How to transform your garden into a picture perfect paradise

Refreshing your garden and nurturing the plants and flowers within it can take time, especially for those wanting to capture enviable garden snaps for their Instagram.

As the nation continues to self-isolate at home and the weather sun continues to smile down on us, people are spending and more time in their gardens. With many of us suddenly finding ourselves with time on our hands, now could be the perfect opportunity for green-fingered individuals to give their outdoor space an Instagram-worthy makeover.

Whether you’re a landscaping pro or brand new to the gardening experience, the experts at the UK’s leading independent online florist, Serenata Flowers, have got you covered with top tips for making your garden a picture perfect landscape and to help you rake in those likes on Instagram:

1. CLEAN UP

The first step to a garden refresh is cleaning the area and discarding any damaged or unwanted items, such as tattered furniture or plants and flowers which have surpassed the pinnacle of life. This will instantly revitalise the look of your outdoor space and make room for new purchases. 

Use a stiff brush to give patio areas and paths a good clean and also remove any unwanted weeds to make the area look fresh and tidy. 

For a #nofilter effect you can even take the cleaning one-step further by using a power-washer to blast dirt, stains, and moss from your paths and patios to give them a new lease of life.

For those with a lawn, help it prepare for a healthy year of growth by mowing, fertilising, and watering the grass so it can thrive over the coming months. By cleaning your outdoor space in these ways, you are giving yourself a blank canvas to work from and can then utilise the area more successfully.

2. CHOOSE A COLOUR SCHEME

To ensure your garden is picture perfect, pick a colour scheme to work to. This could mean using a few shades of complimentary colours, opting for a range of pastels or even going for bright and beautiful with vibrant yet contrasting colours.

Bring a touch of you to your garden by opting for colours that reflect your personality. You are going to be the one spending the majority of time enjoying the space, so it is important to ensure you feel calm and relaxed with your surroundings. Staging photos in your garden is like sharing a window into your personality and lifestyle, so make sure your surroundings represent who you are.

3. PICK THE RIGHT PLANTS AND FLOWERS

It is important to consider the season when you come to buy plants and flowers for your garden and to learn how best to care for them so they can grow and flourish. 

Springtime is a fantastic time to refresh your garden as this time of year offers a beautiful range of flowers and plants to choose from, all of which are guaranteed to transform your garden from its lifeless Winter state to a bright and blooming canvas that’s ready for Instagram.

Pansies are a great option as they can be planted in pots or hanging baskets, which are ideal for those with a smaller outdoor living space. Tulips are also perfect for spring planting and come in array of beautiful colours to give that wow-factor. Lily of the Valley will make another stunning addition to your garden with their delicate white buds – these can be planted all year round as long as the soil is well primed.

There are also a wide variety of plant choices available, including Instagram favourites such as contemporary potted plants, hanging baskets and wall plants, which can provide a colourful yet simplistic accompaniment to the area and won't take up too much space in a small garden design. 

Remember that not all plants are the same; be sure to do your research to find out what each one needs in order to give them the best chance of flourishing.

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4. INVEST IN THE BEST FURNISHINGS

Outdoor furniture is subject to a lot of wear and tear over the years, so make sure to invest in quality furnishings which are strong, durable and will survive the varying weather conditions. Do not forgo comfort though, as there are a range of different furniture options which are comfortable and stylish as well as practical.

Rattan furniture is a brilliant buy as it is strong and durable and will also freshen up the look of your outdoor space. Opt for outdoor furniture in light colours such as white or cream for a feeling of luxury, or why not go for elegant metal pieces to give your patio ideas a classic industrial look.

5. ADD THE FINISHING TOUCHES

For the perfect Instagram-worthy finishing touches, liven up your outdoor space with some beautiful accessories, such as hanging festoon lights, lanterns or stylish throws placed over your patio chairs – these additions are a simple yet effective way to bring a splash of imagination to the space and add a stamp of your style. You can even follow in the footsteps of popular influencers by installing a fire pit in your garden to make a real statement that oozes luxury.

If you want your garden to be bang on trend, then try bringing a splash of this year’s Colour of the Year – Classic Blue – into your outdoor living space. Whether repainting your garden fence in Classic Blue or dressing up your outdoor furniture with Classic Blue accessories, don’t forget to add the #ClassicBlue to your snaps and watch those likes roll in.