Your garden should feel like an extension of your home; a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy all year round.
At CHS Landscapes, we’ve helped homeowners across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire transform their outdoor areas into spaces that are practical, beautiful, and uniquely theirs. Here are our top tips for getting the most from your garden, whatever its size or shape.
1. Think in “Zones”
Breaking your garden into functional areas makes it far more usable. Consider having a dining area near the house, a quiet corner for relaxation, and open space for children or pets. Clear pathways help connect these zones and guide how you move through the garden.
2. Make the Most of Vertical Space
If ground space is limited, look upwards. Trellises, green walls, pergolas, and raised beds add structure and create extra planting opportunities. Vertical design draws the eye and makes even smaller gardens feel larger.
3. Choose Plants for Year-Round Interest
A garden that looks good in all seasons depends on clever planting. Mix evergreens, shrubs, and perennials to ensure colour and texture throughout the year. Seasonal highlights — spring bulbs, summer flowers, autumn grasses — add variety without leaving the garden bare in winter.
4. Invest in Quality Hard Landscaping
Patios, paving, and pathways are the backbone of any outdoor design. Opting for durable materials and professional installation ensures your surfaces remain safe, attractive, and long-lasting. At CHS Landscapes, we also offer specialist grouting services to keep paving in top condition.
5. Create Atmosphere with Lighting
Garden lighting extends the time you can enjoy your space and adds a touch of magic. Subtle uplighting beneath trees, low-level path lights, or ambient LEDs around a seating area can completely transform the mood of your garden after dark.
6. Balance Style with Low Maintenance
Not everyone wants to spend hours on upkeep. Artificial grass, composite decking, or gravel beds can reduce maintenance without sacrificing aesthetics. Choosing the right balance between living planting and practical materials makes your garden enjoyable, not a chore.
7. Plan Ahead with Phasing
Big projects can be done in stages. Start with essential groundwork and hard landscaping, then add planting, features, and furniture over time. This phased approach helps spread costs and avoids rushed decisions, ensuring your garden develops thoughtfully.
Ready to Transform Your Garden?
Whether you want a complete redesign or just expert help with fencing, turfing, or paving, the CHS Landscapes team can bring your vision to life. We work across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ringwood, Ferndown, and beyond — always delivering bespoke solutions tailored to each client.
Get in touch today to book your free consultation and start making the most of your outdoor space.
