If you’ve moved into a new build before, you’ll know the overwhelming feeling of “There’s just so much to do!” So, we totally understand why your garden would have fallen on the back burner. If you’ve finally got to the point where you are fed up of staring at a blank canvas, then welcome to our blog! We are here to help give you ideas and advice, so you can put your own stamp on your outdoor space.
Whether you’ve not gardended before or simply haven’t had the time or desire to think about it, we’ve got you. Our experts have put together this comprehensive guide on top tips to get your new build garden transformation started.
Common Problems
Moving into a new build, you generally get what you’re given. This can be anything from uneven and waterlogged ground, to poor soil that’s full of rubble. Let’s explore some of the most common issues when starting a newbuild garden transformation and how to overcome them to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.
Tight budget
Moving house is expensive and when you move into new build houses there’s usually nothing there, maybe a few patio slabs and some poorly laid turf if you’re lucky. But don’t panic, not all garden makeovers have to break the bank.
Why not consider asking friends or family members for cuttings of plants they already have, if you catch them while they are pruning anyway, even better! If your friends and family aren’t local or don’t have particularly green thumbs, a great alternative is to connect with your local gardening groups. These groups often share cuttings and are usually happy to offer valuable advice on how to care for them, making it a fantastic way to grow your garden for free, while also supporting local wildlife.
Buying larger, more mature plants, although nice, can get very pricey! A smart idea is to buy smaller, younger versions of the plants you’d like to have. This means you can still have the green space you want, you’ll just have to be a little patient while they grow – but that’s half the fun of gardening right? Seeds and bulbs are another great, budget-friendly way to inject colour into your garden.
Lacking time
So much to do and so little time! If you want a beautiful garden but don’t feel like you’ve got the time or knowledge to properly maintain it, the route to go down is definitely simple and low maintenance.
A clever choice of plant for those that don’t want to spend a lot of time tending to their gardens is perennials. With their fantastic ability to die back each year and come back fresh, you get that brand-new, well-maintained feeling without the stress and effort of constant trimming and clearing up.
A top tip we’d give anyone wanting a hassle-free garden is no grass. As much as we love a fresh well-manicured lawn, we understand that sometimes it’s not always possible if you have a busy lifestyle. A beautiful alternative would be to use aggregates like shingle, type 1 scalping or 20mm ballast. These aggregates not only enhance your garden with texture and dimension but also offer practical benefits. They improve drainage, prevent waterlogging, promote healthy plant growth, and suppress weeds, reducing maintenance. Durable and versatile, they’re ideal for pathways and borders – an easy way to add gentle curves and visual interest to a space
To complete the look and add a touch of comfort, consider incorporating outdoor rugs. Not only do they define seating areas and create a cosy atmosphere, but they also provide a soft surface underfoot, making your outdoor space feel as inviting as your home.
Privacy
A common problem with new build properties is the lack of privacy—you want your outdoor space to feel like a sanctuary, not a fishbowl! Here are a few innovative ideas to transform your new build garden into the secluded, tranquil atmosphere you’re looking for.
Add Tall Plants or Hedges
Use fast-growing hedges, bamboo, or plant trees to create natural barriers. These provide shade and privacy, which is great for those hot summer months, while adding greenery and texture to your garden.
Install Garden Screens or Panels
Decorative garden screens made of wood or composite materials are a stylish way to block views, add character to your outdoor space, and pair beautifully with dense foliage for enhanced privacy and charm.
Use Trellises with Climbing Plants
A trellis covered with climbing plants like ivy, clematis, or roses adds privacy while introducing darker colours to your garden, creating a beautiful sense of depth.
Add Pergolas or Gazebos
Create visual interest by creating a private comfortable seating area with a pergola or gazebo. You can enhance privacy further by adding curtains, hanging plants, or lattice sides to create a cosy inviting atmosphere.
Incorporate Outdoor Structures
Place outdoor garden features like raised garden beds, partition walls, or storage units strategically to block sightlines while improving the functionality and aesthetics of your garden. For added tranquility, consider incorporating a water feature to create a soothing focal point.
Drainage
A lot of new build gardens also struggle to manage water runoff, resulting in drainage issues. This can be a result of compacted soil, poorly planned landscaping, or a lack of proper drainage systems. But don’t panic, it is fixable.
Adding bark mulch, compost, manure and soil conditioners are brilliant options to help encourage drainage, particularly those with clay soil. They are also good for improving soil structure, balancing soil pH and boosting root growth (great for all those newly established plants). Aggregates such as 10mm stone or shingle also provide excellent drainage, reducing waterlogging and promoting healthier plant growth.
Garden Planning
Planning out your new garden design doesn’t need to be complicated, a simple sketch marking out where you want things and their dimensions is a great start.
Consider how big your garden furniture is, you want it to fit well and have plenty of space on your patio area. Will you be having an area for grass or boarders for plants, or perhaps a vegetable patch? Whatever you decide, don’t overthink it. It’s really just a case of where do I want it and how big does it need to be. Ideally you want to plan to start the work on your garden anytime between spring and autumn to give your new outdoor space the best chance to thrive.
Soil Recommendation
We would recommend before planting anything, that the compacted and poor soil is conditioned first, any rubbled removed and organic matter is added in. Soil Conditioner, mushroom compost or organic manure is best.
Dig this into the soil surface well – it will be hard work, but worth it. Alternatively, if you don’t want to dig the garden over, you could use raised beds. In this case we’d recommend using a quality topsoil. If you’re unsure how to calculate the amount you need for an area, a topsoil or compost calculator can help.
Good plants for beginners
If you want a visually interesting or pretty and flowery new build garden but you’ve not gardened before and don’t want to bite off more than you can chew, here are some great plants for beginners that are low-maintenance, resilient, and bring fresh produce—many of which can be found at local garden centres too:
Outdoor Plants:
Lavender – Hardy, drought-tolerant, and smells wonderful – perfect for borders or pots.
Marigolds – Bright and colourful flowers that are easy to grow from seeds and repel pests.
Hostas – Great for shaded areas and require little attention once established.
Succulents – Require very little water and are ideal for rock gardens or containers.
Edible Plants:
Herbs (Mint, Basil, Chives) – Simple to grow in pots or herb gardens. Aromatic plants perfect for culinary use.
Lettuce – Grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times with minimal effort.
Radishes – Fast-growing and suitable for small spaces.
Tomatoes (Cherry Varieties) – Easy to grow in pots or flower beds with plenty of sunlight.
Ideas for small gardens
The key to making the most out of a limited space is to design ideas that maximise functionality, enhance visual appeal, and create a sense of openness. Having a dedicated seating area as your focal point is a great place to start. Adding a mixture of small and large pot plants is an easy way to still make the space feel green and vibrant, while also having the ability to move them to create more space or build natural partitions.
Festoon lighting (string lights) is always a good idea in our books, with its ability to make any space feel cosy and luxurious while also drawing the eye up to make a space feel bigger. Hanging mirrors on walls or fences is a classic but fail safe way to give the illusion of a larger garden.
If you’re on a budget you can usually find some great pre-loved mirrors for great prices, and as it’s going outside, it doesn’t need to be perfect! A slightly worn feel to a mirror is a stunning way to add a more cottagey charm and character to a garden.
Vertical gardening is a great way to enhance existing features in your space while making outdoor living feel vibrant, dynamic, and full of life. An easy way to achieve this is with wall-mounted planters, which add greenery and charm while maximising your use of vertical areas, without compromising on floor space, which could be used for some garden furniture or a fire pit.
Don’t Forget!
No matter your gardening style or level of experience, we hope this has inspired you to take the first step toward transforming your new build garden. Remember, it’s always important to assess what you are working with first, to make sure you address any issues prior to starting your makeover. If common issues like drainage or poor soil quality aren’t addressed initially, you could end up ruining your newly transformed space.
If you would like expert advice from a team who have been serving their customers for over 35 years, reach out today, so you can ensure your hard work pays off, and you can enjoy your beautiful space for years to come.
