How to Create the Perfect Courtyard Garden

Here at Madingley Mulch, we know small can definitely be beautiful when it comes to courtyard gardens. With the right plants, furniture and garden paving, our customers in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk have created some incredibly relaxing spaces. If you’d like to make the most of your courtyard garden, just follow these five top tips. 

 

Don’t Try to Fit Too Much In

This is the first and most important rule when working with a small and enclosed area, as one big central feature will have much more effect than lots of little ones, which can easily make the space seem cluttered. A small shed or storage container will keep the whole area tidy and well maintained.

 

Create the Illusion of Space

Choose light, neutral colours that reflect space instead of dark or bold colours that will make it seem smaller. And don’t go in for lots of pretty patterns – keep colour schemes simple and minimalist.

You can also create the impression of space with diagonal paving slabs, while water features also work well in courtyard garden design because they reflect the sky.

When it comes to plants, grow upwards, as creepers and climbers up the side of fences and walls won’t take up much space at ground level. Raised beds can be used to create growing areas which can double up as seating.

 

Look After Your Plants

In a courtyard garden, there’s nowhere for poorly plants to hide. If you use good quality compost, soil conditioner or mulch, you can help the earth in your beds retain moisture and reduce weed growth in summer, and also protect plant roots in winter. And try to match your plants to the conditions. For instance, if you have a shady courtyard, then hostas should be able to thrive.

At Madingley Mulch we exclusively supply Denise’s Delight, a mix of Fen Soil, horse manure and other plant nutrients, and Tony’s Tonic, a mulch which can either be spread over the soil or dug in. Both these products will help your patio plants to flourish.

 

Choose Landscaping Materials Carefully

In a courtyard garden, the style, quality, colour and finish are more important than ever. Paler paving and decorative stones will make the garden look bigger – and keep it cooler – than darker slabs. Choose grouting which is a shade lighter than the slabs, and recess it slightly so that it doesn’t dominate.

We stock a wide range of garden paving stones. Our Premier Riven and Indian Sandstone slabs both come in a variety of shades, while our Old Grey Courtyard Paving is ideal if you want to create a weathered effect. 

 

Make it an Extension to your House

Make sure it is easy to get from the house into your courtyard garden, as this will encourage you to use it as an outdoor living space. Use pathways and lighting to draw your eye down from the garden from the windows or patio doors.

Choose comfortable seats, and then place them in the sun or shade depending on your personal preference. With carefully positioned lighting or controlled outdoor fires, your courtyard garden can be used all year round, even in the darker winter months.

 

Courtyard Garden Materials from Madingley Mulch

If you’d like to redesign your courtyard garden, Madingley Mulch supplies a wide range of materials, including fencing, decorative stones and garden paving, which we can deliver to Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk. Visit our shop to browse our extensive range or ask for advice from our friendly, knowledgeable staff or feel free to give us a call on 01954 212144.

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