Guide written by:
Crystal, Owner of a small gardening business, Oxford
The best thing about modern garden design is that it's all about functionality and ease of use. And there's also a lot of choice! Fan of raw materials? They can be a welcome addition to any contemporary space. After a minimalist space with geometric forms? That works, too! From large metal tables to gather the whole family to little intimate corners, anything goes as long as you have a few ideas and the right tools to pick out the perfect materials and accessories. Luckily, we've got your back!
Designing a modern garden is all about creating a practical and logically organised space. There's no need to stick to a rigid decorating scheme. These gardens are built on materials and equipment that are easy to maintain. That way you'll have more time to enjoy the outdoor space!
A modern timber garden fence can be teamed up with hardwearing resin furniture and stone borders... But if you prefer the geometric minimalism of a Japanese-inspired garden, no problem. Why not go for easy-to-lay gravel and materials designed to withstand weathering and time? From durable and lightweight aluminium furniture to modern concrete pathways designed to match your house, there is no end of options.
A swimming pool or even a water feature is always an invitation to relax. Automatic cleaning, specially designed materials and compact designs are just a few of the ways to make these features workable. With a mosaic surround and a few chaises longues scattered around, you can really stretch out and make the most of your outdoor space.
Ideally the green areas in a modern garden should require little maintenance. Why not go for a drought-proof bamboo hedge or perennials that will flower year after year? The following plants are especially difficult to kill off, but there are plenty of others to choose from:
Bamboo or reeds require very limited watering and are perfect for privacy
Lavender will provide a beautiful scent straight out of Provence and keep away the mosquitos, too
Cornflowers and nigella sativa will come back every year with no input from you
Herbs like rosemary, mint and thyme are perfect for adding to your BBQ skewers
If you're after a beautiful green lawn, it's well worth looking into an automatic watering system. Your grass will stay cushiony underfoot whether you want to play football, walk barefoot or just laze around watching the clouds. In fact, an automatic water or irrigation system will keep your garden green year-round without you having to give it a second thought. That way, when you get back from your holidays, your garden will look as fresh as you!
Want to invite friends over for a spot of lunch in the sunshine? In addition to picking up a barbecue big enough to feed everyone, you'll also need a dining set to seat the masses. The advantage of modern garden furniture is that it is easy to maintain whatever the season. You'll still have to clear the table at the end of the meal, but that's about it!
Your garden dining set must be chosen to match your personal style as well as the layout of your space:
If you like versatile spaces, outdoor sofas and coffee tables can be really convivial options. This type of furniture is also really easy to care for since it tends to be waterproof and UV-resistant.
A large traditional table and chair set will provide maximum comfort. And you can choose from a wide range of materials like wood, aluminium or even resin.
Another option: go for a high table and bar stools for a hint of originality. Don't forget to add an umbrella to eat under the midday sun!
A modern garden shed is designed to be highly practical and to blend right into your décor while also providing a space to protect garden equipment from the rain and cold. Wave goodbye to waterproof covers and tarp – what you need is a garden shed!
Other modern outdoor décor you can add to your garden including lighting to enjoy your space as night falls and pots of colourful flowers. In short, there's something for everyone.
The cherry on the cake? A super comfortable sun lounger to kick back on once you've finished the job!
Guide written by:
Crystal, Owner of a small gardening business, Oxford
From a background in waste transportation, I became a farmer specialising in organic gardening. A graduate of Horticultural Production, I tried for several years as a young farmer to settle in the beautiful region of Oxfordshire. After many disappointments, I finally started a small-business in home services, specifically in gardening, assisted by my loving, dear husband. Passionate about nature and wild edible plants, I am very attentive to ecological solutions and respectful of our environment in all aspects of my daily life. From the vegetable garden to the flower beds, from seed to harvest, I have all kinds of advice up my sleeve. Do not hesitate to ask me your questions.