Stuck for how to turn your backyard into an urban oasis? Canopy Landscape Architects’ Julie Greenslade and Paul Roper-Gee have some ideas.

The days are getting longer and the sap is rising, so this is a great time to get stuck into the garden and make the most of your outdoor areas. If your yard needs a makeover, there are some important things to consider. Your outdoor space may be separate but it will still need to form a strong relationship with the house. In planning your garden, consider sun, shade, shelter and creating well-proportioned spaces, and remember that all gardens mature and change over time so try to visualise just how big those new plants will become.

With these principles in place, you can personalise the spaces to suit your lifestyle and complement your house. Here’s three design ideas to help make the most of your garden:

Birds and bees Even on a small scale you can attract birds, bees, bugs and lizards to your garden by planting to provide food, shelter and nesting space. Get online to find out what native plants originally grew in your part of the city. Your garden can look good year round and you will also be doing your bit to increase biodiversity in Christchurch.

Inside out We all love the long evenings during the spring and summer months – why not create an outdoor dining and entertainment area as an extension of your indoor living space? A covered deck or paved area will provide shelter from the elements and together with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit creates a cosy space extending the time spent outside. Outdoor kitchens let those cooking enjoy the sunshine and be part of the social atmosphere.

Eat your garden Growing and harvesting fresh, healthy food from your own garden is very rewarding and provides great learning opportunities for children. If space is a constraint, there are still many ways to integrate edibles, with espaliered fruit trees, pots and planters.

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