Spring inspirations

As the daylight hours increase and the warm weather arrives it's time to break out of the cosy indoor nests created for winter, and greet the new plant growth and budding flowers waiting for you outside!

With the newfound vibrance of spring comes a positive attitude, so why not start the season off with an outdoor celebration for family and friends. Following are some tips to assist you in transforming your winter world into a fresh and inspiring spring retreat. 

 

Plants

A herb garden doesn't have to be confined to a traditional-style veggie patch. Think outside the box and experiment with a sage or rosemary hedge or a ground cover of mint and thyme, which can be grown at the edge of steppers or paths to fill in gaps and soften edges. Oregano, basil and parsley are also easy to grow, in pots or in the garden, and are great to add fresh flavour to your meals.

For entertaining, try a Muddled Lychee and Mint Mocktail
• Mix lychees (peeled and with stones removed), torn mint leaves, crushed ice and tonic water. You may like to sweeten with agave syrup or castor sugar. Mix just before serving.

 

Materials

While sitting under the canopy of a beautiful, established tree is an inviting idea it’s not always possible, and, depending on your needs, not always practical. Good garden design is all about extracting maximum value from a space, and the right overhead structure can enable you to use your outdoor room all year round. Now is a great time to plan ahead for protecting your friends and family from the summer sun with one of the many shading systems available.

When researching an overhead structure you should consider the longevity and durability of the materials and the weatherproof rating—is it rainproof, do you need it to be, and can you harvest the rainwater? Is it a permanent structure or something you put up and remove when not needed?
Lastly, remember that while people are using the space, the view upwards can be just as important as the view forwards.

 

Paint

Pale pink flower petals and soft green new shoots are quietly vibrant colours that awaken the senses and make your heart sing. When considering a new shade of spring paint, consider experimenting with the texture of your painted surfaces too.

Each of the Jamie Durie Signature paints is unique. Nature's Spectrum is a low sheen acrylic; hard-wearing and washable. Sediment is also an acrylic, with added finely crushed quartz to provide a slightly earthy texture. Weathered Wash is a natural lime wash, that streaks and weathers with age when painted on exteriors, and provides a soft mottled finish to interior walls. Paint texture can offer an added dimension to your walls—its not just about colour!

 

Furniture

Spring is about rekindling your relationship with your garden. Choose furniture that allows you to pause and take it all in—a simple hammock strung between two trees, a picnic table or blanket, or a daybed to steal a quiet moment curled up reading a book, can all evoke a playful feeling of freedom, youthful indulgence and relaxation.

 

Soft furnishings and accessories

Paint colours do not need to stop at walls. Why not continue the scheme by painting some second-hand furniture or vases and pots for your plants. Repeated colours help to draw your eye around a space and strengthen a colour palette. It can be as subtle as a colour within a fabric pattern used on upholstery and floor cushions or as temporary as flowers in a vase. Colour used wisely amongst other design elements will enhance the ambiance within your outdoor room.

Get creative with your tabletop setting. Use your food as part of the decoration. Choose the colours of your drinks to tie in with your tablecloth or napkins, and use mismatched glasses and plates to create a whimsical mood. Mix small bunches of colourful flowers in little vases punctuated amongst the food, plates and glasses. And enjoy.