Our gardens don’t tend to be at their best during the winter months. Rain, frost and a lack of inclination often results in outdoor space that is more sad than stunning. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Whether you’re a landlord looking to increase the appeal of your rental property or a tenant keen to maximise your outdoor space, there’s plenty that can be done to transform your garden.
What’s more, you don’t have to spend a lot to see big improvements.
Do the basics
One of the best ways to cheer up a winter garden is the simplest – give it a good tidy. Mow the lawn, clear any fallen leaves and trim hedges. Take out any weeds and prune overgrown trees.
Rent a pressure washer (or give it some elbow grease with a scrubbing brush) to give patios and any paving a thorough clean. Repair any broken fencing and give woodwork a lick of paint or a varnish.
Once maintenance has been addressed, it’s time to look at the space afresh and consider how well it’s working for the people who use it. If you rent your home, you may be limited in how much you are able to make changes but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement.
Embrace evergreens
One of the biggest challenges of enjoying your garden in the winter is the lack of flowers and foliage. Bare beds and stripped-back trees can make even the most well-maintained garden look forlorn. Enter evergreens – those most hard-working of plants. Resilient species such as juniper, dwarf conifer and dwarf blue fir, grow well even in adverse weather and many will grow in pots, making it easy to rearrange the layout and structure of your garden, and of course, to take them with you when your lease is up.
As a landlord, it’s sensible to invest some time in the outdoor spaces of your properties. Searches for homes with gardens continue to rank high and such properties are known to command higher rental yields.
It makes sense. Families with kids want an outdoor space where the children can play, couples want somewhere to socialise and a shared building outdoor space means a place everyone can hang out their laundry or get a bit of time alone.
But it’s important to make sure any improvements you make are guaranteed to add lasting value. For this reason, it’s wise to focus your efforts on lasting, low-maintenance solutions that won’t need replacing or repairing every year. Pretty flowerbeds may impress potential tenants at the height of summer but will then require ongoing attention – and not every renter enjoys gardening. Instead, look at adding features that can be enjoyed all year and need little upkeep.
Focus on quality and longevity
Lawns, while lovely, are prone to weeds and without regular maintenance can quickly become patchy or overgrown. Some landlords choose to pave part of the garden to reduce upkeep or to put down gravel. You could also consider building a deck – popular with families and couples looking to entertain their friends. Unlike grass, a deck won’t get muddy or soggy and on a sunny winter’s day can make a pleasant spot for a morning coffee. While wooden decks usually require regular cleaning and treatment to ward off rot, modern composite decking gives a similar look but won’t rot, warp or splinter.
Invest in a showpiece
If you’re especially keen to gain the edge over your competitors, why not invest in a showpiece selling point such as a pergola? These versatile outdoor structures have become increasingly popular in recent years as a means of extending living space. Merging the inside and outside is a trend that shows no signs of abating.
Weatherproof louvered roofs and optional side screens mean they can be adapted for use all year around, adding real value for tenants. When the weather is colder, pergolas add outside shelter and are a luxury piece of outdoor furnishing in their own right. While they involve some initial outlay, those made in materials such as aluminium – known for its durability – should last between 15-20 years so will quickly pay for themselves.
Add accessories
Even a small courtyard garden can be spruced up for year-round enjoyment. Consider putting up a trellis on which you can attach solar-powered fairy lights. How about adding an outdoor rug to hide dated paving and add a cosy feel? Adding a sturdy fire pit, chiminea or gas-powered heater are instant tips to create the perfect alfresco entertaining zone for colder weather.
Lighten up
Another way to increase a garden’s appeal is to add outdoor lighting. A wide-reaching light will illuminate a patio or deck and increase safety but don’t just think in terms of practicality. Solar-powered garden lights can be used to highlight the route of a garden path or lend ambiance to gloomy corners. Strips of LED lights can be installed on steps leading down into the garden to give the space ongoing appeal even as the nights draw in. Even walled-in courtyards can be turned into inviting spots with a handful of wall-mounted spotlights.
Don’t forget storage
Lastly, don’t underestimate more traditional additions. Installing a shed, or replacing an old one, may seem like an unnecessary expense but could mean the difference between a scruffy, cluttered garden – which won’t win your tenants any fans among their neighbours – and a well-kept one. Renters find sheds appealing because they increase the amount of storage space available and give them a place to keep bikes and pushchairs. Plus, if you have a lawn, you’ll need somewhere to keep the lawnmower and strimmer.
It’s tempting just to stay wrapped up and cosy indoors when the weather turns but by putting in a few hours on your outdoor space, will inspire you to be out in the fresh air whatever the weather.
