Cheltenham Garden Design Tips For Entertaining This Summer
Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and host events for loved ones. Whether you love family barbecues, relaxed drinks with friends, or al fresco lunches, you can design a garden with entertaining in mind to allow more occasions like this to occur throughout the summer.
Cheltenham homeowners are incredibly lucky as the region experiences mild summers and has stunning scenic views, which can be taken advantage of during your next garden renovation. You can make the most of what the region has to offer with your upcoming garden design project, and Gloucestershire Garden Design is here to help.
In this post, we are sharing some of the best Cheltenham garden design tips to help you create an entertaining space this summer and beyond.
How To Design Cheltenham Gardens For Entertaining
The foundation of any successful garden design project is to define your purpose. Creating a garden for entertaining can mean a lot of things, and as a local landscaping company, we appreciate that each Cheltenham garden is unique. To ensure your garden is suitable for your home and lifestyle, take some time to truly define the purpose and be as specific as possible.
For example, in terms of entertainment, do you want to create a cosy and casual outdoor space for relaxed drinks, or are you more of a party person? Is cooking and dining important to you, or are you more focused on socialisation?
Understanding your needs is the best way to begin your Cheltenham garden design project, as it will inform every other stage of the process. Your garden should be unique to you, and does not have to follow the same rules as anyone else’s.
Defining your purpose and reason for this garden renovation is a great way to kick-start your project and ensure you will be completely happy with the results at the end of it.
Design Tips For Cheltenham Gardens: Create A Space For Summer Entertainment
Once you have defined the purpose of your Cheltenham garden, it is time to get to work. There are various ways you can create a landscape that is fit for entertaining and ready to be used all summer long, no matter the size of your garden or budget.
Cheltenham gardens that are built for entertainment use a combination of design features and techniques, such as:
Outdoor Dining And Cooking Areas
From barbecues to al fresco dinner dates, your Cheltenham garden can be used for a range of food-based occasions this summer with the right design. A key part of any entertaining outdoor space is dining areas, which can be adorned with outdoor tables and chairs to accommodate the whole family.
Turn any meal into an occasion with a sleek dining area. Rely on hard-wearing materials such as porcelain paving, natural stone, or even composite decking as the foundation of your outdoor dining space. These will withstand the test of time and can be customised to suit your unique garden design. For example, contemporary outdoor spaces can benefit from porcelain patios, whereas traditional or cottage gardens may prefer the rustic appeal of natural stone.
You can take outdoor dining a step further this summer with cooking equipment. Traditional garden barbecues are a great choice for Cheltenham gardens, but those looking for a more luxurious addition could consider a complete outdoor kitchen. Kitted out with the latest mod-cons and often covered with pergolas, outdoor kitchens allow you to prepare gourmet meals outdoors so you never have to miss a moment of the party.
Lighting For Ambience And Practicality
Garden lighting is an incredible design tool, and no Cheltenham garden would be complete without it. When designing a landscape for entertaining, lighting is both a practical and decorative addition to outdoor seating areas, pathways, and play zones.
It should be used across the garden to ensure visibility at all hours, so you don’t have to cut the party short this summer. Lighting can also be used to set the tone of any occasion, with warm lighting, twinkle lights, or LED lanterns creating a cosy ambience across seating spaces, dining areas, and patios.
Pathway lights or spotlights should be used along any hardscaping, such as the paving or decking, to ensure visibility. This will keep your Cheltenham garden accessible and suitable for all members of the family throughout the summer, keeping people safe and on track.
A great way to keep your garden illuminated without breaking the bank, or adding more pressure to the environment is through solar-powered lights. These get their power from natural sunlight and will automatically turn on when it gets dark, making it easier to manage your entertainment space.
Focal Points For Better Garden Design
Focal points are a great way to create an engaging outdoor space and can be customised to suit your unique requirements and purpose. For entertaining gardens in Cheltenham, focal points such as fire pits and water features are a great option. Not only do these add more visual appeal to the space, but they are also practical and can enhance outdoor occasions throughout the summer.
Fire pits bring warmth and style to any outdoor seating space and will become a central gathering point in your Cheltenham garden. They can be used on cool summer evenings and through to the autumn and winter in this region, allowing you to take advantage of your garden throughout the year.
Ideal for cosy nights under the stars or to accommodate dining areas, fire pits are a wonderful focal point in entertaining gardens. Choose from custom-made designs to shop-bought fire pits and chimineas to complement your unique landscape design.
Water features can offer similar benefits, but provide a calming ambience in your Cheltenham garden. Running water features, in particular, such as waterfalls and fountains, can reduce noise pollution and create a sense of privacy in seating or dining areas. They also offer a luxurious touch to your Cheltenham garden, making every outdoor occasion feel more special this summer.
Low-Maintenance Planting
When designing a Cheltenham garden for entertaining, you want to focus on low-maintenance soft landscaping features. These allow you to experience the benefits of an attractive outdoor space, as you can experience the colours, scents and textures from plants, without having to work for it.
Low-maintenance planting, such as hardy perennials, drought-tolerant shrubs, and ornamental grasses, provides the structure and style you desire easily. You do not need to break away from the party or take time out of your day to tend to your garden with low-maintenance planting, yet you can still create an attractive environment that everyone can enjoy.
Some of the best low-maintenance plants for Cheltenham gardens include:
- Scented Perennials: Lavender, rosemary and jasmine can be a great way to provide additional layers of appeal to seating or dining areas with their soothing aromas that will last all summer long.
- Evergreen Shrubs: These plants keep their foliage all year round and are ideal for both structure in garden design, as well as privacy screening when used around seating spaces.
- Ornamental Grasses: Ideal for contemporary garden design, ornamental grasses add consistent style, texture and movement to your landscape. They can be planted in flower beds or layered displays, as well as used in containers for flexible design.
Conclusion
With the right design, Cheltenham gardens can become a hub of entertainment this summer. You can create the perfect environment for dining, family gatherings, or relaxed catch-ups by choosing specific design features and working with local landscaping experts, like Gloucestershire Garden Design.
We offer a comprehensive garden design service and operate across Cheltenham to deliver the best care your landscape needs. To take advantage of the beautiful summer weather, why not transform your garden into an entertainment space?
Contact Us Today
Are you ready to transform your garden? Contact us today to learn more about our services or to request a quote.
FAQs
What is the best surface for outdoor entertainment spaces?
Porcelain and natural stone paving are popular for outdoor dining areas in Cheltenham gardens because they are hard-wearing, easy to maintain and attractive.
Can I transform a small garden for entertaining?
Absolutely! In a small garden, zoning is essential to create a sense of flow without overwhelming the space. Using flexible or easily stored furniture and container planting is also a great way to maximise your available space.
How do I make my Cheltenham garden usable all year round?
Incorporate features such as lighting, heating, and shelter to make your garden usable throughout the year.
