Us Brits are huge fans of the garden.
In fact, according to a government survey, almost half the population (a whopping 46%) say that post COVID-19, they spend more time outside than ever before.
Great stuff – but what happens in winter?
If you love getting out into the fresh air, the thought of chilly, wet conditions putting a dampener on things and forcing you back inside can be pretty bleak.
Don’t despair.
Winter may be fast approaching, but let’s be honest, you can never really rely on the forecast anyway. Which is why it’s a great idea to weatherproof your outside space. Armed with composite decking and a few clever ideas, it’s easy!
Want to make your garden usable all year round? Follow our simple tips to create a space to enjoy, whatever the weather.
Tip 1 – Plant smart
Green-fingered or not, it’s worth giving the plants in your garden a little thought.
This means making sure you include plenty of ever-green options, such as shrubs that give continuous colour and definition, so your garden doesn’t look lifeless and barren once summer blooms fade.
Done right, planting can be used to enhance privacy, zone areas of your garden, and even protect you from the elements! Small hedges are perfect for defining space – and if your property gets a prevailing wind, it will double up as a natural windbreak.
Tip 2 – Clever storage
The key to a year-round usable space is making it convenient and practical.
Having somewhere readily accessible to store items like chair cushions and blankets, that you can quickly pull out or pack away at a moment’s notice, is essential. A small watertight storage box is a great idea.
Tip 3 – Seating
Are your deckchairs strictly for summer use? Do you pack everything away once it hits September?
If you’re forced to go digging in the depths of the garden shed for something to sit on, chances are you just won’t bother. So, to really make your garden work all year round, you need seating options that can stay out all year.
A great trick here is to make benches out of composite decking. You can even go one better and create storage underneath the bench for the perfect spot to keep those cushions and throws.
Tip 4 – Stay toasty
Fire pits are all the rage – and not just for toasting marshmallows!
During milder months, they are perfect for creating atmosphere and providing a focal point as the sun sets. In colder climes, they add natural light and heat, helping to keep you warm and cosy.
Tip 5 – Loved up lighting
Who doesn’t love fairy lights? Whether it’s a balmy summer evening or a chilly winter night, the soft twinkle of fairy lights not only adds to the ambience but is also the perfect way to illuminate the garden, ensuring people can see where they are stepping.
Tip 6 – Think versatility
Want to really maximise the use of your outside area? Then you need to think about creating a weatherproof shelter.
Umbrellas and awnings can provide protection from light rain showers, and shade from the intensity of summer sun, but they’re not ideal – and on blustery days can be problematic.
A more permanent solution is to combine composite decking boards with cladding to build an outdoor space perfect for entertaining friends or chilling with the family. Whether you create a simple covered area or go all out with a bar or garden room, the weather need never stop play again!
Tip 7 – Stay safe
It may not be the sexiest point to address, but it is an important one.
Safety in the garden is essential. Think about how you use the space, and who will be using it. If you have traditional wooden decking, it’s important to protect against slips – and this isn’t just a problem in winter. April showers, autumnal dew, and summer water fights can all make surfaces slippery underfoot.
You can protect against nasty accidents by using rubber matting or anti-slip strips, or nailing down chicken wire – but these don’t look overly attractive. A more favourable alternative is to switch to composite decking, which benefits from a built-in anti-slip surface.
The perfect solution
Okay, so we may be a tad biased – but at Modern Garden, we truly believe you’ll be hard pushed to find a better solution for weatherproofing your garden than our composite decking.
Its clever anti-slip surface will keep your outside space practical and usable all year round – without sacrificing style.
It’s not just the anti-slip surface that people love about it, either. The fact it requires zero maintenance, being highly durable AND resistant to rot, makes it a garden favourite.
If you like the sound of an outdoor space you can enjoy throughout the seasons, then it’s time to shop composite decking fencing decorative panels. Take a look at the great range we have available or get in touch to find out more.