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BBC expert recommends 'simple' garden designs
30 April 2008
Gardener's World presenter Joe Swift insists that "simple" and "classic" outdoor landscaping can add significant value to your property."Garden's add value," said the BBC horticultural expert, citing research which has shown time and again that effective design pays dividends.
"Just keep it well maintained and looking good - invest in a few large plants to give some real impact in there," he added, advising against anything overly ambitious.
Though recent a Lloyds TSB poll shows that outdoor hot tubs and water features top consumer wish lists, similar additions can often deter buyers due to the added maintenance.
"Things like ponds are a bit dodgy," explained Swift. "They can put buyers off because they think they'll have the maintain the pond and the fish might die."
More investment tends to be pumped into garden furniture, he continued, noting that the latest ranges are both comfortable and weather-proof.
Homeowners planning a revamp of their outdoor spaces are advised to get "a garden designer to come round and give you a few ideas - you can pay them by the hour for a sketch or two".
Paving and decking are timeless additions, but should always been made to match the style of the property, the Gardener's World presenter concluded.
Micro-generation units were placed fifth in the Lloyds TSB list of most desirable garden features, but consumers need not go to these lengths to reduce their carbon footprint.
Simpler, cheaper and less obtrusive solutions include added insulation, double glazing or a new boiler, which can each help to save fuel, reduce wastage and cut costs.
