Updated on 13/10/24
There’s something quintessentially British about making the most of whatever the weather brings.
Our UK climate is generally cloudy and experiences precipitation all year round, though we also experience heatwaves which reach temperatures above 30°C. Thanks to our unpredictable seasons, we can experience sun, wind, and rain, throughout the year, though sometimes all in a single afternoon!
Rather than turn sour when rain interrupts outdoor gatherings, we often embrace the change and stick to our plans, adjusting as needed to enjoy the outdoors. There are many garden elements which help you get the most out of your outdoor space, no matter what the weather brings.
If you’re wondering how to have a year round garden, certain landscape features can help you enjoy your outdoor space throughout the year.
Whether it’s huddling around a fire pit or gathering under a gazebo, here are some design ideas to get the most out of your garden, no matter what the weather.
1. Add A Gazebo
A gazebo is an outdoor structure with several sides and a roof canopy. They are made from strong, hard-wearing materials, like wood or durable weather-resistant metal.
Gazebos add a focal point to gardens and create a private gathering area. They’re great for keeping outdoor furniture dry, clean, and safe from garden dirt. Some people like to add even more privacy by adding outdoor curtains or latticework to their gazebos.
Gazebos are available in hardtop, softtop, and canopy varieties. Hardtop gazebos are made from strong materials and have a robust construction. They can withstand seasonal elements well and can remain outdoors throughout the year.
Canopy and soft-top gazebos are lightweight and are more at risk of weather damage. Some of these may be waterproof, but if you want to enjoy your garden in typical UK rainfall, a hardtop gazebo will suit your needs better.
2. Use A Wind Protection Screen
With the UK often experiencing high wind, installing wind defence garden features can help you enjoy your outdoor space, even in gusty periods.
An option that can defend your garden against the wind and give you some privacy is windbreakers. These wind protection screens are designed for the outdoors and are made from strong, wind-resistant materials, like steel poles or aluminium frames.
Wind protection screens come in many styles to suit several landscape designs. A lot of wind protection screens are retractable, so you can extend them when needed and put them away later to save space.
Wind protection screens act as a barrier against strong gusts, so your garden remains a pleasant area to relax and entertain guests. As they reduce wind exposure, they also help defend outdoor furniture and delicate plants from damage.
You can add wind protection screens on existing garden structures, like walls or pergolas. They can help form boundaries, creating a sheltered seating area where you can relax, regardless of the weather.
3. Plant Multi-Season Plants
If you’re wondering how to have a year round garden, adding multi-season plants to your outdoor space is a great idea.
Many plants thrive during several seasons, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy their garden throughout the year. Multi-season plants add to your garden and help it look vibrant and interesting, no matter what the weather brings.
Here are some tips on planting year round garden plants:
Winter Flowering Plants
Winter flowering plants help add colour to gardens even in colder months, helping brighten your garden beyond summer and autumn.
Examples like winter pansies and cyclamen are nice to add to garden beds, while pansies and snowdrops look beautiful in pots.
Evergreens
Evergreen plants, like lavender and box, maintain their foliage throughout the year. They’re great for adding structure to gardens and can create attractive, dense hedges.
Some evergreens, like holly, produce vibrant berries in the colder months, adding both color and texture to your winter garden.
Seasonal Blooms
Add a few plants to your garden which bloom in different seasons. Tulips or daffodils can brighten your garden in spring, while chrysanthemums add interest in late summer to autumn.
Incorporating a mix of multi-season plants keeps your garden looking charming amidst the changing seasons and weather.
If you’re unsure about which year round garden plants will look best in your garden, Raine Garden Design can help.
With over 22 years of experience in the garden and landscaping industry, we can guide you in selecting the perfect plants for an all-weather, year-round garden.
Get in touch to discuss your ideas today.
4. Install A Fire Pit
It’s a rare person who doesn’t love the soothing warmth of an open fire! Fire pits transform outdoor spaces into inviting, welcoming spots, even when the sun goes down.
Britain experiences chilly periods regularly, but fire pits help create a gathering area where you can entertain others, despite the cold. Your family and friends are bound to enjoy the warmth and glow of the fire during summer or autumn evenings. You can even try cooking by using your fire pit as a grill outside, as long as your grill is suitable for use over hot coal.
Fire pits are dug into the ground and can be made from stone, metal, or brick. Whether you opt for a sleek, dark-coloured fire pit, or a traditional wooden hearth, fire pits are available in many finishes that suit all garden aesthetics.
Contrary to what you might think, fire pits aren’t only suitable for large gardens. As long as you have sufficient space around, you can integrate fire pits into smaller outdoor spaces.
Other ways you can add to your fire pit include adding outdoor seating to create a cosy gathering space, using string lights or lanterns to complement the fire’s glow, and placing side tables nearby for convenience.
5. Patio Heaters
Our last tip on how to have a year round garden, which is ideal during colder spells, is adding patio heaters to your garden. Patio heaters come in portable and fixed designs, which both have advantages to suit different gardens.
Portable patio heaters have wheels attached, so you can take them wherever you need them. As they’re portable, they’re a good choice for a small garden with limited space, as you can direct warmth to wherever it’s needed most.
Fixed patio heaters don’t have moving parts and tend to have sturdier, metal frames. As they’re made from sturdy materials, fixed patio heaters can withstand changing weather conditions, so they’re a nice choice for long-term use.
You can find patio heaters in a range of designs, from traditional and rustic to sleek and modern. This makes it easy to find a heater which complements your garden’s aesthetic.
They’re also a nice choice for people who have pets or children, as unlike fire pits, patio heaters don’t produce embers or flying sparks.
Whether you’re enjoying a cool summer night or a spring garden gathering, patio heaters help your garden remain a cosy, inviting retreat for you and your guests.
There we have it! We hope this post explains how to have a year round garden. With thoughtful planning in mind, you can create a garden which maintains its beauty and provides entertainment throughout the year.
How We Can Help
At Raine Garden Design, we have years of experience creating gardens that look beautiful in all weather conditions and seasons. Our team of experts specialises in creating attractive, functional outdoor spaces which you can get the most out of, no matter what the weather.
Ready to transform your garden into an all-weather haven?
Get in touch at studio@rainegardendesign.co.uk, or give us a call at 07702 042559 to discuss your ideas in more detail.
