IF you’re converting your garden into a relaxing space ahead of the summer, this addition may be for you.
A “tranquil” decor buy is said to level up our outdoor area, helping to drown out any surrounding noise.
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Whether you’re soaking up the sun or tending to your flowerbeds, nearby roads or loud neighbours can ruin the relaxing ambience of your garden.
By adding a decor feature, you can effectively drown out any outside noise.
According Robert Quinton, landscape gardening expert and owner of Construction Megastore, adding a water feature accomplishes this instantly.
Speaking to Ideal Home, he explained: “The sound of flowing water is often thought of as one of the most relaxing noises you can hear, and it can help create a tranquil atmosphere in your garden.”
He advised homeowners to consider installing a water feature such as a “fountain, pond, or waterfall feature”.
“Try to place this strategically so it acts as a natural sound barrier,” Robert recommended.
“The gentle rippling of water not only adds to the ambience but also helps drown out external disturbances.”
The Grey Cascade Solar Powered Resin Water Fountain is currently available for £69.30, reduced from £77.
This B&Q garden fountain is equipped with solar panels and built-in LED lights.
It is described as a “solid structure” that gives a “natural stone appearance”.
According to manufacturers, the item’s “elegant design” makes it look “close to nature”.
“The water trickles down from each tier of the fountain, creating a wonderful soothing sound and then recycles back into the fountain again,” the product description read.
This fountain is handmade with “a beautifully rippled surface”, making it “the best match with your garden greenery”.
“The water flows from the jug into layers of bowls, creating the soothing sound of water babbling,” manufacturers said.
And this buy is available at a significantly lower rate than a similar buy from The Range.
Top gardening trends of 2025
Gardening experts at Barnsdale Gardens has shared the top gardening trends of 2025.
Matrix planting
It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting.
In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed.
Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control.
Chrysanthemum comeback
I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as ‘Innocence’ and ‘Cottage Apricot’ would be spectacular within a matrix scheme.
The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border.
Blended borders
For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year.
The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing!
Must-have tool
My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else.
It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said!
The Four-Tier Cascading Water Feature is currently available for £109.99.
According to the experts at The Range, this buy creates a “calm and tranquil area”.
It is said to “enhance a range of environments and is perfect for use in the garden and patio area”.
Both fountains are completely self-contained and don’t require a permanent water supply.
And a Home Bargains buy that is said to add a touch of glamour to your garden.
Another item from the bargain retailer is perfect for attracting birds to your space.
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