Summer is just around the corner and Brits everywhere will be putting on their shorts, firing up the barbeque and spending as much time as possible in the garden. Having a serene space to spend the summer in when trying to wring every drop out of the season is essential. With this in mind, here are our 5 IDEAL tips on how to beautify your garden.
GET SOME PRETTY LIGHTS
Lighting serves a functional purpose, of course – we’ve all had a glass of wine too many and tripped on a poorly lit path (or fallen in a pond). But lighting just as much benefits the look and feel of a garden, creating a fairytale like vibe and ambience which perfectly suits those warm summer nights. Lanterns add oriental chic, fairy lights for childlike whimsy and simple tea lights for romantic intimacy. You needn’t harm the environment and your electricity bill – many modern varieties run on solar power.
MAKE A CHILL OUT AREA
Hammocks and garden swing seats offer a groovy alternative to the traditional garden bench. Much better for indulging in an afternoon of reading or a post-barbeque nap, this style of seating is perfect in encouraging spending long summer days enjoying your beautiful garden. If you want to go the extra mile and create the ultimate chill out area, consider investing in a lovely summer house, it will be beneficial to the whole family and will be very useful during house parties.
GROW FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
Whether it’s simply some berries, or a larger project like planting a fruit tree, growing fruit brings colour to your patch and emphasizes the natural beauty in your garden. Not only does this pay off in aesthetics, you can also enjoy the fruits (ahem) of your labours – freshly picked produce from the garden, there really is nothing better. Pay close attention to the seasons to determine both the best time to plant and the best time to eat for maximum results. Growing salad leaves, herbs and vegetables also adds to the look of a garden well looked after and a homeowner who likes to eat healthily.
Creating a vegetable patch yourself can sound more difficult than it actually is. It’s not that you need a lot of heavy machinery or other specialized tools, a shovel and a nice garden hose with a nozzle would do the job just fine.
TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN SHED
A garden shed doesn’t have to be used as just an ordinary shed. From turning it into a home office, to transforming it into a spa or simply a place where you can kick back and relax, there are loads of creative and clever ways to convert it into a great space. One of the most simple ways to instantly transform your shed is to use polycarbonate to create some durable shed windows. Polycarbonate is a low cost, durable alternative to glass (a bit like a plastic sheet) that doesn’t require any specialist skill to install. Check out Pinterest for some fab diy garden shed ideas.
ADD A SPLASH OF COLOUR
Brighten up your outdoor space by adding a splash of colour and going crazy with your paint brush. Give a lick of paint to plant pots, fences and sheds. Upcycle your old garden furniture by painting it or even create a colourful feature wall with some wall art or a mural.