As passionate gardeners, we truly thrive off creating a perfect aesthetic and relaxing outdoor oasis, however, certain essential elements can easily distract from its overall beauty. During the design and planning phase of your outdoor space, it’s about tackling those pesky eyesores head-on, finding imaginative ways to incorporate them into the overall design or cleverly conceal them from view. 

Unsightly Necessities

Whether it’s utility boxes, dustbins, sheds, rain barrels, oil tanks, or fences, each of these seemingly mundane objects has the potential to become a centrepiece in your haven. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can breathe new life into these everyday essential items and turn them into works of garden art that seamlessly integrate into the landscape.

We’re going to guide you through various inventive techniques and ideas to help you transform those bothersome necessities into striking spectacles. By thinking outside the box, you’ll be well on your way to designing a garden that not only serves its purpose but also captivates the senses and truly reflects your personal style and vision. 

Artfully Camouflage Utility Boxes, Tanks and Rain Barrels

Utility boxes, oil tanks and water barrels can often be unattractive yet avoidable parts of
your garden space. These essential components, while necessary for modern-day living, can
easily disrupt the seamless beauty of our outdoor spaces. Nevertheless, there are several
creative ways to either blend these into your garden’s environment or artfully conceal them,
making them a more visually appealing part of your landscape:

• Paint them to blend in: One simple, affordable yet effective solution is to use paint that matches the surrounding colours, such as the hues of your, fences, or walls. This will help these eyesores to blend seamlessly with their environment, making them far less noticeable.
• Decorative panels: Another option is to install decorative fence panels around these tanks and boxes. These panels are made from various materials like wood, metal, or resin, and can be customised to suit your garden’s theme and style. 
• Faux stone covers: To create a more natural and rustic look, consider crafting or purchasing a faux stone cover for your utility boxes. These covers can mimic various types of stone, such as granite, limestone, or slate, allowing you to choose one that complements your garden’s aesthetic.
• Install natural barrier options: An attractive and organic solution is to install a trellis adorned with climbing plants or hedging, you’ll also be creating a natural habitat for local wildlife too.  Choose plants that thrive in your climate and require minimal maintenance, such as ivy, clematis, or jasmine. As the plants grow and cover the trellis, they will create a beautiful, living camouflage for your utility boxes and tanks, bringing an added touch of nature to your yard space. 
• Custom enclosures: For a more personalised approach, consider building custom enclosures. These can be designed to match your garden’s style and can be made from materials such as wood, metal, or even repurposed items like old shutters or doors.

Turn Your Dust Bins into an Aesthetic Feature

Our numerous waste and recycling bins can easily take up a considerable amount of space and unpleasantly stand out in our gardens. With some imagination and resourcefulness, we can change this and convert them into functional yet aesthetic features. Here are some inventive ideas to help you get started:

• Wooden or metal enclosures: Design and build a custom enclosure using wood or metal materials that match your garden’s style. The enclosure can feature decorative elements, such as lattice panels, intricate cut-outs, or ornamental hardware, making it both an attractive and functional addition.
• Living or natural screens: Surround your bins with tall plants, hedges, or bamboo to create a natural barrier that blends seamlessly with your garden’s landscape. Choose plants that are low-maintenance and grow well in your climate to ensure a lush and thriving living screen.
• Decorative fencing: Install a short fence or gate around dustbins, using materials like wrought iron, wood, or vinyl. Personalise the fencing with paint, stencils, or decorative accents to create a visually appealing barrier that complements your garden’s overall design.

Give Your Garden Shed a Makeover

A simple garden shed, often regarded as a purely functional storage space, holds immense potential to become an eye-catching highlight in your outdoor oasis. By incorporating a few creative upgrades, you can transform your shed into a visually appealing feature that reflects your personal style and complements your garden’s theme. Here are some inspiring ideas to help you give your garden shed a stunning makeover:

• A fresh coat of paint: Breathe new life into your shed with a fresh coat of paint in a colour that fits with your garden’s palette or provides a striking contrast. Consider using bold hues, soft pastels, or even a combination of colours to create a visually appealing focal point.
• Decorative window boxes: Add charm and character to your shed by installing decorative window boxes filled with vibrant flowers or trailing plants. Choose plant varieties that thrive in your climate and require minimal maintenance for a long-lasting, colourful display.
• Living green roof: Transform your shed’s roof into an eco-friendly and visually captivating feature by installing a living green roof. A green roof consists of low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants that provide insulation, absorb rainwater, and create a beautiful, natural display.
• Unique door and hardware: Replace your shed’s door with a distinctive design or repurpose an old door to add a touch of vintage charm. Enhance the door further with decorative hardware, such as ornate hinges or handles to create a truly bespoke look.
• Creative lighting: Illuminate your shed with unique lighting options, such as string lights, solar lanterns, or vintage-inspired sconces. Thoughtful lighting placement can accentuate your shed’s architectural features and create a warm, inviting ambience during evening hours.
• Personalised signage: Paint your garden’s name, a favourite quote, or a whimsical illustration on a wooden board or metal plaque to add a personal touch to your outdoor space.

Reinvent your fence

Fences provide more than just a boundary and privacy, they also hold the potential to significantly enhance the visual appeal of your garden space. By getting creative and exploring different design ideas, you can elevate the aesthetics of your fence and transform it into an eye-catching feature that complements the rest of your yard. 

Consider painting a mural on your fence, choosing a theme that complements your personal style and letting your artistic talents shine (or hire someone to bring your vision to life. Why not attach planters filled with vibrant flowers or foliage to instantly breathe life and colour into your fence? Try experimenting with different plant types and arrangements to create something visually stunning.  You could also opt to create a “living wall” by planting climbing vines which will gradually cover your fence with beautiful blooms. 

By incorporating one or more of these inventive ideas into your garden design you’ll be able to effectively transform unappealing necessities into remarkable spectacles. Embrace the challenge and unleash your creativity to craft a garden that captivates the senses while fulfilling its purpose. 

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Hannah Walters is a freelance writer covering a number of topics but with a true passion for gardening and all things flowers. She spends much of her spare time (especially during this time of the year) reading in her garden oasis. It’s such a fantastic way for her to escape and enjoy all of her hard work.