor space.

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