How to transform your garden into the perfect at-home holiday escape

As staycations continue to grow in 2026, more Brits are treating their gardens as mini holiday escapes. From leisurely breakfasts in the sun to long summer evenings with friends and family, the garden is becoming the heart of home relaxation. With thoughtful styling, trend-led planting and practical pest solutions, it’s possible to turn any outdoor space into a peaceful, comfortable retreat. 

To bring a garden staycation to life, the experts from Hillier Garden Centres and Thermacell® share their favourite tips for creating a holiday-ready outdoor space. 

Make every corner feel like a getaway 

Philip Newton, Garden Care and Maintenance Buyer at Hillier Garden Centres, says: 

“The first step to creating a garden that feels like a mini holiday is thinking about how you’ll actually use it. Start with the layout – arrange seating so people can chat comfortably, whether that’s around a dining table or a lounge set. A spacious option like the Tenby range works well for sociable meals, while a comfortable sofa set or even a hanging egg chair can help create a more laid-back lounging spot. Create zones for different activities – a dining area for meals, a corner for reading or relaxing, and maybe a space for games or yoga.  

“Choose furniture that can be moved or rearranged easily. Lightweight chairs or compact bistro sets, such as those in the Marrakesh collection, can be tucked away or brought out as needed, making it easy to adapt the space for different occasions. Mosaic-style designs introduce colour and pattern that echo sun-soaked destinations, creating a relaxed, holiday-inspired setting. This flexibility means your garden can effortlessly transition from quiet mornings to relaxed summer evenings. Sun loungers are an easy way to introduce that poolside, resort-style feel at home, creating a comfortable spot to unwind with a book or soak up the sunshine, and can be repositioned throughout the day to follow the light.” 

Get that all-inclusive feeling 

"Getting that all-inclusive-holiday feel in your garden starts with planning how you’ll cook and entertain outdoors. Position your barbecue as the heart of the space, where friends and family naturally gather. For a versatile, easy to use option, the Sahara Storm 2 Burner Gas Barbecue offers tabletop portability and a grill insert system for a variety of dishes, while the larger Sahara X450 4 Burner Gas Barbecue gives plenty of prep space with its wheeled cart and integrated side burner – ideal for cooking multiple courses at once.  

“If you love the flavour of charcoal cooked foods, the Deluxe Kamado Grill delivers that smoky, seaside-resort taste. Paired with the Sahara Outdoor Kitchen Island or Sink Unit to create a practical, full-service set up where you can prep, serve and store everything just like a professional holiday kitchen.” 

Bring your garden to life with plants 

“Once your layout is in place, planting is what really brings that holiday feeling to life” Philip continues. “For Mediterranean-inspired gardens, focus on sun-loving evergreens, aromatic herbs and drought tolerant shrubs. Lavender, rosemary and bay not only thrive in sunny, sheltered spots, but also offer a distinctive palette of silvery greens, soft purples and deep, glossy foliage. 

“To create a sense of depth and immersion, layer plants at different heights. Use structural plants or larger shrubs as a backdrop, add mid-height perennials such as salvia or verbena, and finish with lower growing herbs or trailing plants near paths and seating areas. Grouping these in terracotta or ceramic pots can also help define zones and bring texture and warmth to your garden. 

“Fragrance is key to completing the holiday feel. Position aromatic plants like lavender, thyme or jasmine near seating areas or walkways so the scent unfolds as you move through the space. Combined with earthy tones, natural materials and sun-drenched colours, this planting style instantly transforms your garden into a relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired feel.” 

Create a sensory, serene experience 

“A garden that feels like a mini holiday doesn’t just look good – it appeals to all the senses. Gentle water features can add soothing sounds, helping to mask street noise and attract birds and other wildlife, creating a feeling of calm and connection to nature. Soft lighting is key for extending your garden into the evening – lanterns and fairy lights allow you to carry on socialising long after the sun goes down, creating a warm and welcoming glow. 

“A firepit can act as both a focal point and a social hub. Placing one in a central seating area encourages friends and family to gather around, bringing an instant feeling of warmth and relaxation. Stylish options like the Leaf Mosaic Firepit or Marrakesh Firepit add a touch of holiday-inspired design while being practical enough to cook on if you fancy a casual barbecue. Layering the sound of water, the soft glow of lights and the warmth of a fire helps turn your outdoor space into a sensory retreat where every evening feels like a serene getaway.” 

Make your garden a bite-free staycation haven 

Angharad James, Brand Manager at SBM Life Science, distributor of Thermacell® in the UK, says:   

“A garden that feels like a holiday retreat should be a place to relax and enjoy summer evenings, not somewhere you’re constantly swatting mosquitoes or midges. A few simple preventative measures can make a big difference. Check plant saucers, buckets, birdbaths and gutters regularly and keep water moving, as these are prime breeding spots for biting insects. Certain plants such as lavender, thyme, rosemary and marigolds, are perfect for Mediterranean-inspired gardens and can also help naturally deter pests. Keeping shrubs trimmed and clearing away leaves improves airflow and sunlight, making your garden less inviting to flying nuisances and more enjoyable for you and your guests.” 

The secret device to uninterrupted outdoor living 

“Despite your best efforts to deter winged intruders, there’s always a chance some will show up – and they seem to pick the most relaxed moments to strike” explains Angharad. “That’s where Thermacell® comes in. This clever device quietly creates a scent-free, invisible zone of up to 20m² that mosquitoes and midges instinctively avoid, so your at-home staycation can go on without a single interruption. 

“Portable and easy to position wherever you need it – around lounge areas, dining tables, fire pits or balconies – Thermacell® works silently in the background, letting you focus on what really matters: long dinners with friends, family games around the table or simply soaking up a warm summer night. With Thermacell®, your garden transforms into a truly bite-free retreat, making every moment of your staycation effortless, comfortable and utterly relaxing.” 

*** 

Creating a beautiful, bite-free garden retreat has never been easier. With stylish furniture, sun-loving Mediterranean-inspired planting and Thermacell® to keep insects at bay, your garden can feel like a true escape at home. 

Thermacell® is stocked in selected Hillier Garden Centres from April, making it easy to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing staycation right in your own outdoor space. 

For more information about Hillier and Thermacell, visit www.hillier.co.uk and www.seezon.com. 

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Editors notes

For over 25 years, Thermacell® has been helping people enjoy the outdoors without the irritation of mosquitoes and midges. Trusted by millions worldwide, Thermacell® is a leading brand in portable, heat-activated mosquito protection, offering an effective, scent-free and contact-free alternative to traditional repellents such as sprays or candles. Using innovative technology, Thermacell® devices create a protective zone of up to 20m² that helps keep biting insects away, including invasive species such as the Asian tiger mosquito. Compact, convenient and easy to use, the range includes solutions for every outdoor setting, from garden and patios to camping and adventure travel. Designed for comfort and proven performance, Thermacell® delivers reliable, long-lasting protection so users can make the most of their time outdoors.