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garage/covered parking
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2 THE ALAN TITCHMARSH COLUMN
3
subtle invitations for neighbourly chats. A low fence or a
soft hedge can create a sense of openness, an unspoken
welcome that turns a wave into a conversation, a smile
into an extended hand of friendship.
The heart of this social garden lies in its diversity – a range
of plants and flowers that serve as natural conversation
starters. From the familiar beauty of roses to the exotic
allure of orchids, each plant tells a story, sparks a memory,
or ignites curiosity.
This botanical variety is more than just aesthetic; it’s a
backdrop for great talking points, an array of sensory
experiences that beckon visitors to touch, smell and
engage. The sights will bring the visitors and rest will
follow.
As the sun moves across the sky during the daytime, the
garden will reveal its various moods and states and can
look different in various settings. With the gentle morning
light illuminating the lawn and its flowery cousins, that
invites early risers to a nice tranquil start to the day.
By the time we get to mid-morning and early afternoon,
that’s when the garden really begins to buzz with life –
quite literally. With bees humming, birds singing and the
soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Then, as evening gradually finds its way into proceedings,
the garden dons its nocturnal robe. As the sun begins
to disappear, it generates a soft lighting and that can
sometimes cast something of a magical glow.
Transforming pathways into golden trails and flowerbeds
into pools of light, this gentle illumination isn’t just a
functional one, it also sets a mood and an ambiance that
encourages guests to linger, converse and stay longer
under the stars.
With this social oasis created, any dining area will become
more than solely just a place to eat, but also a communal
gathering spot. A large table – maybe with a nearby grill or
pizza oven – stands ready for shared meals, laughter and
stories. This can attract repeat company.
To add an extra layer of connection, consider integrating
spaces for shared activities. A corner for garden games, a
nook for bird watching, or even a simple water feature can
become focal points for joint experiences.
Remember, a garden is a living, breathing entity, everchanging
with the seasons. Its role as a social hub
should evolve similarly. Introducing new plants, rotating
decorative elements and adapting the layout with the
changing weather keeps the space fresh and inviting.
Open up the door to your garden, then open up your
garden to special people in your life – what could be more
perfect?!
GREENFINGERS…
the Alan Titchmarsh
column
He’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener,
brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary.
This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about how to
make your garden a social hub.
In the world of gardening, we often see our green spaces
as personal sanctuaries, reflections of our innermost selves.
Yet, amongst the greenery, there lies a hidden potential
– the chance to turn these private retreats into vibrant
social hubs, where relationships blossom and communities
thrive.
Imagine a plot where the simple act of sitting down invites
conversation. Seating, thoughtfully arranged under the
shade of a tree or around the inviting warmth of a fire pit,
becomes more than just a place to rest; it’s a setting for
interaction.
A garden bench or a collection of movable chairs can
transform a solitary corner into a bustling social spot,
encouraging discussions that range from the mundane to
the profound.
In this space, the traditional barriers of fences and hedges
take on a new role.
Rather than just marking boundaries, they become
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