Spruce Up Your Garden for Summer
Now that the first rays of sunshine have started to make an appearance, those of us lucky to have a garden during this period when we are spending all of our time at home will no doubt be thinking of what they can do to spruce up the garden for summer. There are lots of simple ways that you can give your garden a new lease of life without breaking the bank or having to wait to call in an expert. Read on for some quick tips on how to give your outdoor area an instant lift.
Get Cleaning
The first thing you are going to want to do is the most inexpensive thing of all, give your garden a good clean and tidy. Start off by picking up any litter or debris then you can rake up any leaves and twigs. Once you have done this, dig out the lawnmower and sort the grass out, it will no doubt have been a while since the last cutting.
As we all know all too well, dirt and grime can quickly build up, especially on patio areas. Spend some time pulling out any weeds and moss and give your slabs a good scrub, bringing them back to their original glory.
Put some light on it
It won’t be long till the nights start to feel a little warmer and when they do, we’ll be keen to make the most of our time outside. To do this, we will want our gardens to be an enticing place to be when the sun goes down and that’s when garden lighting really comes into its own. For some, that might mean that it is time to pull out the fairy lights or hang those pretty lanterns but there are lots of options available now to turn your garden area into a magical place to be. Whatever you choose to do, think about their positioning and whether or not you want them to highlight a particular area of your garden.
A Fresh Lick of Paint
Has your garden shed seen better days or your fence looking a little tired? You shouldn’t underestimate how much shabby woodwork in your garden can really spoil the overall look. Why not brighten them up with a fresh lick of paint. If you fancy making your shed a focal point of your garden, why not choose a high-quality trade paint in a fun, bold colour and make a real statement, you no longer need to stick with traditional colours like green and brown.
And don’t forget to freshen up your furniture too, wooden garden furniture can look a little worse for wear after the cold winter months. A fresh coat of paint is a cheaper alternative to buying a whole new set.
Bring the inside outside
If you have space, why not create an extra living area outside, especially with everyone spending more time at home. If you can, make your garden furniture as comfortable as possible and you will be more likely to spend a little more time outdoors in the fresh air. Think about adding cushions and throws as well as side tables and even an outdoor rug to give it a real homey feel.
If eating al fresco is something you enjoy, think about investing in a BBQ. With so many options available, you don’t have to break the bank to get a good one that will last. But if you have enough space, consider a built-in brick BBQ, they really look the part and can tie in well with the rest of your garden.
Don’t forget to Accessorize
By adding personal touches to your garden, you can really put your own stamp on it. Don’t think that you have to follow the normal rules. If you feel like adding mirrors outside, then do it. In fact, a well-positioned mirror can help to create the illusion of space, which is ideal if space is at a premium or if you are wanting to transform a dark area of the garden.
When it comes to hanging plants and bird feeders, think outside the box and make your own. You can find lots of inspiration here.
Whatever you choose to do to spruce up your garden, have fun with it and hopefully the weather lets us enjoy it!
