Summer is almost upon us – thank goodness – which means that your garden or outdoor space is going to enjoy plenty of attention in the months to come. But is your garden ready for the summer onslaught? The overflowing paddling pools, the BBQs, the chase games and ball games? Well, if your garden is in need of a little TLC before you embark on a summer of fun, then don’t worry. Here I’ve gathered 5 ways you can ensure your garden is ready for whatever this summer (and your kids) can throw at it!
Make sure there is shade
When the summer sun is beating down, it is incredibly hot! And while you might have covered the little ones in sun cream, sun hats and sunglasses, sometimes having an area of your garden that is dedicated to shade is a welcome relief from the powerful rays of the sun. Planting some fast growing shade trees will ensure that you have a little respite for the years to come, but in the meantime you can make do with plenty of parasols, erect an awning or even pitch up a tent for the little ones to play in and take shelter in. It might make their ice creams last a little longer in the heat!
Clean up and create a social area
There’s nothing more wonderful than spending a summer’s day watching the kids play. All while you and your partner enjoy a cool glass of something fizzy and the BBQ is cooking away. Ensure you have a full dedicated area to comfort and socialising. Dig out that old patio furniture and either give it a good clean or give it a lick of paint and upcycle it. Add some colourful seat cushions, a bean bag or two and you’ll have plenty of room for family and guests alike.
Break out the garden games
Making the summer fun and exciting is what it’s all about. So, dig out those old summer toys from last year and spruce them up. The old swing, the slide, paddling pool, even the sprinkler. You could even take the chance to invest in some new pieces such as giant chess or Jenga. Water tables and sand pits are also perfect for the younger ones. Try to set them up in shaded areas.
Inject some colour
You don’t have to have green fingers to have a beautifully colourful outdoor space. You can plant flowers if you wish or fill tubs and planters with gorgeous blooms, but there are other ways to experiment with colour. Colourful tea-light holders on the tables, bold and bright seat covers and parasols, patterned tableware etc. You could even get the kids to paint your flower pots!
Don’t forget the lighting
Lighting is crucial for any garden. So when the night begins to creep in, the summer fun can continue! Consider strings of solar powered fairy lights around the garden fence, tea-lights on the tables and other surfaces or garden lighting stakes amongst your flowerbeds.
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