Backyard Landscaping Ideas in Gloucestershire, UK

Do you feel your back garden needs a little sprucing up? In your mind’s eye, instead of a lawn with a bit of shrubbery you might see something more unique – a beautiful, landscaped oasis where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors.

The only problem is that your vision may be a touch blurry and translating it into reality can be challenging. This is where I come in. Let’s explore some backyard landscaping ideas that can transform your outdoor space and enhance the value and enjoyment of your home.

Idea 1. An Outdoor Pool

I know it can feel like the blink-and-you-miss-them summers in Gloucestershire might make the idea of getting a backyard pool seem strange. However, Gloucestershire gets around 93 decent days of summer. That’s good enough for me, and probably good enough for you to enjoy a pool as a back garden landscaping feature.

Type and cost are the big deciding factors influencing pool selection. An above-ground pool – one that sits directly on top of your garden – is the cheapest option. Expect to pay between £3,000 and £5,000, with a pool installation fee added.

If you’re considering an in-ground pool, be prepared for the significant construction and excavation work involved. Your cost bumps up as a result – between £60,000 and £150,000 depending on pool size and the materials you use. Concrete keeps your costs lower, whereas fibreglass and steel are among the costlier material choices. Pool style can also impact your costs. Some pools require more materials, so concrete only costs less in a like-for-like installation.

Keep in mind that these are ranges pulled from my own experience installing pools. The size of that pool will also have an impact. The prices I’ve mentioned covered a 3.65-by-7.3-metre pool. You can add around £1,000 to £2,000 per each additional metre or so lengthways.

However, think about what you get in return for that money – the ability to lounge in your pool, drink in hand, while you bask under the Gloucestershire sun.

Idea 2. Build an Outdoor Kitchen

Treating yourself to an outdoor kitchen gives you a double whammy of backyard landscaping ideas. You get the kitchen, which is great for summer barbecues and hosting your friends and neighbours. Plus, the kitchen can practically double as a patio area which is a nice additional feature, meaning you get some back garden versatility. I also love the idea of enjoying great food while being close to nature, which is why I love outdoor kitchens.

Like swimming pools, there are some pretty hefty costs involved in outdoor kitchen construction. Those costs also depend on the features you want for your kitchen. Going bog-standard with basic workspaces, storage, and appliances will set you back around £4,000. Going bespoke bumps the cost up considerably. An outdoor kitchen could even stretch to £50,000 if you have it designed from scratch. However, it’s possible to get a high-quality kitchen (though less customized) for about half that much.

Idea 3. Cotswold Stone and Plenty of Flowers

So far, I’ve covered backyard landscaping ideas that focused more on man-made elements and materials. If you prefer a more natural look for your backyard keeping your garden looking green – with splashes of colour and a little control – I recommend combining some traditional Cotswold stonework with flower beds.

Starting with the stonework, you can create something that harkens back to the storybook style of old. Cotswold cottages make heavy use of the mellow stones that are available in the region, and you can bring that aesthetic to your garden. Brickwork paving can literally lead you down the garden path and make your space feel more inviting. If you prefer a more subtle usage, consider using this stone to create edging around in-garden flowerbeds to separate your lawn from your flowers.

Speaking of flowers, use them to add dashes of colour to your back garden. Just keep in mind Gloucestershire’s temperate climate. Average temperatures in the county hover around the 14 degrees Celsius mark, with obvious peaks and valleys in summer and winter. Good hardy plant choices for this type of climate include salvias, which flower for months on end and don’t require much attention and penstemon. I’m also a fan of the classic cottage plant Lupinus (also known as the “Noble Maiden”).

Get Started With Your Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Hopefully, I’ve helped your mind’s eye vision for your back garden gain a little clarity with these ideas. Don’t be afraid to add your own concepts into the mix. Maybe you could combine the flowerbeds I’ve talked about with shrubbery and trees to create a real green feel. It all depends on how you want to use your garden – is it a place for hosting or enjoying? Answer that question and you’re on your way to finding your favourite backyard landscaping ideas.