The days are getting longer, temperatures are creeping up and before we know it, warmer climes and sunny days will be here. As summer approaches, many of us are looking forward to spending more time in the garden and embracing outdoor living. If your garden is more average than amazing, you don’t have to spend thousands or devote hours to labouring in the outdoors to achieve incredible results. Here are some simple ways you can make your garden more appealing to make the most of blue skies and long, hazy days.
Lawn care
The lawn is the focal point of the garden for many of us. A healthy, vibrant, well-maintained lawn should be the jewel in the crown, but what if your turf is patchy, dry or worn? The winter weather and changes in conditions can take their toll. Most of us tend to neglect our gardens during the cold and grey autumn and winter months and by the time we get to spring, there’s work to do on restoring grass and tidying up the lawn. If your garden is overgrown, or you have dry or uneven patches, the first step is to tackle the main problem. Cut the grass on a dry, fine day and then tidy up the edges with a strimmer or grass trimmer for a flawless finish. If there are discoloured patches or worn, bare areas, look for treatments from a garden centre. You may need to sow more seeds or increase watering as temperatures rise and the sun appears more frequently. Once your lawn is tidy and looking healthy and lush, keep on top of mowing and general maintenance.
Seating
Nothing beats being able to sit in the garden and soak up the sun. If you don’t already have a seating area, or this zone isn’t stealing the show, there are some fantastic options and ideas to explore. Depending on the aesthetic you want to create and the ambience you want to channel, you can explore different types of furniture and experiment with trends and themes. For a chic, modern low-maintenance yard, for example, you may want to opt for a rattan sofa set with a fire pit coffee table. If you love the idea of an ethereal, fairytale-themed garden, you could plump for deck chairs, hammocks or a wooden loveseat. If you enjoy spending hours reading or listening to music outdoors, set up a comfortable, cosy space with oversized floor cushions, beanbags and benches covered with blankets and throws.
When you’re looking for seating and garden furniture, it’s worth browsing different websites and visiting stores to get inspiration and ideas and compare prices. The cost of chairs, dining sets, tables and sofas varies hugely. If you see something you love, but it’s over budget, use the Internet to search for similar products, which may be a lot less expensive. You could also look for items on auction sites and buy and sell forums on social media. Upcycling is another brilliant way to save money while making your garden look fabulous.
Functional zones
Everybody wants a beautiful outdoor space, but your garden has to be functional and practical, as well as aesthetically pleasing. One way to create a more versatile space is to design functional zones that cater to different individuals, interests or activities. You can section off areas by using different materials, such as decking, paving, gravel and turf, introducing different colourways and adding accessories.
When you’re shopping for materials for new zones in your garden, search for options that tick the style and substance boxes. Look into composite decking for entertaining and seating areas that look amazing and are also durable and easy to maintain, or consider gravelling over part of the lawn if you want more space for seating or you’d prefer a more low-maintenance space.
By creating distinctive areas in your garden, you can enjoy a space that enables you to catch up with friends and family, enjoy al fresco eating and drinking, relax and unwind, get creative, grow plants, flowers or vegetables and play with pets or children or grandchildren.
Planting
Plants and flowers add instant vibrancy to any garden. No matter how big or small the space, you can enhance the look of your garden in a matter of seconds by planting trees and plants, filling up flower beds or using containers to inject colour and interest. Many people have dedicated flower beds in their gardens, but there are myriad ways to display plants, shrubs and flowers. You can add planters to patios and decking, adorn fence panels and exterior walls with climbing plants or use tubs, baskets or buckets to create a new focal point or decorative feature.
If you’re not green-fingered and you don’t know where to begin with planting, there are some brilliant tutorials available online and you can also get tips from gardening magazines, TV shows and books. Look for plants that are suitable for the conditions, and follow planting instructions. Some plants need direct sunlight while others prefer shady spots. Water your plants regularly. Buying potted plants and trees is a simple way to add beauty to your garden without taking on a lot of responsibility. All you need to do is choose an appropriate spot and follow the watering instructions.
Accessories
Accessories can make a garden. Details and finishing touches enable you to customise your garden design to create a unique space that is personal to you and they also provide a simple, affordable way to elevate your design and try out different trends and looks. There are all kinds of products you can buy from chunky throws and outdoor cushions, lanterns and garden candles to planters, ornaments, mirrors, outdoor rugs and decorative pots. Choose accessories that suit the theme of the garden.
Spring is in full swing and before we know it, summer will be here. When it’s warm outside and it’s light until late, nothing beats being out in the garden. If your garden is looking a little tired or drab, now is the time to plan a revamp. You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful space that caters to your needs. Simple things like sprucing up your lawn, adding a stunning seating area and designing different zones can make a huge difference. Add accessories, breathe life into your garden and inject colour with plants and flowers and create new focal points.
Leave a Reply