In every garden there is at least one forgotten corner or small area which you just don’t know what to do with. This was certainly the case with me recently. I was pondering what to do with an area which, to be honest, had been used pretty much as a dumping ground while I renovated the rest of the garden.

Now it was a bare bit of land which had been shorn of grass and the only things that were green were the weeds. Added to that it was near a fence and in a shaded area of the garden. What to do with it? Does this sound familiar?

My final solution was a bit (OK, very) left field but I did come up with some more sensible ideas. So here’s my list of features you could try in your garden to brighten up and reenergise those empty spaces.

21 Garden Features for Those Forgotten Corners

1) Water Feature

Not a ground breaking idea but a water feature is always popular and there isn’t a garden in the country that wouldn’t be improved by running water or a pond.

A water feature such as a small pond, fountain, or waterfall will really bring that unused corner to life. They can bring a sense of peace to your outdoor space, and as an added bonus will also attract wildlife such as birds and butterflies.

What’s more with the availability of quite elaborate solar powered features you don’t need outdoor electricity to enjoy bubbling sounds of a small fountain.

Larger water features like ponds and waterfalls may require professional help to ensure proper installation and maintenance. Beyond aesthetics, water features also have a cooling effect on the surrounding area, making your garden a refreshing place to relax in during the warmer months.

2) Raised Plant Stand or Planter

One of my favourite ideas. Raised plant stands or planters are excellent for making the best use of space and adding visual interest through different heights and layers in your garden. They allow for better soil control and can reduce the instances of pest infestations.

Most raised planters are delivered ready-assembled and you can buy them quite cheaply at any large garden centre. One of the advantages of this kind of feature is that raised plant stands can prevent back strain by reducing the need to bend over when tending to plants. No-one needs a bad back when they’re trying to enjoy the garden.

3) Bird Feeding Station

A birdbath or bird feeder can bring life and colour to a dull corner of your garden, attracting various bird species. Aside from adding an ornamental element, they are so much fun and will turn anyone into a keen birdwatcher. They are generally simple to instal and require minimal maintenance, providing benefits like natural pest control as birds often feed on common garden pests like insects.

4) Pergoda or Arbour

Adding a pergoda or Arbour will transform any corner into a cozy, shaded retreat. Surround it with climbing plants and colourful flowers to make it a relaxing retreat. While the installation can be more complex, involving some construction, the outcome is a sturdy and permanent structure that increases the garden's usability and aesthetic appeal.

But do make sure you know what you’re buying. When I purchased my arbour, I assumed it would come flat packed. Nope. It came fully assembled and no way would it get through the narrow passage way to my garden. It took me the best part of a two days to take it apart, carry the component bits through to the garden, and then reassemble it. Lesson learned.

But the hassle was well worth it in the end. Once installed, your arbour will serve as a natural cooling area, offering a great place to relax during the summer.

5) Zen Garden Corner

What better place to relax and get away from the day-to-day stresses and strains than in your own Zen Garden. Easy to create with materials like sand, pebbles, and a few stones, you can quickly make a unique and peaceful area. Add a bench and you’ll sit there for hours. A Zen Garden is relatively easy to maintain, requiring just occasional raking of the sand or gravel to maintain its appearance.

6) Fire Pit Area

Growing in popularity in the UK, a fire pit can become a warm and welcoming corner in your garden for family and friends to gather. Installation can range from simple, portable fire pits to more permanent structures that require a bit more effort and possibly professional installation. A fire pit not only adds a focal point to your garden but also extends the usability of the garden all year round, providing warmth and a place to cook outdoor meals even in the winter months.

7) Herb Spiral

Herb spirals tick plenty of boxes as they are a permaculture garden design that allows you to grow a variety of herbs with different soil and water needs in a compact space. Building one might be a fun weekend DIY project, requiring materials like stones, bricks, or other materials for the structure and different types of soil for planting. It's a great way to have fresh herbs on hand, adding both flavour to your meals and fragrant scents to your garden.

8) Garden Bench or Swing

Something a little different but incorporating a garden bench or swing can create a quiet place to relax, read, or enjoy an afternoon snooze in the sun. You can choose from simple benches, which are easy to install, to swings which might require a bit more effort in setting up. A bench or swing not only offers a place to rest but also invites you to spend more time enjoying your garden. Which is always a good thing.

9) Sculpture or Garden Art

Adding a sculpture or piece of garden art can bring a personal touch to an unused corner of your garden. Installation is generally simple, often just requiring a stable base on which to place the art. The benefit of garden art is that it allows for personal expression and can become a focal point or conversation starter. Why not channel your inner Henry Moore and create your own art for the garden?

10) Butterfly Garden

Everyone enjoys watching butterflies flutter around. So why not create a space just for them? Making a butterfly garden simply involves planting flowers and shrubs that attract butterflies. Bluebells, lavender, red campion, cornflowers, and primroses are common UK plants which butterflies love to be around.

That’s all there is to it but you’ll be rewarded with plenty of colour and a grateful local butterfly population.

11) Fairy Garden

One for the romantics or to get the grandkids involved in the garden. Designing a fairy garden can be a delightful project that adds a touch of magic. Make miniature landscapes with tiny plants, houses, and figurines. Installation is relatively easy and can be a great project to do with children. Or make it in secret for a wonderful surprise when they next visit.

12) Compost Corner

One for that corner of the garden which is at the furthest end or will never be suitable for planting. But establishing a compost corner can be a practical and eco-friendly use of an unused space. Set up a compost bin or pile, and you’re in business. Some local councils provide compost bins free of charge or they are readily available in stores. A compost corner allows you to recycle kitchen and garden waste, reducing your overall waste and producing rich soil for your garden.

13) Vertical Garden

This is such a clever idea. Installing a vertical garden can be a creative way to make use of limited space, growing climbing plants on a vertical support structure such as a rose arch. Vertical gardens are not only space-saving but also can create a living wall of greenery that can act as a natural screen, providing privacy and a colourful backdrop for the rest of the garden.

14) Bee Hotel

Setting up a bee hotel is a straightforward process that involves making or more easily purchasing a sheltered space with small cavities where solitary bees can nest. They are not intended to be like a hive but are a space for single bees to hole up for a day or two. Bee hotels can encourage pollinators to visit your garden, promoting plant health and fruit production. It's also a way to support local bee populations, doing your bit for the environment.

15) Mirror

Very simple but surprisingly effective. I must admit I’d never been a fan of garden mirrors bit once I hung one in my garden I was converted. They create a sense of depth in a small garden corner. This is a relatively simple installation that involves securing a weather-resistant mirror to a fence or wall. A mirror can visually expand a small space, making your garden appear larger and more open, and it can also reflect light into darker corners, brightening up the space.

16) Hammock

Adding a hammock to a garden corner can create a tranquil nook for relaxation. You can choose from simple freestanding options, to more complex installations requiring sturdy supports. It won’t be quite the same as a hammock strung between two palm trees on a Caribbean island but it will give you a comfortable place to nap, read, or to simply enjoy your garden.

17) Gazing Ball

Bring a bit of bling to your garden. Easy to install a gazing ball will certainly be different. They add a reflective element to your garden, creating points of interest and capturing different views of the garden as you move around it.

18) Labyrinth or Spiral Walkway

Creating a labyrinth or spiral walkway is a moderately complex project and will need more space than the other projects we’ve discussed. Use stones, bricks, or plants to create a meandering path to nowhere. Once done, it can become a focal point in the garden, adding an element of design and interest.

19) Sundial

Not much just for a dark and overgrown corner but if you have the right space a sundial is a nice touch. It also adds a functional feature to your garden. Usually made of stone, a sundial can be an art piece that also tells the time based on the shadow cast by the sun. It will become a focal point and conversation starter. But the biggest plus point is that a sundial just looks so good in any setting.

20) Greenhouse or Potting Shed

If in doubt stick a shed on it. We all love and need a shed or small greenhouse. If you have a little more space a polytunnel is such a cost-effective effort which combines the best of a shed and greenhouse. But whichever structure you choose you’ll have a useful and functional building which can become your own little sanctuary.

21) Storage Shed

There are so many different garden storage options now ranging from mini sheds to plastic bench like units. They all provide a practical addition to any garden, offering a place to store tools, equipment, and supplies. Depending on the size and type, installation can range from simple pre-fabricated sheds to more complex custom builds. A storage shed helps in keeping your garden organised and tidy, protecting your tools from the elements and providing a convenient place to store garden supplies close to where they are used.

The Wonders of Garden Features

As we’ve seen there are so many options when it comes to adding a feature to your garden. But whichever you choose you can add functionality, design, and even art to your outdoors space. Garden features really personalise a space and make the garden that little bit more special.

From the tranquil corners adorned with water features and Zen gardens to the vibrant ecosystems fostered by butterfly gardens and bee hotels, each feature has its own charm. Moreover, installations such as storage sheds and compost corners deliver functionality and style.

By the way – if you’re curious my solution to that unused corner was to build a small garden model railway. Not something which may go down well in some households.