20th June 2006… With summer finally here, more and more people are enjoying the lighter nights and balmy evenings in the pleasant surroundings of what many perceive as the extension of their home – the garden.
The results of a recent survey carried out by Bryant Homes, suggests that homeowners in the South East are a region of garden lovers, with 67% considering it as important as their indoor living space.
The survey also reveals that 69% of homebuyers in the South East are now looking for an easy to keep garden that provides the ideal space for a safe play area for children or somewhere to entertain friends – rather than somewhere that requires a great deal of time and effort to maintain.
Jane Stockwell, sales and marketing director for Bryant Homes South East, said: “When the summer months arrive we increasingly look to the garden as an extension of our home. We are quick to decorate and improve internal rooms but sometimes forget about the garden – come the summer however, it is essential that it is looking good and somewhere we want to spend our time.
“Our survey showed that people want to enjoy their gardens but have less and less time for its upkeep. Increasingly they are looking for a low maintenance garden that offers the best of both worlds. At Bryant Homes we are aware that the garden plays a large part in influencing purchaser’s decision to buy a new home. For that reason there are a range of packages available for purchasers to have their garden specially designed when they buy a new home at any of our developments.”
With time at a premium when it comes to making the most of your garden, Bryant has also put together some no fuss top tips to transform your garden in time for the summer entertaining season –
- Plant in pots and window boxes for a splash of colour. Containers allow easy access and require minimum maintenance. Line with plastic or polythene to keep moisture in and be sure to water often – daily if possible. You can also grow fruit, vegetables and herbs in containers.
- Hard landscaping helps to reduce the size of a lawn and provides an ideal area for outdoor entertaining. Choose from low maintenance slabs, wooden decking or gravel.
- To screen off unsightly fencing, a rundown shed or an area of neglect use attractive bamboo or raffia screens for a stylish quick fix.
- Slow growing conifers give colour, shape and texture all year round and there will be no need to rake up leaves during the winter.
- Create an alfresco dining area and an outdoor cooking area. Include a barbecue surrounded by fragrant herbs. Add stylish garden furniture and ‘talking points’, such as eye-catching water features.
- Using dishwater on your garden saves water and is also good for fending off aphids.
- You could collect rainwater using a water butt, which can then be used at a later date and water from your condenser tumble dryer can also be reserved for the garden.
- With water shortages being a hot topic, make the most of your reserved water by watering your garden at cooler parts of the day to avoid evaporation and target specific plants with a watering can.