The joy of planning your dream garden can quickly turn to regret when you realise you’ve invested in a paddling pool that’s now sitting deflated in the shed or a massive slide that’s never used. We’ve all been there—getting swept up in a Pinterest-perfect vision of what our outdoor space could be, only to find ourselves battling soggy towels, ruined grass, and garden gadgets that were a complete waste of time. Here’s a closer look at my garden regrets, and what I wish I’d known before I made those impulsive purchases.
The Big Toy Mistake: Oversized Playthings
Let’s talk about the giant garden toys. If you have kids, you’ve probably been lured by the idea that a huge slide, climbing frame, or sandpit will be the ultimate outdoor play experience. I’ve fallen for it more than once. They’re fun for a couple of weeks, but before long, they take up space, get weathered, and ultimately get very little use. I even had to leave a slide behind when I moved house—it wouldn’t fit in the moving van. But the worst part? These huge pieces of equipment end up ruining your space. The lawn struggles to recover, and it’s hard to make your garden look tidy when there’s a plastic play structure taking up half of it. I also managed to acquire a trampoline on a particularly blustery day – not sure where it came from but it didn’t look safe so we didn’t keep that one.
Paddling Pools: The Summer Mirage
Ah, the paddling pool. Every year, I get sucked into the idea that a little splash in the sunshine will be a treat. But, spoiler alert, they never last long. First, there’s the hassle of inflating it, then the task of emptying it after a couple of days of use. Oh, and cleaning it? Don’t get me started on trying to dry out the soggy mess and store it in a cramped shed after it bursts for the umpteenth time. I won’t even mention the wet footprints all over the house or the damp towels that never quite make it to the laundry basket. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a paddling pool is only worth it for about 72 hours of actual use—and it’s not worth the trouble.
Lockdown DIY Pallets: A Project That Didn’t Age Well
During lockdown, we all got creative, right? I certainly did. I scoured Facebook Marketplace for free pallets, thinking I could turn them into chic outdoor furniture. I painted them bright pink because… well, I thought it would look cute and fun. Fast forward a year or two, and those pallets are now weather-beaten, splintering, and covered in grime. They were a great idea at the time, but now they’re just an eyesore in the corner of my garden. I keep meaning to have a bonfire and get rid of them. It’s one of those projects that seemed brilliant in the moment but didn’t quite stand the test of time.
The Importance of Storage: Why a Shed Is Never a Regret
Now, if there’s one garden investment I don’t regret, it’s my sheds. I actually have two—one is painted in lovely pastel colours and looks fantastic in the corner of the garden, and the other is a more humble, practical lean-to. These sheds have been a lifesaver for storage. Whether it’s bikes, lawnmowers, outdoor toys, or crash pads from the trampoline, having a dedicated space to store all of it keeps my garden neat and tidy. There’s no more clutter, and I can easily access everything I need without it taking over the garden. Outdoor storage is incredibly important, and I wouldn’t change a thing about having those sheds.
What I Wish I’d Done Differently: The Garden Room Dream
Looking ahead, I often think I wish I’d planned for something bigger. Instead of just storage sheds, I’ve started dreaming of a garden room – something that could double as both a craft space and a place for outdoor storage. Imagine being able to use the garden all year round, whether it’s a rainy afternoon spent crafting or just a sunny spot to read a book in peace. A garden room would also allow me to store even more things outdoors without cluttering the garden space.
So many people have beautiful, functional garden rooms, and I can’t help but think I would use one just as much as my sheds. They offer a blend of indoor comfort and outdoor charm, making them perfect for everything from hobbies to extra storage space. If I could do it all over again, I’d definitely go larger with the garden room concept. It’s an investment I’d love to make, one that would maximise the use of my outdoor space all year round.
The Verdict: Not Every Trend Works, But Some Last Forever
In the end, garden fads come and go. The oversized slides, paddling pools, and DIY pallet projects might seem like a good idea at the time, but they often end up being more hassle than they’re worth. However, some things—like a shed—will always be a lifesaver. And as for the garden room? That’s a dream I’ll be pursuing next. So, while I might have a few regrets along the way, I’ll take it all as a learning experience and move forward with smarter, more thoughtful choices for my garden.
