Sure, the idea of summer holidays somewhere fun and far flung got us through the winter months. But let’s face it; once you’ve adjusted to the time difference, and the change in climate, culture and cuisine, you’re boarding the return flight home. Cue the post holiday blues until next year rolls around. But what if we were to tell you that you could hack those blues, and make your home the ultimate summer getaway location. With the right design, tools and just a little know how, you can make your garden a destination this year. Here’s how; our 5 IDEAL steps to getting your garden summer staycation ready.
FIRST, A SPRUCE UP
We accept that the idea of doing work to your garden in those barren, colder months was off putting. But now, with the first shoots of spring and sunshine emerging, it’s the perfect time to get out there, tidy winter’s work away and give your garden the respect it deserves in time for summer. We’ll save us both the bother here, and direct you to our top tips on ways to spruce up your garden in time for summer. Once those foundations of space and structure are laid, then you can get to work on making your garden a place you want to spend time in.
A SUMMER HOME
The Great British weather is anything but predictable, and rain will almost certainly affect play during long, languid summer days spent outside. Fortunately, there are log cabins for sale in the UK that are absolutely charming, insulated, and offer every homeowner the ability to install their very own summer home right on their property. Use it as a getaway lounge, a place to work on your passion projects, a reading nook, or whatever else you want. You can even convert it into a home office during the winter and keep it warm inside with a space heater, as all quality log cabins are well insulated and come with double-glazed windows and doors.
A KITCHEN GARDEN
What would a summertime staycation be without those lazy, hazy barbeques which start at lunch and turn into dinner? Not much, we think. Certainly not holiday-at-home quality, anyway. A kitchen garden set-up is a must, then, with a designated space for safe, efficient grilling and seats and a table set for communal eating. You’ll need to invest in the right tools for the task and designate surfaces for proper cooking and storage rather than simply serving some salmonella burgers, but apart from that, with a decent barbeque in place, you’re good to go!
A WATER FEATURE
The sound of gently trickling water is proven to aid relaxation (so long as you’re not busting for the loo, that is) and can even work to drown out some noise if you live near a busy street. A water feature, then, can be just the ticket. With so many designs and placements to choose from, from the tasteful to the tacky, it’s prudent to choose one that accentuates your garden’s overall style and complements the space, rather than has a jarring effect
If you’re truly intending to spend the whole summer out there, luxuriating in your garden, then a hot tub is the OG choice of water feature. Surprisingly, most hot tubs don’t need planning permission to install, so you can include this feature with little hassle. Apart from the financial, that is.
PRIVACY
If you live in a city, then you’ll all too familiar with homes peering down into your garden. You’ve probably done a bit of peering yourself. And while there’s nothing wrong with a little voyeurism, a neighbour’s curtain twitching can really ruin those carefree summer vibes. Though you can’t completely shroud your garden in secrecy, you can improve your privacy with carefully placed plants and shrubbery. What’s more, by focusing on the frame of your garden and adding large, view-blocking elements (like a fence) you can enhance privacy levels a great deal.
And after that, all you’ve got to do is find some fun loving friends to share your garden space with you. That shouldn’t be a challenge for someone like you, you lovely, lovely thing.
