How to Create a Year-Round Garden Retreat

This is a collabrative post.

There’s some people out there who’ve turned their outdoor space into a year-round sanctuary that’s just as cosy in January as it is in July. And no, they’re not millionaires with staff and a personal gardener (as nice as that would be). Instead, they’ve just figured out how to make their garden work with the seasons instead of against them. Okay, but how?

You Need to Think Structure First, Aesthetics Later

Sure, a Pinterest-perfect garden room looks nice, but if you’re freezing in it six months out of the year, what’s the point? Instead, you need to start by thinking practically. You’ll need something that holds its own through the ever-unpredictable British weather.

But insulation is key here, of course. You want a space that won’t feel like a greenhouse in summer and a meat locker in winter. Meaning, that you’re going to want to look into double-glazed windows, proper roofing, and heating that isn’t just a plug-in fan you yanked from the hallway, and yes, these things matter more than scatter cushions.

It’s About Choosing the Right Type of Room

Okay, as you can see from above, the goal here is to get some sort of garden structure, which is how you can still technically enjoy your garden all year round. But now comes the fun bit: figuring out what kind of garden structure works best for your space and lifestyle. Are you after something traditional, flooded with natural light, and maybe a bit romantic?

Alternatively, do you need something that blends into your house and feels more like an extension? Well, sure, there’s the whole orangery vs conservatory debate, and yeah, you should ask yourself which is better since the goal here will be structure (and it’s a space that you actually want to be in). But whatever direction you go in, just make sure it suits your vibe, your desired atmosphere, oh, and your central heating system.

You Need to Furnish it Wisely

So, if you’re planning to actually spend time out there, then it’s worth going beyond the usual rattan set and throw pillows. Now sure, those are great, but instead, you should think about comfy armchairs, layered lighting, maybe even a speaker system if you’re the kind who likes sipping tea while listening to a true crime podcast (if that’s your thing, of course). 

Just furnish it the way you want, just make sure everything is UV safe, or else you might risk sun-bleached furniture.

Don’t Forget the Greenery

This might sound obvious, but a garden room without any actual garden feel is just... a weird glass cube. Again, the whole point is to enjoy the garden, but the plants shouldn’t necessarily be outside. What’s the point of that? 

Besides, use this as a chance to grow some plants. For example, having some potted plants, vertical herb walls, or even a few climbers that sneak in from the outside. You don’t need to recreate Kew Gardens, but a little bit of green does wonders for the soul.