Preparing your garden for summer fun doesn't have to be a tiring chore. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can give your garden an instant facelift and make it the perfect space for outdoor activities.
Start simple…
Are there areas of your yard that need some TLC? Whether you're giving the shed, fences or garden bench a new coat of paint or oil, or trimming hedges, it's best to start with the places that need your attention the most.
If you have garden furniture, it's worth considering placement – do you want tables and chairs in the shaded part of the garden or the sunniest? Do they overwhelm the area they are placed in or do they create a perfect balance in the space?
Investing in new planters or pots is the ideal way to breathe new life into an outdoor space, no matter how big or small it is. Consider planting fresh herbs around sitting areas. Rosemary and thyme are great options to have on hand during BBQ season, and fresh mint leaves work in all sorts of summer drinks.
Likewise, a trellis with flowering creepers such as roses, jasmine, clematis or sweet peas is a great solution for creating a screen to divide a garden or to hide unsightly walls, fences or other garden features. They also add wonderful scents to your outdoor space and attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.
Create an outdoor kitchen…
If you love barbecuing, why not make your own outdoor kitchen to enjoy all year round? If you don't have the budget or time to invest in a built-in brick barbecue, it can be easy to set up the immediate area around your current barbecue. A nearby wall or fence is ideal for shelves or shelving to ensure all the utensils, spices and rubs you need are close at hand. A dedicated barbecue table or surface is a good idea to ensure that there is enough space for preparing, resting and serving food. This can be made from upcycled crates or pallets for a more rustic look.
Ideally, your recently planted herb collection is also close to your outdoor kitchen.
Finish…
If your outdoor space is small or dark, try adding mirrors, which will both flood the space with light and make it feel more spacious. Be sure to consider what the mirror will reflect off once it's in place – no one needs to see a downspout or the back of a neighbor's broken shed reflected.
Placed against a wall or fence and behind colorful flowers, a mirror will accentuate and create the illusion of even more beautiful flowers.
A bunting is a simple and inexpensive way to brighten up any outdoor space — and it doesn't have to be traditional. Opt for bold bright colors and geometric patterns if that's more to your taste.
Solar powered string lights are a must. They help illuminate the room when it gets dark and create an inviting, twinkling atmosphere.
Keep your guests in mind…
As we move through the spring and summer, we will all be spending more time outdoors and since many of us haven't seen friends and family for months or even a year, there will certainly be some very long garden gatherings. So make sure you have enough spare pillows and blankets to keep the guests comfortable, whether they are sitting on lawn chairs or on the floor.
Try some strategically placed outdoor games to keep kids entertained. Big jenga or a ring toss game will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike and can be a great ice breaker too! If you're feeling creative, why not set up a scavenger hunt? And when it's really hot, a sprinkler can provide the ultimate summer fun for smaller guests.
Be mindful of any dog visitors – make sure they always have access to water and keep dog snacks handy in case they get hungry.
Think smart when serving food and drinks…
Store drinks in ice buckets in a shady part of the garden where guests can easily help themselves. Not only will this be helpful in terms of any social distancing measures that may still be in place, but it also means you, as a hostess, won't have to repeatedly lug in and out of the kitchen and can focus on socializing rather than serving. /P>
Non-perishable snacks for children to enjoy between meals – chips, nuts, raisins and fruit – can also be kept in crates in shaded areas.
Don't forget to keep guests warm when the sun goes down…
People are always attracted to fire and use it for protection, warmth and cooking. And still nothing beats the primal comfort of watching, listening to and smelling a warm, crackling fire.
To ensure that guests don't feel compelled to retreat inside once the sun goes down, it's worth investing in a fire pit, fire pit or garden heater to enjoy those summer evenings.
