Top 10 Reasons For Using Natural Wood In Your Garden

Gardens that are the envy of friends and neighbours don’t need to stay the stuff of dreams. You might be looking for something stylish and minimalist, or perhaps you’re keen to be as self-sufficient as possible. Every inch of your garden space can easily be transformed into something as marvelous as you wish. More and more gardeners are using wood again now as there are better stocks from sustainable sources. Natural wood in the natural environment of a garden makes sense. It’s cheap and easy to use to create structure and decoration. It can also be recycled when you are finished with it. If you are interested in using more wood in your garden this year, check out these top ten ideas for using wood:

1. Benches - Wooden benches can be functional or decorative. Some independent artists carve some stunning wooden seating. Each piece is unique. The great thing about using wooden benches is that you can stain them any shade you like each year. This means you can match the rest of the garden beautifully. Metal benches may be more ornate, but a wooden bench can feel like it has grown out of the soil it sits upon.

2. Sheds - While there may be plenty of plastic sheds about nowadays, none offers the natural beauty of a wooden shed with a felt roof. They have been a part of the British back garden for decades and are still much favoured by gardeners. You can find timber supplies locally or online offering you choices in woods and sizes. Many people are using timber from old sheds to create wheelie bin enclosures to improve the kerb appeal of their house.

3. Fencing - Not everyone has good enough ground for brick wall foundations. Fencing panel posts require less depth for concreting and are substantially cheaper. The great thing about the panels is that they can be spray stained quickly and easily each year to keep them looking like new. If your budget is a little larger, you can find some lovely decorative panels, that add a bit of shape and style to your garden.

4. Raised bedding - Flowers, vegetables, and even shrubs look incredible in raised beds. You can create structure and form from the beds by having them tiered or at interesting angles. Old railway sleepers are a marvellous material to use and have that vintage-looking dark stain. There are modern, cheaper versions of these you can buy from your garden centre or timber merchant. They can also make lovely steps up to your platforms.

5. Outside dining - Wooden seating and tables are still very popular. This is despite them needing a little care and attention each spring to continue looking fabulous. If you do look after your patio sets, they can last you many years, and look like a natural part of your garden. Solid tables are chunky and inviting for family parties. You might choose lighter, slatted bistro sets that are perfect for intimate drinks. These are ideal for smaller areas like roof terraces or courtyards.

6. Sectioning - Wooden panelling or trellis can be used to divide your garden into various sections. The great thing about trellis is that you can grow your creepers and climbers up it for a green, bushy or flowery effect. Dividing the garden provides you with unique spaces for different purposes. You may have a small rose garden in one section, and a children’s play area in another. Zen gardens, seating areas, and vegetable patches can all be sectioned off. This helps to create the effect of little rooms within your garden.

7. Decking - While composite decking lasts substantially longer, timber decking can be installed very cheaply. It will require annual maintenance to keep it looking good and reducing the chances of a slippery surface. Using a natural wood decking also provides you with the opportunity to change your stain colour each year to suit your mood or style. Balustrades and handrails could also be built from wood, but they are time-consuming to paint each year.

Thanks to www.crinklecrankle.com for this image

8. Children’s Play Centre - Wooden play centres in the garden look wonderful. They also last for many years and provide a natural look for your outdoor space. Towers and slides, swings and places to hang, are all great fun for the kids. You can use a natural play bark underneath for safety, or invest in a man-made safety surface. An artificial grass area can help reduce muddiness when playing out in the rain.

9. Gazebo or Pergola - For height and structure in your garden, why not install a gazebo or pergola? They help create outdoor ‘room’ areas and are great for seated or dining areas in the garden. They can also help provide shade on a hot day and a little shelter from the wind. Wooden pergolas look great with some Wisteria or other climbers making their way across. Larger ones can be used for outdoor activities like garden Yoga.

10. Planters - Wooden planters can be quite expensive, but create a wonderful look to your garden. As they become more weathered, the colours change, and they can feel like they are a natural part of the garden. They may not last as long as plastic containers, but they can compliment your plants a lot better. Some independent artists are creating incredible designs for planters. Look out for some at your next crafts fair.

If you are looking for a more natural garden, wood can help create that effect easily. It can be environmentally friendly when you buy from sustainable sources. Wood can also be cheaper than other materials. If you like DIY, you may find working with wood to build up your garden could turn into an enjoyable hobby. There is almost no end to the applications of wood. Wooden gazebos and summerhouses can also help create useful rooms and spaces within your garden. You can use them for dining, sitting or hobbies. They can even help to add value to your house should you ever need to sell. Wood may take a little more maintenance and care than plastic, but its beauty and effect in a garden are certainly worth the time and trouble. Make wood your material of choice this season.