Allison Homes explores the value of green space in new homes this National Gardening Week

Now we’re starting to enjoy longer days and warmer weather, spring is the perfect time to step outside and reconnect with nature. Taking place from 27^th April to 3^rd May, National Gardening Week encourages people across the UK to embrace outdoor living, whether that means tending to a garden, exploring green space close to home, or simply enjoying time in the fresh air.

For those moving into a new home, it also presents an opportunity to start fresh, creating outdoor spaces and routines that feel personal, practical and enjoyable from day one.

Designed with green space in mind

Across our developments, green open space isn’t an afterthought. It’s considered from the outset to ensure communities feel balanced, useable and connected to their surroundings.

In our Central region, developments including Beaufort Gardens, Chapel Gate, Cranbrook Grange, Frampton Gate, Kings Meadow, Manthorpe Chase and Wootton Grange all incorporate open green areas within their layout.

In the South West, developments such as High Moor View also benefit from established green surroundings, while our wider portfolio continues to prioritise accessible outdoor space as part of everyday living.

These spaces create more than visual appeal. They provide room to walk, unwind and spend time outside without needing to travel far from home.

The everyday value of green space

Having access to green space close to home can shape daily routines in simple but meaningful ways.

It can mean starting the day with a short walk, taking a break outdoors between tasks, or spending time outside with family in the evening. These small moments build consistency, helping to reduce stress and support both physical and mental wellbeing.

Rather than replacing larger outdoor destinations, these spaces complement them, making it easier to enjoy fresh air more regularly as part of everyday life.

Green space beyond your doorstep

For those who may not have a passion for gardening, or simply want to explore further afield, many of our developments are also located close to wider natural landscapes.

For example, St Mary’s Chase in our East Midlands region is within easy reach of Billa Barra Hill, a 20 hectare local nature reserve in Leicestershire. The site features a mix of grassland, woodland and rocky outcrops, offering scenic walking routes and a chance to experience nature on a larger scale.

Over in our Central region, in Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas, residents can enjoy destinations such as Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve and Baston Fen near Market Deeping, as well as Londonthorpe Woods near Grantham. In Cambridgeshire, Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve offers a rich and diverse natural habitat, while near King’s Lynn in Norfolk, The Wash provides a striking coastal landscape.

In the South West, our developments are surrounded by accessible countryside, with nearby spots including Winkleigh Woods for everyday walks, as well as destinations such as RHS Garden Rosemoor and the Tarka Trail, offering residents the opportunity to enjoy both relaxed green space and more expansive outdoor environments.

From green space to your own garden

For many buyers, moving into a new home also means having their own private outdoor space for the first time, or a space they can fully shape themselves.

National Gardening Week offers a natural starting point, particularly for those who are new to gardening and unsure where to begin.

The key is to treat it as an extension of the wider green space around you, creating a natural flow between shared outdoor areas and your own garden.

Simple ways to start gardening in a new home

Getting started doesn’t require a full redesign. Small, manageable steps are often the most effective.

Start simple

Choose low maintenance plants such as herbs, salad leaves or potted flowers. These are easy to care for and offer quick results, which can help build confidence.

Work with your space

You don’t need a large garden to get started. Pots, window boxes and raised planters are all effective ways to grow plants in smaller outdoor areas.

Build a routine

Watering consistently, keeping tools clean and observing how your space changes will help build confidence over time.

Support local wildlife

Creating a wildlife friendly garden can be as easy as adding pollinator friendly plants or building a small bug hotel. These features help support biodiversity while bringing more life into the space.

Make it your own

Gardens don’t need to be perfect. Adding seating, lighting or decorative touches can help create a space that feels personal and enjoyable to spend time in.

Find out more about National Gardening Week and how you can get involved.

Explore our developments and discover green spaces designed for everyday living.

Allison Homes Web Article: 27th April 2026