Flashes of blue sky and sunshine and rising temperatures have got us thinking about summer and dreaming of long days and warm evenings. As the mercury rises, and many of us look forward to spending more time outside, it’s natural to think about our gardens. If your outdoor area isn’t quite the restful oasis or beautiful base you crave, this guide is designed to help you get your garden summer-ready.
Cleaning and tidying
Cleaning and tidying outdoor spaces is the first step to creating a more attractive and functional garden. Many of us are guilty of putting off maintenance jobs during the winter when it’s cold, grey and dark. If your garden is messy, disorganised or covered in weeds, you’re not alone. The good news is that a simple clear-up can make a big difference. If you can, set aside a couple of afternoons, evenings or weekends to tidy up, declutter and clear patios, flowerbeds and pathways. Get rid of old ornaments or accessories you don’t want anymore, remove dead leaves and flower heads and make space for new plants.
It’s an excellent idea to tick off seasonal maintenance tasks, like clearing the gutters, jetwashing decks and patios and dusting off outdoor furniture and accessories, before summer arrives. This will ensure you make the most of every bit of sunshine when warmer climes and brighter days become the norm.
Creating seating, dining and entertaining areas
Most of us love nothing more than chilling out in the garden with friends and family or a good book and a glass of wine or cup of tea in the spring and summer months. If you don’t already have a dedicated seating area or a zone for entertaining and socialising, now is the time to make some plans.
There are all kinds of incredible options to choose from when it comes to buying garden furniture. From formal dining sets, fire pit tables and contemporary couches to hammocks, swing seats, deck chairs and benches, there’s something for every space. Before you start browsing, it’s a good idea to think about the size of your garden, the vibe you want to create, and how many seats you need.
The best ways to find furniture for your garden include visiting shops, garden centres and showrooms, browsing online, looking for second-hand items to upcycle and trawling through online auction listings. It’s worth remembering that you can add accessories and soft furnishings to elevate outdoor furniture if you’re on a budget or you prefer more traditional or simple styles.
Once you’ve chosen your furniture for a new seating or entertaining area, use details to add comfort, interest and atmosphere. Examples include cushions, blankets, lamps and lights, bunting, LED candles, ornaments and tableware.
Planting and mowing
Vivid green lawns and colourful floral displays can bring gardens to life, especially in the glittering light of summer sun. If you’re eager to add colour and vibrancy to your outdoor space, it’s a good time to think about what kinds of plants and flowers you’d like to buy and how you’re going to present them. You can embrace conventional options, such as planting in flower beds, pots and containers, but it’s also worth exploring alternatives. You could create a striking statement with a living wall or a wall-mounted floral sculpture, for example, or use unique pots and planters to showcase flowers and plants. Social media is brilliant for inspiration if you’re eager to think outside the box and consider quirky ideas.
The weather is improving, which is good news for our lawns. Autumn and winter can impact the condition and look of grass-covered gardens dramatically. If your lawn is looking tired, it’s calling out for TLC, or there are patches of wear or discolouration, there are solutions. Watering, sowing more grass seeds and using specialist products from garden centres can help you revive drab, dull lawns. You could also replace damaged sections with new turf or even think about swapping your lawn for artificial turf. This is a great option if you’re looking for low-maintenance gardening solutions. Once the turf is in place, you won’t need to worry about watering, weeding or mowing.
Make your garden weather-proof
It’s no secret that the weather can put pay to plans to enjoy lazy weekends or host gatherings in the garden, even in the height of summer. You can’t control the weather, but you can make your outdoor space more flexible and versatile. One way to make your garden more weather-proof is to create shaded areas. If you have shade and shelter outside, you can use your garden whether it’s cool and damp or scorching and dry. Examples of structures and products you can buy or install include awnings, oversized sails and parasols, gazebos and pergolas. If you have space, you could also consider a summer house, cabin, garden room or covered patio. These options are ideal for creating extra living space outside and maximising versatility.
Before you decide what type of shelter to add to your garden, it’s important to take measurements, compare prices and offers and think about how you want to use your garden. This will help your filter results and narrow down your options. Structures like garden rooms are more expensive, but if you’re short on space indoors and you want to make your garden more functional, they tick both boxes. They can also add value. Popular uses of garden rooms include offices, home gyms and exercise studios, art studios and galleries, dens and playrooms for kids and teens, workshops and garden pubs and bars.