Quirky Garden Ideas for Summer 2024

Fed up of your garden? Is the thought of spring making you want to change things up a bit?

I’m already fed up of winter, and looking forward to the lighter, warmer evenings. I can’t wait to get our garden renovated with a bit of landscape gardening so we can spend time outside and actually enjoy our environment.

The team at Urban Pods, garden pod suppliers, got in touch with me this week, and it got me thinking about what you can actually do with your outside space. When it comes to gardens, most people think grass, patios and furniture. But it can be so much more than this. Here are some quirky garden ideas for 2024 to get you thinking.

Garden into living room

Who says your garden has to be full of ugly garden furniture? Your outdoor space should be paid just as much attention as the interiors of your living room, as proven by Sam from Dove Cottage Blog.

She created this beautiful DIY sunburst mirror to hang on the fence at a very small cost. It really takes your focus away from the fence panels and is a focal point for the whole seating area.

She’s managed to turn garden furniture into something you might find in your living room. Her use of throws and cushions works so well, and she’s even got a ‘coffee table’ and an ‘end table’ to suit her lounge-cum-garden. I think the whole thing works beautifully and is something you should try in your own outdoor space.

Install a pod

These pods are an excellent idea if the cost of an extension is too much for you but you could do with some extra space. They can be used as an outdoor office, fitted with all the plug sockets you’d need, or even just a spare living space for when you want a quiet night.

The pod can be as big or small as you want, depending on the size of your garden. It doesn’t have to be overly imposing if you don’t want it to be.

Purchase or make some unusual planters

You don’t need to put your plants in standard pots. There are tonnes of variations you could use instead, like old walking boots, wheelbarrows or even bathtubs depending on the size of your garden. Have an experiment and see what you like and what you don’t.

You could repurpose vintage teacups as mini herb planters. Arrange them on a tiered tray or hang them on a garden wall for a charming and functional display, adding a touch of nostalgia.

Glow in the dark planters are another fun option too! Paint traditional planters with glow-in-the-dark paint to create a magical atmosphere in your garden at night. These luminous containers add an enchanting touch and transform your garden into a wonderland after sundown.

Create a vertical garden

Ever heard of vertical gardening? It’s the new trend for those with very small gardens or yards in city centres, but doesn’t stop you from making the space look beautiful or even growing your own food.

You could upcycle wooden pallets into vertical gardens by attaching pots to the slats. This space-saving idea is perfect for growing herbs, flowers, or succulents, turning any vertical surface into a green oasis.

Similarly, you can create a spiral herb garden by arranging herbs in a winding pattern. This not only adds visual interest but also maximizes space, allowing you to cultivate a variety of herbs within a small area while creating a focal point.

Encourage the wildlife

I am obssessed with encouraging natural wildlife. Too many gardens have few plants or artifical grass that is just not a good environment for birds, bees, insects, frogs and more.

So I ask you to encourage the wildlife. You can do this in a couple of ways.

First, you can create a birdhouse village. Sounds amazing, right?

Create a mini community by selecting a few different birdhouse designs, ranging from quaint cottages to intricate mansions. Arrange them on posts, hang them from tree branches or attach them to the walls of your own house.

You may also want to consider planting bird-friendly plants around the village to attract a variety of species. Create a welcoming environment with bird baths and feeders nearby. The result is a beautiful, lively bird village.

Second, you can create bug hotels.

Designing a whimsical bug hotel in your garden not only supports biodiversity but also adds a quirky and educational element to your outdoor space. Construct a bug-friendly haven by repurposing various materials to create unique habitats for beneficial insects.

Start by stacking wooden pallets or crates, filling the compartments with a variety of natural materials like straw, twigs, pinecones, and bark. Each section serves as a cozy residence for different insects, including solitary bees, ladybugs, and beetles.

 

What else would you add to your quirky garden ideas for 2024?

*Collaborative post