With the summer, hopefully and finally, on its way, people are spending more and more of their time in their gardens. 

Below, as part of our garden renovation series, we spotlight a Harrogate homeowner - Helen's - town centre garden and pose five quick-fire questions about how she envisaged and brought her dream outside space for her and her family to fruition…

How did your garden renovation come about?

We recently extended our kitchen, and the last part of the project was a garden makeover. I have documented the changes we’ve made to our home and garden on my Instagram account @ourhouseonthecrescent.

What challenges have you faced?

As we live in the town centre, we have limited space, but I wholeheartedly believe that this shouldn’t limit your creativity. We are so lucky to have the space we do, it just needed to work harder. 

What style of garden do you like the most?

I love and am inspired by the English country garden style that has full herbaceous borders and walled rose gardens.

I wanted to create a town centre garden that incorporated aspects of this but also be a space that our family can use. 

How have you used the space?

We've divided it into three main areas – contrary to what people might think dividing the space makes it feel larger – a patio for sitting with climbing fruit trees, a barbecue area and a dining space.

There’s also a space at the top of the garden where I sit for a morning coffee and I’ve managed to squeeze in the tiniest of greenhouses and a small, raised bed where we grow lettuce, strawberries and beans. 

Finally, what wildlife do you have coming into your garden?

Although we removed the lawn, the planting has encouraged all sorts of insects and birds that have made the garden their home.

I’m slightly disappointed that this year we haven’t had any takers for the new bird house. I recently bought an antique bird bath, so now that I have upgraded the ensuite facilities maybe we will have some new tenants next year.

To see more photos of this garden and home, follow @ourhouseonthecrescent.

Do you have a garden that you've renovated and would like to see on The Stray Ferret? Email francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to get yours featured. 

READ MORE:

• Why do some cheeses have holes? A local Harrogate expert explains five mysteries of the cheese world
  
• The anonymous Harrogate Instagrammer out to spot exotic cars
  
• Drumsticks and dance music – the Harrogate exercise class offering a new way to work out
  
• Did you know that there’s a vineyard only 12 miles from Harrogate?