There’s nothing quite like spending the afternoon in your garden during the summer. The warmth of the sun’s rays beaming down on you, the smell of pollinated air, and the gentle wind all mixed together create a feeling like no other.
Now that the weather is warming up for spring, it’s the perfect time to start getting your garden ready for the summer. Why not make a start today so that when sunbathing season comes, all you have to do is enjoy your garden?
Build a BBQ
One of the first things that springs to mind when you think about spending time in your garden during the summer is probably lighting the BBQ, so why not create a space in your garden where you can have one permanently?
You might just want a grill for burgers and hot dogs, but you could essentially add other elements of a garden kitchen as long as you’ve got the cover to protect it from the elements. You may want to build it so that it’s there permanently, and there are loads of online guides you can use if you want to build a brick BBQ in your garden.
If that’s not really your forte, then you could also simply buy yourself a freestanding one to use during the summer. There are so many to choose from, so have a think on whether you’d prefer a coal burning BBQ or whether gas might be more your speed.
Create privacy
Privacy is often something that gets forgotten until it’s time to actually relax in your garden. While you’ll want to show off your garden to family and friends during the summer, the last thing you want is passersby peering in when you’re trying to relax.
There’s a few options you could consider, but if you’re looking for speed, then it might be a good idea to head to your local hardware store and pick up some fencing panels. Not only will this create instant privacy, but it’ll box your living space off from the rest of the world, making it a relaxing retreat for you and your family.
However, if fences aren’t something you want to consider, you could plant hedges instead. It might take some time for the hedges to grow tall enough to get the privacy you want, but it’s an alternative to take into consideration for some privacy at home.
Install a pool
You want to spend many hours in your garden enjoying the heat, but what about getting some relief from the heat too? Building a swimming pool in your garden is a fantastic way of being able to quickly cool off when it gets too much and also a means of fun for you and your family. While you could buy a freestanding one, it takes a lot of work to keep clean and also empty and refill if you leave it for too long.
Instead, why not consider Fiberglass Pools? They’re really durable, low maintenance, and are cost effective, especially if you plan on getting enough use out of it. Not only will it be a great way of cooling down during the summer heat, but it’ll also add value to your home, so if you ever come to sell, you can hike up the price!
Clean up your entertainment space
Another idea is to create a patio area so that you can segregate a space in your garden where you can place your garden furniture and entertain guests. What’s great is a patio doesn’t necessarily have to be made out of concrete or slabs; you might want to install some decking in your garden to give it a more modern and homely appearance.
Pull weeds, get rid of any dead plants, and make the area a cosy place to sit and talk. If you want to be really creative, you could install a fire pit in your garden which will allow you to sit and talk well into the night, yet still stay nice and toasty. Add in some solar panelled lighting and you’ve got a perfect entertainment space for you and your loved ones!
Plant some pretty shrubs
Planting flowers and other shrubbery in your garden can dramatically improve the aesthetic appeal of it. But, having to work out where to put each plant or shrub might be tricky. A great way of tackling this problem is by putting the larger bushes on the outside of the garden and then the smaller ones in front.
Having plants and shrubbery in your garden isn’t necessarily a must, but it’s a great way of creating something more picturesque to enjoy when you’re relaxing in your garden.
And, plants have been shown to reduce stress and increase productivity, so it’s a win-win situation! You might also want to include some evergreens in the mix so that when the cooler weather comes back around, your garden will still look fantastic!
Another thing to consider is the colour scheme you want to go for in your garden. If you want it to look summery, consider sticking with yellows and oranges for a warmer feel. Then again, if you like the look of a plant, then introduce it to your garden!
Decorate with ornaments!
If it’s still not warm enough to plant shrubs or flowers in your garden, then you might be considering other ways you can decorate your garden to make it more personal. Garden ornaments could make a huge impact on the appearance of your garden, and there are so many styles to choose from!
You might opt for some that come with solar panel lights to help light up your back garden. Or, you might look at other ornaments that reflect your personality. For example, if you love chickens, you could buy some ceramic or stone chicken figures to add more flair to your garden.
They don’t have to be expensive either, and most garden centres will stock a large selection for you to choose from. Alternatively, you might even consider buying garden ornaments online.
Add new pieces of garden furniture
Garden furniture is a must if you’re sprucing up your garden with the aim to relax and entertain come summertime. Think about comfortable seating and a place for plates and glasses to sit. You might also consider getting a hammock for those lazy days where you just want to read a book in the sun.
Or, you could even consider a swing seat in your back garden, adding some romance to those warm afternoons enjoying each other’s company. The great thing about garden furniture is that you don’t necessarily have to go out and spend loads of money on a new set; if you’re DIY handy, you could save some cash and buy materials to build your own. Or, upcycle indoor furniture so that it’s got a use outside.
You might even want to consider other garden furniture like a water fountain and some benches, especially if you plan on making different sections in your garden. Either way, as long as your garden fits your needs and tastes, you can’t really go wrong.
Give your shed some TLC
Is your garden shed looking a little worn down and battered? Maybe it’s got a window pane missing or the door is slightly off its hinges? Wear and tear happens to outside structures, so while you’re getting your garden ready for the summer, why not pay some attention to your shed too?
You might want to replace the roof on your shed to match the aesthetic of your garden, or you might simply want to spend some time rearranging it so that it’s easier to find what you need. Then, why not finish it off with a lick of paint to tie everything together?
Lots of people are choosing bright and bold colours for their garden shed to turn it into a focal point in the garden. Of course, you can choose a colour that suits your taste and preferences.
If you really wanted to tie things together, you could match the colour of your shed to your front door or the colour of your garden furniture!
Make a vegetable patch
Finally, if you’re someone that loves pottering around your garden, then there’s a good chance you’ve considered growing your own fruit and vegetables. Well, here’s your sign! You might want to consider buying or building a greenhouse so that if the weather does get a bit colder than you’d hoped, your produce will still thrive.
If you’ve got kids, why not get them involved too? Ask them to pick a fruit, salad or vegetable that they love and can help you grow them?
As you can see, there are so many things you can do in your garden to prepare it for the summer, and the fall too (hopefully!) – all you need to do is decide on a theme! After that, you can begin creating your own garden haven for you and your loved ones. Now all you need to do is get the work done and begin planning for the many relaxing hours you’re going to spend in your garden!
Article and permission to publish here provided as Contributed Content. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on April 22, 2024.
Cover image by pexels.com.