WRITTEN BY SOPHIE VALENTINE
Spring is the perfect time to give your garden a little glow-up. As the days get longer and the weather warms up, many of us start thinking about spending more time outdoors. But after winter, gardens can often look a little bare and exposed. The good news is that with a few simple ideas and some clever planting, you can quickly transform your space into a garden that feels more private, welcoming, and full of life.
Covering bare fences with beautiful climbers
As plants haven’t fully filled out yet, fences and garden structures can be very visible in spring, and the garden may feel a little open. One of the easiest ways to soften hard edges and add interest is by planting climbers.
Clematis are a wonderful option for beginner gardeners because they are relatively easy to grow and add instant charm. Two beautiful purple varieties already flowering in my garden in March are Clematis ‘Frankie’ and Clematis alpina, and their delicate flowers brighten the garden early in the season. Planting them now means you can look forward to a stunning spring display in future years. If you are looking for an evergreen clematis, then Clematis Armandi is a fantastic choice.
If you’re looking for something that provides coverage all year round, star jasmine is a fantastic option for a sunny spot. Its glossy evergreen leaves help disguise fences, sheds and outbuildings, and in summer it produces beautifully scented white flowers. It’s a great way to add greenery while also hiding less attractive areas of the garden. If you are looking for something that can tolerate partial shade, then honeysuckle is a great choice, and most are visited by pollinators.
Another great option is Clematis montana, tolerant of a little light shade, it’s a vigorous climber that quickly covers fences, pergolas and arches. In spring it becomes covered in masses of flowers, creating a spectacular display that feels very cottage-garden inspired.
Creating a classic cottage garden feel
No late spring or early summer cottage garden would feel complete without the romantic look of wisteria. When trained over a pergola or around a seating area, it’s cascading flowers create a truly magical space to sit and relax. Wisteria takes a little patience to establish, but once mature it becomes one of the most beautiful features in a seasonal garden.
Climbing roses are another wonderful addition if you love a cottage garden style. They bring colour and fragrance through the summer months and look stunning trained along fences, arches or pergolas. Combining roses with climbers like clematis can create layers of colour and interest throughout the season.
Instant solutions for covering unattractive areas
Sometimes planting alone isn’t enough to hide everything in the garden. This can be especially true if you live in a rental property or need a quick solution for covering things like bins, broken fences or sheds. Roll-out screening is an affordable and simple way to transform an area instantly. It can be attached to existing fences or structures to create a natural look while improving privacy.
There are also options with artificial foliage attached, which add instant greenery and colour without the wait for plants to grow.
Creating private spaces in the garden
If your garden feels overlooked, it can help to focus on creating one area that feels more private and sheltered. Adding a pergola is a fantastic way to do this.
A pergola can instantly define a seating or dining area, helping it feel like a cosy outdoor room. It also creates the perfect structure for climbing plants such as roses, wisteria, or clematis, which will gradually soften the space and add even more privacy.
Another benefit is that pergolas can provide much-needed shade during the warmer months, making your garden more comfortable to enjoy on sunny days.
A note from Sophie
Giving your garden a spring glow-up doesn’t have to involve a huge transformation. Sometimes small changes such as adding climbers, covering bare fences, creating a private seating area or using screening, can make a big difference.
With a little planning now, you can create a garden that feels greener, more private, and ready to enjoy throughout the warmer months ahead.
Sophie x