Planning Your Outdoor Space for the New Year

As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your outdoor space and how to make the most of it. Whether you’re dreaming of a new patio, refreshing your garden pathways, or creating a space for entertaining, early planning ensures you’ll be ready to enjoy your new landscape by the time warmer weather arrives.

Here’s a guide to help you plan your outdoor space for the year ahead.

Assess Your Space

Before diving into any plans, take a good look at your outdoor area. Consider:

Current Layout: What works and what doesn’t? Are there areas that feel cluttered, underused, or in need of attention?

Purpose: How do you want to use the space? Relaxation, entertaining, gardening, or all of the above?

Limitations: Identify challenges like uneven ground, drainage issues, or lack of sunlight that may influence your choices.

Take notes and even sketch out a rough map of your space to visualise potential changes.

Set Your Goals

Once you’ve assessed your space, think about what you’d like to achieve. Here are some popular ideas to inspire you:

Patio Areas: A natural stone patio is a timeless choice for creating a stylish and durable entertaining area.

Porcelain Paving: A versatile choice that blends contemporary or traditional styles with the practicality of ultra-low maintenance and long-lasting durability.

Garden Paths: Stone pathways can add structure and guide visitors through your garden while blending beautifully with natural surroundings.

Water Features: A pond or fountain surrounded by stone can add a sense of tranquillity and sophistication.

Boundary Markers: Boulders or stone edging can define spaces and create a polished look.

By defining your goals, you’ll have a clearer idea of the materials and features you’ll need.

Choose the Right Materials

The materials you choose can make or break your outdoor space, so take time to select ones that suit your style, purpose, and environment. Here are a few options to consider:

Paving: Sandstone, limestone, York stone or porcelain are excellent choices for patios and paths, offering a range of colours and finishes.

Boulders: Purbeck or glacial boulders can be used as decorative features or functional barriers for traffic management and security.

Chippings: Ideal for pathways, driveways, or as a low-maintenance ground cover.

Walling Stone: Perfect for creating retaining walls, raised beds, or decorative garden features.

Sleepers: Durable and versatile, sleepers are great for edging, raised beds, and rustic steps.

Steps and Copings: Add a polished finish to walls and create elegant, functional access points.

Make sure to consider your local climate and how the materials will weather over time.

Create a Budget

Outdoor projects can vary greatly in cost, so it’s essential to establish a realistic budget early on. Factor in:

• Materials
• Labour (if you’re hiring professionals)
• Tools and equipment
• Maintenance costs for the future

Remember, investing in high-quality materials like natural stone can save money in the long run, as it’s durable and requires minimal upkeep.

Plan for the Seasons

Think about how you’ll use your outdoor space throughout the year. Do you want a sunny patio for summer barbecues, or do you need covered areas for all-weather use? Consider features like:

• Fire pits or heaters for cooler evenings
• Pergolas or shade sails for sunny days
• Durable materials that can withstand winter frosts

Seasonal planning ensures you’ll enjoy your outdoor space no matter the weather.

Get Inspired

The best outdoor spaces are a reflection of your personal style. Browse magazines, websites, and social medias for inspiration. Take note of colour schemes, layouts, and features that catch your eye. Visiting local suppliers, like us at Miles Stone, can also give you a hands-on look at different materials and how they can transform your space.

Work with Professionals (or DIY)

Deciding whether to tackle your project yourself or bring in the experts is an important step. While smaller tasks like creating a gravel path might be a fun DIY challenge, larger projects like patios or retaining walls often benefit from professional input.

Choosing the right landscaper or contractor for your project can be challenging, but we’re here to help. At Miles Stone, we have a network of trusted professionals, and once we understand the scope of your job, we can recommend the best person to bring your vision to life.

Why not take your project a step further by consulting a garden designer first? A skilled designer can help you maximise your space, incorporate creative ideas, and ensure every detail fits seamlessly together. If you’d like to explore this option, we can connect you with experienced designers to help turn your outdoor space into something truly special.

Final Thoughts

Planning your outdoor space for the New Year is an exciting opportunity to create a garden or landscape you’ll love for years to come. By starting early, setting clear goals, and choosing the right materials, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a beautiful, functional outdoor space.

If you’re looking for inspiration or advice, feel free to visit us at Miles Stone. We’re always here to help you turn your vision into reality with our range of natural stone and landscaping materials.