Owning an outdoor space is now one of the most sought after items on a property purchaser’s wish list and a highly valued asset for home owners in the UK. According to recent research by Post Office Money, landscaping your garden could increase your property’s value by up to 77%.

With many of us spending more time at home, updating outdoor areas is now top of the agenda for lots of home owners. If you’re looking to make a move on a garden makeover, we’ve rounded-up all the latest landscaping trends and top tips to turn your garden into a sublime sanctuary this summer.

The white stuff

White is set to be the colour of summer and there are numerous ways you can introduce it into your garden to create sensational and stylish results. Whether you’re influenced by the whitewashed walls of spectacular Santorini or the subtle white sands of the Seychelles, we’ve got all the products you need to get your garden glowing.

Perfect patios and attractive terraces

There’s nothing more delightful than the chance to dine outdoors in the warmer months. Make the most of your garden by creating a defined area for eating and entertaining using an array of materials available from Covers, including decking, paving and decorative aggregates. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourites below:

Porcelain paving is both a hardwearing and stylish option for patios. Global Stone Artisan Serenity Paving offers an exciting contemporary range of landscaping solutions, which capture the strength and natural beauty of sandstone. Available in a choice of colours in either project packs or single sizes. Alternatively, for a traditional twist, Bradstone Arenaria paving is designed to replicate natural sandstone. Packs come with a mixture of three different sized stones to create a stylish finish.

Timber decking is still an extremely popular choice for creating an effortless finish that is in harmony with its natural surroundings. Choose between softwood decking or hardwood decking. IRO Decking is created by combining the ancient Japanese process of Yakisugi with the latest timber technology. The result is a uniquely coloured wood that oozes character and charm.

For a maintenance friendly alternative to timber decking, composite decking is a stylish and durable option that is available in a range of colours and finishes. Try Millboard Enhanced Grain Decking in Limed Oak for a sun-drenched appearance. Use Millboard Touch-Up Paint in Limed Oak for blending cut ends and repairing any scuffs.

Garden stones, pebbles and cobbles are a great way to enhance borders and add interesting features to your outdoor area. Perk up your patio by using white chippings, such as LRS Polar White Chippings, in pots and planters or around a water feature.

Maintenance easy, artificial grass

If you own animals or have children, then artificial grass is a great way to keep your lawn looking lush all year round without any of the regular maintenance that real grass requires. Ideal for play areas, artificial grass is hardwearing and comes in a range of lengths and styles to create a surprisingly realistic look. With its 37mm luxurious pile, Namgrass Serenity Artificial Grass is a soft and elegant choice for family gardens. For show stopping results, Namgrass Eclipse 30mm creates a neat and natural look that is guaranteed to look good for years to come.

Space to work and play

Garden buildings, such as summer houses and cabins, have become a popular way to create additional space away from the main property for work and play. If you’re looking at installing an outdoor building, we have all the products you might need to complete your project. These include insulation, flooring and cladding. For more information about how we can help you add the finishing touches to your garden building project, take a look at our blog - Find the ideal finishing touches for your garden outbuilding or summerhouse.

A secluded sanctuary

Getting away from it all in the garden is difficult to achieve if your outdoor space lacks privacy. No matter what the size of your outdoor area, we provide a wide range of solutions to create a tranquil retreat where you can relax and unwind. Whether you’re looking to replace fence panels, or create a calming corner with trellis and arches, we have a variety of products that will keep your garden secure and serene.

Composite cladding and timber garden screening are great ways to add a modern edge to your garden while creating visually interesting lines. Disguise an ugly wall, install on an out-building, or use as an alternative to traditional fence panels to create stunning effects that will look good for years to come.

Try our Western Red Cedar garden screening, which is naturally durable, predominantly knot-free and responsibly sourced, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor projects.

For further inspiration, have a look at our new landscaping brochure, which showcases more of the latest trends and tips for getting your garden looking great in 2021.