How to Create a Cosy Winter Garden
Just because the long, sunny days of lounging in your garden are over, it doesn’t mean your outdoor space needs to hibernate until spring. With a few creative touches and seasonal updates, you can transform your garden into a winter retreat that feels just as inviting as your living room. Imagine gathering under twinkling lights on a crisp night, enjoying a hot drink on a brisk morning, or huddling around a firepit with friends. Here’s how to extend your enjoyment of the garden, even in the heart of winter.
Create an Outdoor Living Room
Think of your garden as an extension of your home, and style it accordingly. Start by treating the fence as your walls, using weather-resistant paint to refresh the look, or adding timber cladding or a trellis with climbing ivy for a touch of greenery in the heart of the city. Hang outdoor-friendly mirrors which will help to reflect light, making the space feel larger and more welcoming, and side tables for resting drinks or lanterns for the evening. Finally, decorate any seating areas with fluffy throws and plump cushions, finishing with a weatherproof rug for a sense of indoor warmth outdoors.
Ruggable Outdoor Ranier Rug – £139
Light it Up
Winter’s shorter days call for well-placed lighting to keep your garden welcoming after dark. Layering your lighting can create both ambience and practicality. Use fairy lights to add a magical touch along fences, trees or even winding up pergolas, and for pathways or steps, consider stake lights to light the way. For seating and gathering areas, battery-powered candles bring a soft, warm glow. The idea is to have varied points of light to create a layered, inviting glow across your space.
Mushroom Solar Lights – £19.99
Add Warmth
Nothing brings people together like a warm fire, so a firepit is a must-have feature for your winter garden. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, enjoying a drink with friends, or simply warming your hands, a firepit offers a beautiful focal point. For smaller spaces or urban balconies, gas firepits are a convenient alternative, adding both warmth and ambiance without the smoke. Don’t forget to bring along cozy blankets for an even warmer experience.
Solo Stove Fire Pit – £184.99
Consider a Garden Shelter
If you want to keep enjoying your outdoor space even in the rain or snow, invest in a stylish garden pod or shelter. Garden rooms create a cosy, wind-protected nook where you can unwind with a book, entertain friends, or even practice yoga. These enclosed structures allow you to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, providing shelter from the elements while still allowing you to enjoy nature. Alternatively, add a pergola with a retractable roof that can provide shade and shelter for al fresco dining or seating areas.
Retractable Pergola – £255.99
Perfect Your Planting
Even when deciduous trees have lost their leaves and summer blooms are gone, your garden doesn’t have to look bare. Winter-friendly plants add texture and life during the colder months. Cluster pots with evergreen plants, winter-blooming perennials, and fragrant herbs to add interest and vibrancy. Think winter honeysuckle, pansies, or bright red berries of holly or Daphnes for a splash of seasonal colour. For extra charm, consider planters in various textures or finishes.
Whisky Barrell Planter – from £9.99
Add Comfy Seating
Deep-seated, comfortable chairs or outdoor sofas are a perfect alternative to traditional sun loungers for winter relaxing. Choose models with plush cushions and pair them with a footstool or ottoman to complete the setup, which will double up as additional storage. For a truly inviting feel, layer your seating with blankets and cushions that can be tucked away when not in use. With the right seating, you’ll want to linger in your winter garden long into the evening.
Corston Sofa Set – £1,600
Invite a few seasonal touches into your garden to create a space you can enjoy all winter long. So, grab your blankets, light up the firepit, and savour the crisp, cool air in the warmth of your newly transformed winter garden.
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