Garden Ideas for Empty Nesters
Whether your children have just gone back to school after a long, sunny summer of playing in the garden, or your older children have flown the nest for uni, we have compiled some garden ideas for those who would like to reclaim their outdoor space in preparation for cooler autumn evenings and spring colour next year.
Plant flowering bulbs for spring colour
Autumn is the best time of year for planting bulbs in preparation for some spring colour next year!
Think purple crocuses for delicate, welcoming colour, yellow daffodils to brighten your garden, and hyacinths for some gorgeous scent!
The many benefits of planting bulbs are:
- Low maintenance and very easy to plant; simply plant at double their depth in damp soil
- They do not require a lot of sun and will grow nicely in shaded areas
- They have protection from harsh weather with their hard outer shell
- Bugs and birds find it much harder to eat them
If you are in need of some new soil, you will be spoilt for choice with the selection we have!
Lay a new lawn
Maybe you have a large, unloved area of your garden that is crying out for some natural colour, or an old lawn that has had its day.
At Stone Zone, we sell award-winning grass turf derived from well-established fescue and ryegrass, ensuring it contains the nutrients and treatment to prevent disease and drought.
Why buy our Wessex Turf?
- Rolls are freshly cut upon ordering, for collection or delivery on specific days to ensure freshness
- Establishes quickly and efficiently in new gardens (provided the soil has been prepared correctly)
- No plastic netting, reducing plastic consumption and ensuring the grass is not contaminated
- Thick grass makes it tolerant to all weather conditions
Did you know? September and October are usually the best months for laying turf! This is because the UK weather tends to be mild and fairly wet, which makes for the perfect conditions for installing grass rolls.
Add a garden patio
A garden patio is something all garden lovers can appreciate, whatever you decide to use it for. For the cooler months, a garden patio is great for entertaining with some comfy garden furniture, sitting around a warm firepit or enjoying some calming outdoor lighting.
Do you have an old patio you have fallen out of love with? Or maybe your garden does not have one, and now is the perfect time to add one with the extra space you may have gained!
Options for garden patios
- Modern porcelain paving: our biggest and best-selling range, with multiple colour and pattern choices. Many people love the natural, marbled effect many of these paving tiles have
- Rustic natural stone paving: cut from real stone in India, our sandstone and limestone paving slabs feature riven edges and unique colours for a traditional garden patio
- Premium slate or granite paving: looking for some real, natural character for your garden? These premium stone pavers will not disappoint! Great for cottage gardens or period properties
If we have convinced you to add a new, stylish patio to your garden, our paving colours include grey, beige, black and patterned options!
Add some plant borders and beds
If you have recently gained some space, or you want to revamp unused areas of your garden, adding some borders or beds around the outer edges is a great way of adding cheerful colour whilst attracting a variety of bees, birds and butterflies.
Ideas for garden beds and borders
- Ground-level borders are ideal for planting shrubs and bushes; use CORE Edging for a perfectly neat finish, available in multiple colours
- Raised beds are great for bedding plants and flowers; use oak sleepers for a long-lasting planting container that will turn a beautiful silver colour over time
- For existing beds and borders, consider adding some Soil Improver Compost if you are adding new plants, and some woodland mulch over winter to protect roots from frost
Grow your own
Lastly, now might be the perfect time to plan some fruit, veg or herb planting! There is a reason why more and more people are opting to grow their own: not only is fresh produce much nicer, but it is also a greatly rewarding hobby to undertake!
Easy ways to grow your own
- Use hanging baskets for fruit such as strawberries
- Use grow bags for easy tomatoes and courgettes
- Incorporate herbs into your newly added beds and borders
- Try out vertical planting for space-saving herbs
Our Wessex Fruit & Veg Topsoil is a best-seller, especially when it comes to growing your own!
