Don't Move - Improve! Making the Most of Your Garden

It makes sense in the current economic climate to improve your property instead of thinking of moving. As a garden is often seen as another room of the house, there should be plenty of motivation to improve the garden so that it brings as much satisfaction to the family as a beautifully decorated house.

So often the garden is left as an afterthought and an unattractive garden doesn't do a beautifully decorated house any justice. On the contrary, if the garden flows from the back or front doors of the house it can enhance the indoor decoration and make a great property look like a stunning property.

The garden can be functional, that is, a place to hang your washing out and for the kids to run around in, and at the same time it can also be a place of exceptional beauty. Clients often use their kids or dogs as excuses for not looking after their gardens. These are poor excuse for laziness as there are many structures and plants which can exist in the presence of kids and dogs.

A pergola for example adds height and interest to the garden and it provides a practical shady spot on a hot summer's day. It is also a great hideaway for teenagers who need a bit of privacy.

Trees are a great asset in any garden and will withstand some damage by balls. Plants such as Phormiums, Fatsia japonica, Choisya ternata, laurels and buddlejas are all tough child-friendly plants, to name but just a few. Water features don't necessarily need to be ponds, but can be a stone or fountain with water bubbling over and creating a soft, natural background noise.

Eye-catching circular paving can be an interesting focal point in a small garden, and it is low maintenance.

Hardwood decking can add a richness to a garden as it looks solid and the colours are often warm and inviting. This is also easy to maintain and long-lasting.

When selling a house an established, well maintained garden can add as much as £16 000 to the selling price. The reason for this is that buyers are aware that creating a stunning space takes time and money. Buyers are willing to pay the extra money if they can envisage having BBQs and lazy afternoons in the garden as well as entertaining friends and family, immediately in an impressive space. When selling a house it is advisable to get a professional gardener or designer in, to make some changes to restore the garden to its former glory, just as you may do for the interior of the house.

This brings me onto the front garden. The 'House Doctor' on TV a few years ago coined the term 'kerb appeal' and quite rightly emphasised that a good first impression of the front garden was vital when selling a property. This is true not only for residential properties but also for flats and properties with shared communal gardens. Front gardens are easy to transform and can be easy to maintain, especially if reliable evergreen plants are used. Clear clean, neat paths give the prospective buyer easy access to the house and create an inviting atmosphere. Some well kept hanging baskets and pots around the entrance will also create this effect. As front gardens often have small areas expensive paving can be used to create a fantastic 'wow' factor for anyone walking past the house or for someone approaching the house.

A well kept garden with lots of interest will not only bring you great visual satisfaction throughout all the seasons but it will give the neighbours something positive to talk about too.

Why wait until you sell to make your garden a beautiful space. If you make it into the space you think others would like, you may just find that you want to stay in the property, rather than move.

Whether you are selling or thinking of improving your garden, consider getting some professional help or roll up your sleeves and start tidying up the garden. You never know you may just find that gardening is a relaxing, enjoyable and rewarding hobby.