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Large Garden Ideas for Transforming Your Outdoor Space
You’ve got a large outdoor space and the freedom to design and landscape it in any way you want. It’s an exciting task, but it can be daunting to know what to do with such a large space. We’re here to give you the inspiration you need to get creative and make your garden ideas a reality.
Zoning
With such a large space to design and explore, it could be useful to create zones throughout your garden. Separating your large open garden into different zones can make your space feel more structured. These different areas can serve different purposes designed specifically for different people and activities. For example, you could create a specific area for your kids to play, a seated area to enjoy a glass of wine in the evenings, or a wildier area dedicated to your garden wildlife (more on these areas later).
One option with zoning is to create areas physically separated by rows of trees, bushes, fences, or screening. But the different zones in your garden don’t have to be separated by tall screening. Instead, you can separate your areas with lower flowerbeds or just a change in style and design. However you decide to zone your garden, it’s important that the design and style of the different areas complement each other rather than looking like it’s been messily thrown together without any thought.
Paths
Whether you divide your outdoor space into zones or not, you’ll need to ensure there is a continuous flow throughout your garden. One of the best ways to do this is to use paths, taking your visitors on a magical journey to discover the hidden secrets of your garden.
Different styles of paths create a different feel to your space. For example, stepping stone style paths create more of a cottage feel. Whereas paving slabs create more of a modern feel.
Once you’ve chosen the style of path you like, we recommend using it throughout your garden to really pull together all the separate areas with a continuous flow.
Seating
Maze Rattan - London Corner Group with Armchair and Ice Bucket
For most of us, the area in our garden that is most used and most loved has to be the seating area. A place to make memories with family and friends, to host summer garden parties, and to make the most of the sunny weather. But just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you have to give up your homely comforts. Make your seating area an outdoor living room with luxury furnishings and extra cushions. To add some extra character to your seating area, you could create a sunken seating patio or you could have your outdoor sofas and chairs surrounding a fire pit, log burner, or chiminea. As well as providing warmth and light, a fire feature creates a focal point for your outdoor living room (you could even enjoy toasting a marshmallow or two).
Living room sofa seating isn’t the only type of seating you could have in your garden. With all that space, you’re bound to want to enjoy some al fresco dinners now and again. From 2-seater bistro sets to 12-seater dining sets, you can find an outdoor dining set that will seat all of your friends and family.
Seating doesn’t have to be in a dedicated area on a patio or decking, you could have a selection of benches or companion seats dotted around your outdoor space. Maybe you have a favourite spot to watch the birds that could accommodate an arbour. Maybe you have a shady spot amongst some trees that would be perfect to put up a hammock or tree bench. Or maybe you have a relaxing sunny spot that is calling out for a swing seat.
Entertaining
Maze Rattan 4 Seat Garden Bar Set with Ice Bucket
Sofas and dining seating are a great starting point for creating your ideal garden set up for entertaining. But there’s so much more you can do. You have the space, so why not set up a bar area? Whether you dot some standing bars across your lawn or patio to give your party guests somewhere to socialise, or you set up a seated bar for a more intimate party, your guests will love the party atmosphere it creates.
Looking for a more family friendly way to entertain your guests? You need a movie area. Find the perfect place in your garden with a grassy area facing a wall or fence (attach a white sheet if the wall or fence isn’t already white). Place some comfy chairs, a blanket with some cushions, or a daybed on the grassy area then sit back and enjoy your film. Add an extra layer of luxury by having a drinks cooler next to your seat so you don’t need to get up and go inside when you need a refill.
Garden Shelters
Maze Rattan 3m x 3m Pergola with 4 Drop Sides & LED Lighting
The British summer weather isn’t always predictable. Come rain or shine, you want to be able to make the most of your outdoor space. Shelters like pergolas and canopies come with varying levels of protection with some offering adjustable roof and side covers. Creating the feeling of an outdoor room while receiving the benefits of being in the fresh air, whether you want to get out of the direct sunlight or you want some protection from a light shower, you have a private, cosy area in your garden to enjoy.
Outdoor Kitchens
Norfolk Grills Absolute Pro 4 Burner
Every garden (especially a large garden like yours) needs a barbecue. But why stop there? Nobody wants to be traipsing in and out of the house to use the sink or get something from the fridge. Get the full outdoor cooking experience with an outdoor kitchen. From storage units, fridges, sinks, barbecues, pizza ovens, and much more, you can build an outdoor kitchen that suits your needs. You can even add additional features to cook different cuisines. For example, bring a Spanish flare to your al-fresco dinner with a paella dish.
Kids Areas
Creating a kids area in your garden makes sense for everyone. Keeping the kids entertained for hours, a kids area will not only keep the kids happy, it’ll also give the adults time to have a drink and a good catch up. But what would a kids area look like? Well that depends on what your kids like to do. Let their imagination run wild with a playhouse. As well as creating imaginative stories, a playhouse creates a private, quiet area where kids can read, do arts and crafts, or just talk with their friends. Looking for something a bit more energetic? We’re sure that setting up a trampoline, climbing frame, sandpit, or potting table will go down well. Check out our guide on keeping kids entertained in the summer for more great child-friendly summer activities.
Lighting
Konstsmide 7632 Solar Assisi LED Hanging Light
After putting all that hard work into creating such a beautiful large garden, you don’t just want to enjoy your outdoor space during the day, you also want to be able to enjoy it at night. Adding different forms of lighting to create the right atmosphere will give your garden a warm and welcoming feel, no matter if the sun is out or not. It’ll also make your garden safer to walk around at night with paths and steps lit up so you don’t fall. For more advice on illuminating your garden, check out our outdoor lighting guide.
Vegetable Patch
Mainframe Vegetable Cage Starter Kit
Not everybody enjoys gardening and if it isn’t your thing, there are many ways to keep your garden low maintenance. But if you do want to get more involved, you have plenty of room to get really stuck in with growing vegetables. Not only will this be a great hobby to keep you occupied in your garden, you could also become self-sufficient (at least when it comes to your veg), saving you money and trips to the supermarket. You can find everything you need to start your vegetable patch today including greenhouses, vegetable cages, raised vegetable beds, and gardening tools.
Plants
If you’re looking to add more colour and texture to your garden, plants are the way to go. Whether you want to get your hands dirty or you want to hire a gardener, your garden design could include a range of different flowers, trees, and grasses. Add different heights of plants and flower beds to break up the landscape (and help with zoning). From red and yellow roses to pink and purple tulips, there’s a world of colourful plants that can brighten your garden. We recommend ensuring your plants are picked and placed with the changing seasons in mind so that your garden looks beautiful all year round.
Wildlife Area
Expand the welcoming feel of your garden to wildlife as well as your family and friends with a wilder area. Your wildlife area could include a pond, bird feeders, or a wood pile to attract wildlife like woodlice, hedgehogs, newts, and so much more. Another main feature of wildlife areas are wildflowers and wild grasses. Attracting a range of birds and insects including butterflies and bees, scatter a range of wildflowers seeds throughout the area, sit back and enjoy watching the plants grow and the wildlife arrive. Our favourite plants for wildlife areas are honeysuckle, buddleias (known as the butterfly bush), cowslips, bluebells, and daisies.
Woodland
If your garden is large enough, your wildlife area could extend into a woodland. Carpeted with wildflowers and wild grasses, run a mown or shredded bark path through the trees to create a magical space for a leisurely stroll. Make the most of this space by adding a bench or a couple of seats in a shaded corner to get away from the stresses of life. Want to add another level of magic and intrigue to your woodland? Add a rustic gate at the start of the path, inviting you into the trees.
Lawn
One of the easiest ways to landscape your garden is with a large lawn. But if not landscaped properly, large areas of grass can sometimes look a bit boring. One way to add style and charm to your lawn is to add some lawn art. Whether you give it a go or you hire a professional, cutting your grass to create different designs draws your eye to the interesting design instead of staring across an expanse of plain lawn. Don’t forget to keep your lawn neat and tidy with clear lawn boundaries by using lawn edging.
Water Features
Westbury Slat Spring Water Course Water Feature
One of our favourite features to add to the design of any size and shape of garden is water. From streams, waterfalls, and water features to ponds, swimming pools, and hot tubs, water adds another dimension to your garden. Enjoy listening to the calming sounds of the flowing water, notice the water ripple in the breeze, and watch the clouds pass by in the reflection of the sky in the water.
As if adding a water feature isn’t luxury enough, take it up a level by adding extra features to the water in your garden. We love the idea of adding stepping stones across your pond, pool, or stream. Not only are these practical, but they add charm and an enchanting feeling to your garden.
The benefit of having a large garden is that you can create your own private holiday paradise without having to leave your home. All you need to do is add a patio or decking area around your pool with a couple of sunbeds or daybeds so you can take a dip then relax in the sun.
Statement Pieces
When you have a large garden, you need something to provide a focal point and break up the open space. There are a couple of ideas for creating this statement feature. One option is a statement tree with an interesting structure, shape, and colour. As well as the tree itself being a beautiful feature, the shadow it casts across your lawn is also part of its charm.
Another option for a statement feature in your garden is a sculpture. Adding one large sculpture or a couple of smaller sculptures that complement each other to the centre of your lawn, surrounded by paving stones, or along the border of your garden adds personality to your space. Don’t forget to light up your statement tree or sculpture so you can enjoy its charm at night.
Storage
Palmako Ralf Wooden Garden Shed with Double Doors 2.96m x 3.9cm
What often comes with a large garden is a good amount of gardening tools and machinery. So you need somewhere to store them. Luckily you have enough space to add a large shed, tool shed, or workshop to keep all your belongings safe and protected from the elements. This storage space could also be used to store bikes, childrens play equipment, and garden furniture sets over the colder months, keeping them clean and easy to access.
Hideaway Houses
Forest Garden Oakley 8x6ft Overlap Pressure Treated Summerhouse
As well as outdoor buildings for storage, you could also build an outdoor building to use as an office, gym, man cave, or a relaxing hideaway. Summer houses, gazebos, and log cabins are a great way to enjoy your garden from the warmth and protection of your outdoor building. Enjoy the sun and light breeze with the doors open or keep the doors closed to feel cosy and enjoy the sound of the rain falling around you. Kit out your outdoor building with conservatory furniture, a garden sofa, and plenty of cushions for extra comfort.