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Winter garden: How to make the most of your garden this winter

WINTER can leave our gardens looking bleak and uninviting as the trees fall bare and brown hues replace the autumnal palette - but how can you make your garden a cosy place to be rather than abandoning it this season?

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Winter is drawing closer and as the temperature plummets, few of us are daring to brave the freezing cold of our gardens. While the weather may not be enticing, there are ways to make your garden cosier this winter so you can keep heading out - but what exactly should you be doing? From warming fire pits to ambient lighting,Express.co.ukhave spoken to the experts to find out how you can make the most out of your garden through the cold season.

If you're already fed up of spending the cold evenings stuck indoors, don't rule out the possibility of heading outside to your garden.

Whether you're lacking in outdoor furniture or al-fresco heating solutions, there are plenty of ways to revamp your winter garden no matter your budget.

Not only will a more inviting garden give you an extra 'room' to use at home, but it might just be the motivation you need to get those winter gardening jobs done too.

From upcycling old furniture to investing in a new firepit, there are plenty of ways to make your garden more useful this winter. READ MORE: National Trust calls for peat compost ban: What you should use instead

Winter firepit with friends in garden

Winter gardening jobs: How to make the most of your garden this winter (Image: GETTY)

Feet up on outdoor sofa with fire and lights

Warmth, lighting and outdoor furniture are a few simple ways to make a cosier space (Image: GETTY)

How to enjoy your garden in winter

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Ash Read, interiors expert and founder of Living Cozy said: "There are a number of steps you can take to transform your outdoor space this winter, from hanging fairy lights in your evergreens to decorating with bright seasonal wreaths.

"By adding small touches like these you can still enjoy your garden throughout all the seasons."

These expert approved top tips are just some of the ways to make your garden more inviting:

Outdoor heating
Comfortable seating
Al fresco dining areas
Shelter
Weatherproof furnishings
Ambient lighting
Decorative features
Cosy corners

Winter garden setup with firepit and sofas

This Funky Chunky Furniture steel firepit is available for £140 on their website (Image: Funky Chunky Furniture Company)

How do I keep my garden warm in the winter?

The colder temperatures can deter people from spending time outdoors, which is why outdoor heating is the practical furnishing for every British garden this Christmas.
Garden heating solutions

Heat sources like fire pits, patio heaters or a chiminea provide a social focal point for your garden which are perfect for outdoor entertaining if you're concerned about Covid-19 in your home.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Brett Lockwood, director of The Outdoor Look said: "To make the most out of your garden this winter, we suggest adding a little heat to your garden or decking with a fire pit or some deck heaters.

"This doesn't necessarily have to be a costly purchase but can have a massive effect on your deck's usability through the cold and general aesthetics; a lot of fire pits or lamps can really brighten your decking."

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Two wooden chairs sat in front of DIY fire pit

Adding heating to your garden can make a world of difference to the look of your garden (Image: GETTY)

Garden shelter ideas

Another way to make the most out of your garden during the colder months is by giving your decking some sheltering.

This is a resourceful way to create a warm space for you to enjoy winter evenings while protecting you from the unpredictable British weather.

Shelter like a gazebo or canopy will also make those cold-season gardening tasks a little easier as they can be moved around to cover you while digging, deadheading and planting those spring bulbs.

Timber pergolas can be covered with waterproof tarpaulin through the winter to create an all-season shelter on an existing garden feature.

outdoor furniture with blanket/string lights and wood table

Outdoor lighting and cosy furnishing will make for a cosy garden retreat (Image: GETTY)

Winter patio furniture

Make the most of corner patios, decking or even just squared off sections of your garden that are protected by fencing or foliage.

Use these as prime spots to position outdoor seating and dining furniture to create a cosy hub centred around a fire pit or chiminea.

Ash from Cozy Living added: "Opting for weather-resistant furniture is arguably the better option, and today there are so many options to choose from to suit your own style and needs.
"Whether you want a rattan six-seater sofa or a wooden outdoor dining table, the options are endless."

Consider upcycling unwanted household furniture and finish with a layer of weather-proof paint or stain to keep wooden items from becoming water-logged outdoors.

Cosy furnishings

Finish off your outdoor space with soft, weatherproof furnishings like rugs, blankets and cushions to complete your winter garden retreat.

Add delicate lighting like and opt for statement pieces like bold cushions to add warmth and character to your outdoor space.

Arrange potted plants around seating to create a protective barrier from wind.

Emily Caloe, Senior Buyer for VonHaus Home and Garden told Express.co.uk:"A top tip for making your garden space look instantly bigger is the use of outdoor lighting such as fairy lights.

"You can hang them on fences, trees or any additional features within your garden and they can really bring your outdoor space to life.