From the ground up: How to create your dream new build garden with British Garden Centres

A new build garden offers a blank canvas to create your dream outdoor space. However, with the initial construction work often leaving the ground in a less-than-ideal state, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. The expert team at British Garden Centres has put together this guide to help you transform your new build garden into a beautiful and functional outdoor space for you to enjoy.

A garden to suit your lifestyle

Before you begin planting, consider how you want to use your garden. Is it a place to entertain guests, relax in solitude, cook outside, or play with children and pets? Understanding your garden’s purpose will guide your design choices.

The amount of time you can dedicate to garden maintenance should be considered early on. Factors to consider include your lifestyle, energy levels, and available time. Some gardens require minimal upkeep, while others may demand more attention.

Know your soil and situation

The soil quality and condition of the ground after your new build is finished can significantly impact plant growth. Assess the soil type (clay, sandy, chalky, or loamy) and look for any signs of compaction or rubble left behind by the builders. Add organic matter like compost or farmyard manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. Turn over the soil to aerate it and remove any debris.

The direction your garden faces and the local climate will influence plant selection. A south-facing garden receives more sunlight, while a north-facing garden might be shadier. Research the situation of your new home to choose plants that thrive in your conditions. Our plant team at your local British Garden Centres store are always on hand to help you choose the right plants for your new build setting.

Decide your garden style

Consider your personal preferences and the overall style of your home when selecting a planting style. Cottage gardens are known for their informal and romantic charm, with a mix of colourful flowers and winding paths. Formal gardens feature symmetrical layouts, structured planting, and clean lines. Contemporary gardens often incorporate clean lines, modern materials, and a minimalist approach.

Design your borders

Begin by marking out the desired shape of your borders using a rope or garden hose. Prepare the ground by turning over the soil and adding organic matter. Start planting with trees, evergreen shrubs, and structural plants. Add shrubs, climbers, herbaceous perennials, annuals, bulbs, and plants with seasonal interest. Water plants before and after planting to ensure they are hydrated.

If your garden is overlooked by neighbours, privacy can be a concern, especially on a newly built estate. Consider planting trees, shrubs, and climbers to create natural barriers, or structures like pergolas, arches, and trellises to add visual interest and provide shade to you in your new outdoor space

Lawncare

Common issues that often arise in new build gardens include uneven and patchy lawns as well as poor quality soil. For patchy lawns, it is essential to use hardy and robust lawn seed to encourage healthy growth and fill in the bare spots.

Additionally, the soil may need to be aerated and amended to improve its overall quality and fertility, following months of building work. Hand-pulling weeds is another important step, followed by overseeding and levelling the lawn to achieve a level and lush appearance. It’s also crucial to identify and address any pest issues that may be impacting the lawn. Ensuring the lawn receives deep, infrequent watering will promote strong root growth and overall health after it has been laid or freshly seeded.

Outdoor living

Choosing furniture for a newly built garden is an exciting opportunity to create a personalised and social outdoor space. Consider the overall style and atmosphere you want to achieve. Do you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a cosy, traditional feel? Think about the size of your garden and the activities you want to enjoy there. A small patio might benefit from compact, foldable furniture, while a larger garden can accommodate larger sets. Our range of furniture from our exclusive Fern Living brand has everything style from bistro sets to corner sofa sets to achieve your outdoor living dreams.

Durability is key for outdoor furniture. Opt for materials in our Fern Living range that can withstand the elements, such as weather-resistant wood, metal, or synthetic materials. Comfort is also essential, especially if you plan to spend long hours outdoors. Finally, why not accessorise your space with outdoor rugs, pillows, and plants to create a welcoming and inviting setting for all to enjoy?

Additional tips for transforming your new build garden

Consider adding a water feature: A pond, fountain, or waterfall can add a soothing ambience to your garden.

Incorporate hardscaping: Paths, patios, and decking can create defined areas and provide functional spaces for outdoor living.

Consider the colour scheme of your garden: Choose plants with complementary colours to create a harmonious and visually appealing outdoor space.

Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try different planting combinations and styles to find what works best for you.

Remember, transforming your new build garden is a journey, not a destination.

my Stubbs at British Garden Centres said: “With patience, planning, and a little creativity, you can turn your new build garden into a beautiful and functional space that you’ll love for years to come. It may seem a blank canvas and a little daunting at first, but your local British Garden Centres team will be there every step of the way to help you achieve the garden you have always wanted.”

Don’t miss out on our New Build Garden Project series over on the British Garden Centres YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@britishgardencentres1149

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 65 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by The Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.
BGC was launched in 1987 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018 it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now with 65 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.

The group has a team of 2,700 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.