Buying a new build means getting a ready-to-move-in home with modern fittings and designs. The garden, however, can feel more like a blank slate than a dream space…for now. Garden landscaping for new builds can be a fun, yet slightly daunting, task. On the one hand, you have a blank canvas to work your creative juices and, on the other, you’ve got a big job on your hands.
With a bit of planning, you can turn that empty plot into a stunning outdoor haven without the need for professional help. Think of it as a personal project where you’re the designer, architect and gardener all in one.
Here’s our top new build garden ideas to transform your outdoor space and navigate some of the most common new build garden issues:
- Sort out your soil
- Ensure proper drainage
- Lay down turf or lawn
- Pick out your plants
- Add in the necessary privacy
- Outbuildings and structures
- Light it up
- Put your personality into it
1. Sort out your soil
Soil quality can often be a concern for new home buyers as it can be disturbed or compacted during the building process. To determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil, start by testing it using a simple home test kit.
If improvements are required, you may need to add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to enhance its fertility or structure, and make it better for planting. Similarly, you can loosen the soil with a fork or tiller to improve aeration and ensure a healthy environment for growing plants.
2. Ensure proper drainage
Good drainage is essential for a thriving garden. New build gardens can sometimes suffer from inadequate drainage due to compacted soil or poor grading. To check for this, look to see if water pools in any areas. If it does, you might need to install drainage solutions like French drains or soakaways.
Other solutions include improving the garden’s grading so that water is directed away from the house or raising any garden beds to mitigate draining issues.
3. Lay down turf or lawn
Once the soil and drainage is all sorted, you can start considering your lawn options. While many new builds come with lawn included, this is not always the case so make sure to check before you buy. If the lawn is not included, there are two main ways you can go about installing it: laying sod or sewing seeds.
If opting for sod, ensure the soil is level and well-prepared before installation. If you’re not confident you can do it, this is a good time to get the professionals in. For seed, select a mix suited to your climate and the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Regular watering and proper maintenance will help establish a lush, green lawn.
Not prepared to maintain your lawn? Astroturf can be an excellent, and affordable, alternative to real grass. Or if you’re not keen on the artificial look, patio or decking also works well and flows seamlessly with the modern look of your new home.
4. Pick out your plants
After all the foundational (less exciting) tasks are out of the way, you can move onto the more creative bits. Selecting the right plants are crucial for creating a beautiful garden. Consider the amount of sunlight, soil type and the climate when choosing what to plant and to make sure they won’t all die after a few weeks. Go for a mix of perennials and annuals for continuous colour throughout the year. If you can, purchase more mature plants for a more finished look, rather than waiting years for them to grow to a substantial size.
If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, native plants are a great choice as they require minimal maintenance. In the UK, there are many native plants to choose from, such as holly, juniper and a variety of roses.
5. Add in the necessary privacy
Privacy is essential for making your garden a comfortable retreat but something not afforded to all new build gardens, especially in terraced houses. Depending on your garden’s layout and your preferences, you can add privacy through various means, such as installing taller fences, trellises, hedges or climbing plants like ivy or clematis.
Need some more inspiration for garden privacy ideas? We’ve got a whole guide for overlooked gardens.
6. Outbuildings and structures
Want to wow your neighbours? Building a pergola or garden room could be just the thing, not only adding a stunning visual to your outdoor space but also functionality.
If an outbuilding meets certain criteria, you don’t need planning permission and can build a home gym, bar or office in your back garden, freeing up some more space within your home. A well-placed pergola or gazebo can serve as a stylish focal point and provide shade or shelter for your dining area.
7. Light it up
Garden lighting can transform your outdoor space after dark, creating a magical ambiance. Install path lights to illuminate walkways and steps, and consider spotlights to highlight key features such as trees or sculptures. String lights or lanterns can add a cosy, inviting atmosphere to seating areas. Solar lights are an eco-friendly and low-maintenance option that can enhance your garden’s charm without increasing your energy bill.
8. Put your personality into it
One of the best things about new build gardens is the freedom it offers. Unlike gardens in older properties with more established plants and trees that can often dictate how you design your space, new build gardens truly offer a blank canvas.
There are countless styles of garden and features you can add to suit it to your preferences. Start your own veggie patch, set up a greenhouse, add a water feature, install a fire pit or whatever else you like!
One trend we’re seeing is going all in on a theme…
Want to feel like you’re stepping into a scene from Mamma Mia each time you open your back door? Think the sun-drenched atmosphere of a Mediterranean paradise, with a little less sun. Embrace the Mediterranean colour palette: crisp white, cobalt blue and earthy terracotta tones. Add hardy plants typical of the Mediterranean region like olive trees, lavender and rosemary.
Or is a Japanese Zen garden more your style? Go for a raked gravel or sand garden and make sure to add water elements, like a fountain or Koi pond.
Feeling the cottage core vibe? Just because you live in a new build doesn’t mean you can’t bring your vision to life. The hallmark of a cottage core garden is an abundance of flowers so make sure to plant them along your borders and paths. Maybe even opt for a wildflower or clover lawn instead of traditional turf? Place a wooden bench under a tree, a hammock draped with blankets, a bistro set and a vegetable garden nestled in the corner.
Create the garden of your dreams
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