Ludlow Lifestyle May - Jun 2021

ADD SOFTNESS
The modern garden should
cry out to be sat in - it
should cosset and relax
- like an extension of the
living room. To achieve
this, it’s important to
add soft elements.
Remembering that on
the whole, gardens
are hard spaces in their
bones - but by layering
textiles, materials and
different seating options, we
can create something really
rather special.
As
well as textiles,
take care to
look at the ways your
hard landscaping interacts with
your soft landscaping - that is,
your decking, patio, walls with
your planting and lawns. Lots
of texture and softness can be
added with the careful selection
of plants and trees - you want
movement in the wind and tactile
elements.
HOW CAN YOUR GARDEN
GROW
In these strange and unprecedented times, our gardens
have never been more important. They have been the
meeting place of family and friends and a real saviour in the
face of so much difficulty. Whether you have green fingers
or black thumbs, we have lots of inspiration for your space
and ways to make it work harder for you!
IDEAS FOR
SMALL GARDENS
Small gardens have a lot more potential than you may
appreciate. Whether dealing with a long narrow space
behind a period home, a cramped backyard that lacks
privacy, or even a little courtyard, the possibilities are
endless. So don’t write off your small outdoor area just yet...
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO GROW?
Are you hoping to grow cut flowers, your favourite herbs,
or a few vegetables? When space is limited, it is especially
important to determine which of these are worth growing
yourself, and which are better to purchase seasonally from
your local farmer’s market or shop. Focus on growing
flowers and produce that are usually expensive, hard to
find, have a short shelf life, or you use regularly.
CREATE SEATING WITHIN BORDERS
A great idea is to add seating to the edges of raised beds
- it makes otherwise unused space a flexible element for
socialising. Sleepers are a great option, or patio slabs on
small diving walls. Have a folding bistro table on hand to
create a dining area where needed.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
What about vertical gardens? Railing planters? Hanging
baskets for strawberries?
Images, left to right from top: Mudcloth Cushion and Anouk Cushion,
from £35 www.hauslife.co.uk; Chair, £279.99 from shop.sueryder.
org; Outdoor Rug, £59.95, Cuckooland; Verano Lounger, £479 from
Danetti; Outdoor Cushions, £25 each from Ragged Rose
Image from Go
Modern Furniture
22 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk