Using sustainable materials when making an energy efficient build has become a very important issue, and this belief has moved to gardens. Garden architecture and landscape designs are now becoming more and more energy efficient with just as much thought going into the environmental aspects of the garden, as that of the home. This accounts for the material used, the construction process and how it copes in the environment.

Sustainable garden landscaping incorporates all routines and methods used when building an eco-friendly building, with much thought and consideration toward the environment. Sustainable landscaping can range from putting kitchen waste in a compost bin and using native plants to organic gardening or garden buildings. No matter what scale of the garden, every bit of the space can be very useful. Planting trees not only creates a natural windbreak from the home keeping it warmer, but also provides natural shade.

Landscaping a sustainable garden doesn’t have to mean a drab and dreary area, but instead can be bright, colourful and modern. A garden studio from Decorated Shed would be a great addition to an environmentally friendly garden, with a warm organic feel, thanks to Western Red Cedar cladding on the garden studio that looks at ease in any environment. The bespoke design will add to the ambience of your garden, resulting in a relaxed atmosphere.

Decorated Shed’s garden studio would fit perfectly into the sustainable landscape of any garden due to its environmentally friendly materials and energy efficient construction process. At a time when the environment is prominent in people’s minds, using your garden to try and save money and energy is a very effective tool.

Pilates is a popular form of exercise which is practised by all ages in order to gain a heightened physical strength through the application of mental discipline. The advantages of setting the activity in a garden studio means that the garden can also be used as an extension of the space, so that when the feel-good rays of the sun decide to shine they can combine to maximise the overall effect. The grassy garden acts as a ready rolled out mat, where the natural surroundings automatically feed into the process of relaxation. Pilates seems to echo the synergy expressed between the different elements of nature, which may explain why Pilates are often associated with wide open spaces and the backdrop of nature, where a group exhibit the beauty of synchronised elegance, as movements and stances reveal a composed state of mind.

On the surface, Pilates is a series of graceful movements that seem to mimic the swaying of branches and the stances of trees. The correct postural alignment of the skeletal structure is controlled, so that clunky movements are avoided in favour of smooth, sweeping motions. Although, seemingly low impact and flowing, Pilates actually requires a lot of focus, in order to maintain positions, while in turn developing core strength, while elongating the spine.

Pilates is also about a fixed centre; by having a studio in the heart of the garden, a centre is already in place. Physically, the body must also work from a centre. In Pilates all energy is said to originate in the core, which is comprised of the abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. This area is thought to be the fulcrum of the body’s strength.

The main aim is to create a fusion of mind and body, so without even engaging the mind, the body will automatically move with poise and polish. Breathing is also a crucial element of Pilates. Joseph Pilates believed that the circulation of oxygenated blood awakened the cells in the body, while waste was carried away to combat fatigue. This is done by forcing exhalation to its limit so that waste gases are purged and the following inhalation becomes deeper, so more air is drawn in and more oxygen delivered to the muscles. If outdoors, the advantage of fresh air filling the lungs through a deep intake of breath will serve to reel in the benefits of Pilates invigorating effects.

A garden studio can be used for a whole range of activities, besides Pilates. Nature can easily entwine with the relaxing properties associated with all leisure activities, as it plays host to a surge of energy and optimism.

Green products can line the interior of an eco-friendly structure, so that a green approach is fully inhabited. A garden studio epitomises environmentally focused practices, as the studio blends with nature, serving as an incentive in which to preserve its beauty. The Green Providers Directory provides a whole range of products, including dating services aimed specifically at green enthusiasts, such as Eco-dater and Countryside Friends, which work on the premise that a joint interest will blossom into romance. A dinner date would ideally take place in the romantic setting of the garden, with a meal served in a garden studio that oozes eco appeal, topped off by a sedum roof, which enhances the desirable location.

The Green Providers Directory also provide links to companies that offer a range of organic food and drink that would go far to impress a fellow green enthusiast on a dinner date. Planet Organic and Wholesome Food are just a couple of organic companies that the site mentions. The table you eat at can also create an impact, as recycled furniture provides an injection of character.

The many facets involved when preparing for a date, from clothing and flowers to cosmetics can be incorporated into a green approach. Clothing made from sustainable fabrics and flowers that are ethically sourced can enter the frame, as well as television catered towards a green audience, with a viewing package dedicated to green issues.

Cosmetics, such as natural skincare is an example of how nature’s beautifying effects can be embraced. The directory also lists a company aimed at men, selling natural products that are chemical-free, sustainable and eco-friendly. Therefore, both parties can prepare for and experience a date that is environmentally encompassing.

A shared interest in green values can instantly provide a foundation on which to form a lasting bond. Even if only one half of the date is driven by eco-friendly approaches, the occasion becomes undeniably infused with a distinct and memorable style.

Interior expression can help to transform a garden studio into a musical temple of sorts. Posters of favourite artists can be pasted on the walls, providing steadfast muses that give teenagers a real sense of personal space that they can stamp with their own identity. Friends or band members can also convene in the space, while remaining in the grounds of a secure home.

Creative inspiration can be absorbed directly from the garden studio’s natural setting, which provides its own source of melody and harmony within bird song, the rhythms of flowing water and the breeze. The sounds and sights of nature are strongly linked to emotion and mood, just as music is. Many existing songs are inspired by nature, as lyrics and sentiment demonstrate. Examples include ‘Child of Nature’ by ‘The Beatles’ with the lyrics; ‘Sunlight shining in your eyes/ As I face the desert skies’, as well as American soul singer India Arie who sings ‘I don’t wanna watch no movie/ Let’s sit and watch the stars put on a show’. Both sets of artists recognise the inspirational value of nature, as they reflect upon and communicate its worth to listeners.

A garden studio also provides the perfect location in which to teach music, serving as a classroom where music is contained and does not disturb others but remains in a pretty setting that is both motivational and inspirational.

Marrying music with nature means that an instant harmony is achieved. By blending the beauty of music with the vistas of nature, a symphony of sensation is created as a pulsing, musical heart is formed.

Studio spaces are always about inspiration and the productive energy that the surroundings provide, and the creative pursuits that thrive in a studio setting – art, writing, music, textiles and more – have very specific demands of their location. Unlike other workspaces, studios require the presence of a certain elusive spark to function as well as they can. By placing a window on the ever-changing environment of the landscape, garden studios can deliver this motivational energy in abundance.

A garden is always a powerful stimulation for the creative side of the mind, but perhaps never more so than in autumn. The breathtaking changes of colours, the bright and crisp mornings, and the inevitable transition to the stark monochrome of winter all show the fast-moving cycle of nature like no other time of the year. Being at the centre of this in a garden studio, watching the season unfold before your eyes, provides an inspirational fuel for creative invention and imagination.

With the phenomenal insulation and energy efficiency provided in a Decorated Shed studio you’ll be able to experience the stunning transformations of the season from the heart of your garden, without needing to retreat to the home for warmth or security, while the natural kaleidoscope of the autumnal environment will deliver boundless motivation for your studio activities.

Climate change has been a prominent topic on people’s minds for some time, and when it comes to construction and building processes, there is a lot of thought and debate about what is the most efficient route to take. There are four specific areas to look at when wanting to concentrate on an environmentally friendly build, all revolving around the material used. What are you using? How is it resourced? How is it transported? How is it constructed? Each of these questions should have an environmentally friendly answer, otherwise the build isn’t as eco-friendly as possible.

Decorated shed’s ethos is to provide premium garden buildings, which are aesthetically pleasing, individually designed and constructed. The current “throwaway culture” is seriously affecting the environment, so the materials used should be durable and sustainable. Decorated Shed are looking to buck this trend, and by only using sustainable materials, pre-made off site for easy construction and transport, a lot of concentration and thought has gone into how to make their builds environmentally friendly.

Decorated Shed’s environmentally friendly garden buildings incorporate eco design and contemporary style, giving the studio, a quality of style with substance. They are also affiliated with accredited FSC or PEFC elaborating an eco-friendly design, which will stand proud in any garden. In a time when things aren’t made to last for a length of time, Decorated Shed believes it is important to create sustainable, durable and meticulously designed garden buildings.

A garden with a pond makes the space immediately more appealing; it acts as a teeming centre of activity, as a portal is uncovered into another world. Ponds are a childhood love. Most people can remember the fascination that lay beneath, as tadpoles and small fish wriggled through dark waters. A garden building means that more time can be spent amongst nature, providing a comfortable and close shelter if the good weather changes.

Goldfish are a popular choice for most garden ponds, serving as riches that swirl in a dark pocket. The movements of swimming fish are mesmerising as the viewer devotes more and more time towards their meandering movements within transparent silk. Depending on the numbers of fish in a pond, shapes formed by fins and tails can momentarily fuse together and showcase patterns similar to that of synchronised swimmers, dancing in a pool.

The ringed ripples that radiate out when a fish touches the roof of its watery home also provide a hypnotic display, as the surface film reverberates. The occurrence can be induced when flakes of food are scattered across the surface. Feeding fish also provides a form of interaction, as you connect in a very therapeutic manner. The presence of fish tanks in a home reflects their soothing qualities, as people recreate the environment inside, borrowing a fluid section of nature to gaze and marvel at. Even screen savers on computers display the relaxing movements of swimming fish, as a testament to their powerful influence upon mood.

Fresh water accounts for 2.75% of all surface water on earth, two thirds of which is frozen in glaciers. Having a pond full of fresh water is therefore a valuable addition to a garden, supporting its own variety of wildlife, as an assortment of new insects, plants and animals enter the frame. Water lilies are the first thoughts of many when considering the look of a garden pond. Offering a burst of colour, they sit lightly on the surface, while their flat leaves spread out, providing a platform for the obligatory frog. Their supportive vines lie underneath the water, providing a maze for other aquatic organisms. The beauty of water lilies is unique, with Monet choosing them as his favourite subject. The Lotus flower is also a popular pond plant, laid out on the water’s surface, available in pure white, as well as a range of pink and purple shades, with flowers that can protrude out of the water on a raised stalk. The flower almost has magical properties, as at night it closes and sinks underwater and reopens and rises at dawn, demonstrating an enlivened garden space.

Although ‘pond life’ is a phrase associated with immoral practices and people, the array of life associated with the pond is actually quite beautiful. The silvery, blue-green of an elongated and almost pre-historic looking dragonfly is a common sight next to ponds, as well as mayflies, which add a certain delicacy with their net like wings and flowing stringed tails.
Just as the rest of the garden is influenced by personal taste, so is a pond. Its position, shape and the life you decide to introduce together with the materials used to create it, all communicate a specific taste. Waterfalls can be added to a garden pond, placing rocks in a stepped heap so water can cascade down to produce a rhythmic symphony that remains one of the most relaxing sounds of nature. A garden office that looks out onto a garden pond and has windows open in summer to hear the rushing relaxation of flowing water provides an idyllic environment for productivity and leisure. A waterfall will also act as a focal point in the garden, just as the roaring flames of a fireplace would draw the eyes into a sitting room.

The garden environment is a place where every inch of greenery can be freely relished. A pond simply adds to a garden’s already blossoming character, deepening its beauty through an enrichment of aquatic colour, sound and life.

Gardens are valuable spaces, which can sometimes be overlooked and underused as areas of recreation. However, a space of precious greenery can be craved by others who do not have access, as they aim to capture its glory through precariously placed plant pots that cascade from balconies. Gardens are packed with fascinating features that appeal across the board, acting as a haven of contemplation and relaxation for adults and an explorative playground for children. The natural resource of beauty, education and fun that waits within our gardens should be fully embraced.

Time in a garden setting is not always possible due to weather conditions. Decorated Shed offer multi-purpose garden studios that sit serenely, shutting out the cold and rain that may otherwise hamper happiness, while the liberal insertion of glass windows provide vistas out onto the garden, which maintains a spacious outdoor feel. A studio can be converted from an adult orientated space of relaxation and refinement to a child’s playroom, stored with toys and games. A garden studio is an ideal space to offer to children, as it remains detached from the main house while the surrounding garden serves as an extension of available fun.

Jack’s Garden Store provides products that can create a playground area within a garden, while pockets dedicated to relaxation in the form of garden furniture, hammocks and sun loungers can exist in harmony. Parents can soak up the laughter of children, happy in the knowledge they are in sight, entertained and content. Both the name and logo of the company creates a friendliness more commonly associated with a local retailer but combines the benefits of online shopping. The site’s section; Jack’s Blog also adds a sense of informality, where guides and tips are relayed as expert knowledge, which welcomes the user into the gardening community, as a pastime that invites comment and provokes neighbourly conversation.

Jack’s Garden Store offers a wide range of products that can enhance the functionality and decorative elements of any garden. Jack’s Garden Store caters for all age groups, providing garden toys and playhouses and barbeques and fences at the other end of the spectrum. Children are often preoccupied with natural occurrences, providing endless fascination with the soil, trees and flowers of a garden environment. The installation of climbing frames, swings and slides creates a private park in a child’s beloved environment, which acts as a stable and consistent source of entertainment.

Jack’s Garden Store offers a wide selection of climbing frames, each offering a different experience. An eye-catching option that seems to be plucked straight out of fantasy is the Complete Victory Climbing Frame, which is shaped like a pirate ship that stands on an ocean of green, grassy waves. The frame is equipped with authentic features, including a mast, flag, periscope and steering wheel. All the climbing frames have been assembled with the knowledge that childhood is constructed from fantastical creations, where role-play is central to perspective.

Outdoor garden games are also available from Jack’s Garden Store, so that the garden space can unfold into an outdoor play area. The brightly coloured and oversized range of games appeal to both adults and children; the exercise and fresh air that comes with outdoor games directly benefits health and well-being, as well as contributing to a child’s restful sleep. Just as a garden studio can house indoor entertainment, the garden can host a plateau of outdoor activities that appeal to children’s innate desire to move and interact. An array of gaming favourites is available from giant dominoes to trampolines. Giant board games are available, with a square of material acting as a board and mirroring the blanket of a picnic. Soft inflatable dice accompany the game and set a convivial tone. The classic sandpit is also available, bringing a section of the beach, another outdoor favourite, to the garden. Building sand castles or simply exploring the texture of the sand promotes learning.

The division of an outdoor space is easier than that of an indoor space, as walls do not hem in the freedom that can be achieved with the airy, outdoors. A studio integrates well into a garden setting, acting as a capsule of relaxation, while garden furniture dotted around the garden also provide pockets of escape. Nature is an all inclusive feature, belonging to everyone and appealing on different levels as a resource that can be geared towards reverie, relaxation or spirituality.