I’m a gardening guru – 7 things that make your garden look cheap & tacky – and don’t get me started on hot tubs | The Sun

IF you're lucky enough to have a garden, you might be thinking about what you can do make the most of the space now spring is approaching.

And while there's so many things you can do to spruce up the lawn or to transform your fence, there are so many mistakes that can really cheapen the look of your garden too.

Here, landscaping and garden experts including Sutton Manor Nursery's William Mitchell, share the top mistakes that can make a garden look tacky…

Gnomes

They might seem fun, but a garden gnome is a big no-no.

William says: "To a vast majority of gardening advocates, gnomes are a very tacky garden trend that has been going on for years.

"The facts are that you either love or hate garden gnomes and unfortunately most of us hate them.

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"While they are incredibly popular, they are also incredibly creepy.

"This is a trend that we would love to move on from." 

Trampolines 

The kids love them, but a big, bulky trampoline plonked on the lawn can instantly bring down your garden aesthetic.

William says: "While trampolines are amazing fun, in a garden they are very much an eyesore and a nuisance.

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"Too often these huge structures block the grass beneath them from getting the valuable sunlight that it needs causing it to dry out and unfortunately die.

"These are undoubtedly hugely fun pieces of apparatus, but maybe they belong on paving – or at a trampoline park." 

Hot Tubs

Having a hot tub is often thought of as a sign of wealth and sophistication – but in reality it can look trashy.

William says: "A hot tub in your home is something that many people aspire to.

"But what people do not realise is that these huge tubs are huge eyesores in your garden that are often neglected for 90 per cent of the year."

Wind chimes

Some items are not only visually noisy, but an assault on the ears too.

William says: "Wind chimes are a staple of a lot of gardens.

"However, they are a trend that should be left in the past.

"The chimes are brilliant fun for kids but are unfortunately slightly tacky within your garden area."

How to add a touch of class to your grass

Here, William shares his top tips to ensure your lawn feels luxurious, instead of lacklustre…

• Topiary is an amazing way of adding a touch of luxury and elegance to your garden space. Real topiary is timelessly beautiful and features an attention to detail that you will not find in any other style of plant.

• Exotic plants are another brilliant way of creating a luxurious feel to your garden. Whether that be beautiful Mediterranean olive trees or fruit trees, they will add a beautiful aroma and stunning feel which allows you to feel like you are somewhere much more exotic than you are.  

• Bring indoor elements outside – creating an extension of your living space outdoors is a phenomenal way of creating a luxurious feel in your outdoor space. It will also ensure that you utilise your garden space much more all year round. 

Garden Sculptures 

A focal point can be nice, but be careful what you choose to focus on.

William says: "Similarly to Gnomes, garden structures have no real purpose in a garden.

"More often than not they can make the area look very cramped and very tacky.

"These sculptures need to be left behind to allow for a cleaner and more open garden space."

Plastic plants

When it comes to plants, nothing lives up to the real thing, and experts agree natural is best.

Steve Clark, of high end garden ornament and architectural stonework specialist Chilstone, based in Tunbridge Wells, says: "It goes without saying never use plastic flowers.

"Fake grass may be in demand but it's not environmentally friendly.

"Quality natural turf that is well maintained will always look best, and you will never replicate the fresh smell of newly cut grass with fake options.

"Don't use manmade materials – plastic will fade and look naff very quickly.

"For quality, use stone, Corten steel or natural products where possible."

Clutter

Finally, try to keep things neat and tidy.

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The landscaping experts at Marshalls add: "Visible clutter is another problem that can make a garden look cheap.

"When garden tools, toys, or other items are left out in the open, they can create a messy and unappealing look."

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