Is there anything better than hanging out in your garden? When the sun is shining and the days are long, it’s the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon, and it’s a great space to entertain friends and family in too. Here are some tips for making the most of your outdoor space this summer.
Reinvigorate your lawn
At this time of year, your lawn is in ‘full flight’. Mow it to approximately three inches to keep it looking tidy, alternating the direction periodically. Watering it regularly is important too (especially if temperatures are hot), but bear in mind that keeping it hydrated can be a costly business. Invest in a water butt: rain water that literally falls from the sky is as cheap as it gets, and it will ensure you always have a plentiful supply to keep your lawn looking green and luscious. You can add liquid fertilizer if your lawn needs a little pick-me-up, too.
Refresh your patio
Next up, turn your attention to your patio. This area is super important as it’s where you’ll be barbequing, hanging out with guests or simply sitting with your morning cup of coffee. Buy a jet washer to clean your patio if it’s looking a little tired or, for patios that need a total facelift, it’s often more effective to invest in a new patio entirely. Pick a design you like and enjoy it all summer long – and consider the fact it will boost your home’s curb appeal and retail value too.
Treat yourself to a top-of-the-range BBQ
Once you have a great entertaining space, you’ll need the right equipment to go with it. Make the most of the great summer weather by buying yourself the best outdoor cooking appliance in your budget so that you can barbeque and grill away as often as you like. Enjoy that summer sun by inviting your neighbors, friends and family over for a lawn party, and serve up delicious food and drink well into the night.
Spruce up your shed
Whether you’ve bought one from a retailer or have made your own shed, it could probably do with smartening up – especially if it’s in clear view of your patio or areas of your outdoor space where you’re spending lots of time. Begin by transforming your shed by sanding it back, smartening up the roof, and giving it a lick of paint: a bright colorful hue will inject real personality to your garden, but if you prefer a more classic look, a plain cream, navy or dark green hue will look beautiful too. Here are some ideas for making your shed look awesome, inside and out.
Install outdoor lighting
Finally, lighting is something that often gets overlooked in an outdoor space, but it’s actually really important… especially if you want to make the most of the space you have once the sun’s gone down. Install solar lights along the paths and walkways in your garden, but also fix some outdoor sconces to the walls or consider stringing up festoon lighting for a laid-back vibe.