When it comes to planning your garden, it’s easy to find advice in books and online about the rules you should follow such as how to choose colours that complement one another. The problem with rules is that they can stifle your creativity. And sometimes it can be fun to break the rules. So tear up the garden rule books, try something new and you could see unexpected and exciting results.
Here are some common garden rules that are worth breaking:
Weeds are the enemy
If you helped out in the garden when you were a child, perhaps one of your first jobs was digging up the weeds. But some weeds can be quite beautiful. If you have a particular weed in your garden that you find attractive, don’t feel you have to get rid of it.
Choose colours carefully
Some gardeners like to plan the colour scheme of their garden with military precision but it can be more fun to mix up colours. Why not experiment with several different colours or buy a packet of mixed wildflowers where you can never be sure exactly what you’ll get.
Have separate areas for flowers and vegetables
By including a mixture of flowers, vegetables and herbs in your garden, you can create a really diverse environment with plants to delight all the senses – from beautiful flowers to sweet smelling herbs and tasty veg. Some vegetables are just as pretty as flowers and can enhance the appearance of your garden. In addition, by combining flowers and vegetables together you can ward off certain garden pests – for example growing marigolds alongside tomatoes can help protect your tomato crops.
Use the right containers
You’ll find all the plant pots and containers you’ll ever need at a garden centre but why not be creative and seek out more interesting items? Old jam jars, an unused wheelbarrow or a metal watering can all be used to grow plants in. And things like an old-fashioned wooden step ladder are perfect for displaying plants at different heights.
Gardens are for good weather
The garden is a great place to be during summer but there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy your garden during cooler months too. Keep a stack of blankets at the ready and you can make the most of fresh air at any time of year – a cup of hot chocolate and a book are a real treat in the garden during autumn and winter.
Stick to what grows
Some keen gardeners will advise you to grow native plants that are proven to grow well in the conditions you have. And whilst this will give you reliable results, you don’t have to stick to what you know. Why not be adventurous and try growing something new? If you live in a cool climate you might have ruled out plants like orange trees and chilli plants but if that’s what you fancy growing – why not give it a go? It might not work out first time but you’ll have fun trying.
For more unusual garden ideas, visit: www.edenproject.com
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