Visualise these tips to optimise your outdoor space

If like many, the fragrant whiff of spring has you imagining the many days spent making the most of the sunshine in your outdoor spaces, you might find your daydreaming tempered by an uninspiring courtyard, deck or yard.

Fortunately, there are many ways to optimise your outdoor spaces. And they don’t all have to break the bank.

Tempting as it is to rush out and implement everything you dream of for your perfect outdoor setting, one expert says there’s a golden rule when creating a balance between function and aesthetics.

“Take the time to plan and visualise,” In-depth Landscape Construction co-owner/CEO Sarah Bateman says. “Even if you do it yourself, landscaping is not cheap – you want to do it once, and do it right.”

Sarah has lost count of the number of clients who have run into trouble by not thinking through the long-term practical and aesthetic implications of their choices, costing them big bucks in the long term.

She says even before planning, you should ask yourself one question.

“What’s the primary purpose of your outdoor space for you?” she says.

“Remember, your outdoor space is an extension of your home. Think about your lifestyle – are you an entertainer? You’ll probably want more hardscapes than softscapes.

“Do you have kids who want space to kick a ball or pets who need to run around? You’ll want some open spaces, maybe some lawn. Want to enjoy your morning cuppas in the sunshine? You’ll need to be mindful of how you orient things so as not to block your light.

“How you live will play a big part in how you maximise your outdoor space to suit your needs.”

Sarah advises first gathering inspiration from other gardens with themes, looks and elements you want to incorporate at home. Then, make a list of your “must haves”, your “nice to haves” and your “don’t wants”.

“View it as hierarchical, because there are bound to be things you love that simply won’t fit your space or your vibe,” she says.

“Once you have your ideas, shape it out before you lock yourself into it. Maybe even go out and line things up in your space. It might look bare, but try to imagine any plants as they will be once established. It’s fiddly, but there’s no point buying that big beautiful flowering tree and planting it in a spot where it will grow to obscure everything else you’ve worked for.”

Design techniques used to optimise an outdoor space vary greatly depending on goals and the limitations of the physical area.

In a small space, as a general rule, less is more – in colours, built elements and decor.

“Large plants that grow to encroach your space, dense fences, even paver size can all contribute to a claustrophobic space. Certain seating, retaining walls and raised garden beds can all reduce your useable footprint,” Sarah says.

“If you have a small courtyard, opt for larger pavers, as small pavers can give an illusion of reduced size.”

In larger spaces, consider the “flow”.

“If you get the flow wrong, even quite a large garden can look small, crowded, unharmonious,” Sarah says.

“A lot of clients zone spaces, so the outdoor entertainment space flows from the indoor living area, and then out to the garden. And just because you have a large space, doesn’t mean you need to fill it with stuff. Pick your key features and work around that.”

One of Sarah’s top DIY low-budget tips to elevate any outdoor space is the thoughtful placement of outdoor lighting, which can be used to make features pop.

“Upward-facing solar lights are a great option to highlight those features you want to be seen,” Sarah says. “The right lighting can be an artwork in itself, and bring a whole other feel to your yard at night.”

The “less is more” approach becomes even more important for saleability. Sarah says to aim for neat – and not much more.

“When it comes to selling, it’s all about street appeal. You want your garden and yard visibly pleasing from the street, but you also want a relatively blank canvas so a potential buyer can visualise themselves there. Sometimes it’s as simple as laying down turf and fresh mulch,” she says.

“It’s worth speaking to a landscaper with diverse in-house skills. I think that’s how our team won Best Landscaper at the Australian Trades Small Business awards this year – each member brings their own expertise to the table.”

For more information, visit In-depth Landscape Construction.