So far this year has been a bit of a scorcher- with the hottest June day since 1976 and sunburn aplenty, the Great British Public have sweated, tanned, complained and basked in equal measure. So with the warmest, most colourful season in full swing, there’s no excuse for not making good use of your outdoor living space.
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your garden this summer and beyond:
Invest in a good garden furniture set
If you enjoy entertaining outdoors, it makes sense to invest in a quality set of garden furniture that you can enjoy for years to come. Maze rattan is particularly popular these days, thanks to its weatherproof material and low maintenance finish. A great option is to make furnishing yourself, where quality gear such as a good bench drill press will be an invaluable tool for crafting the exterior of your dreams.
Look for something that’s comfortable, practical and coordinates well with your accessories.
Get a parasol
Garden parasols are a great idea and can be used rain or shine. They’re fantastic if you’ve got friends and family who don’t enjoy basking under the full heat of the sun’s rays, and they offer good protection from the showers we come to expect in the UK.
Add a splash of colour
“Even if you don’t enjoy gardening, it’s always nice to have a touch of colour in the garden- it makes it look better presented and more inviting, which is particularly helpful if you’re thinking about selling.” – wise words from Pimlico estate agent, Andrew Reeves. If the idea of looking after flower beds is less than appealing, you can still achieve stunning effects from planters and window boxes.
Raise the bar
If you enjoy drinks with friends, there’s no more impressive way to do it than with your own bar in the garden. From garden dining sets with built-in ice buckets to full-blown tiki huts stocking your favourite cocktails, this is a guaranteed way to get the drinks and the conversation flowing at any Summer event. Proskips agrees: “Garden huts and bars are fantastic talking pieces, and great if you want to sell up too. swimming pools and hot tubs can also add significant value to your home.”
Chill in a hammock
We all lead such busy lives these days that any opportunity to relax in total bliss should be grabbed with both hands. A hammock is a great way to while away the hours chilling in the shade with your favourite book, and you’ll find them at most large garden centres and department stores. If budget’s an issue, why not have a go at making one yourself? You’ll need some strong fabric (canvas is ideal), about 9 metres of rope and a couple of trees.
Build a den
You’re never too old to enjoy a den, and having little people around is the perfect opportunity to build one. Choose a wooded, shady area if possible, and let your imagination run wild-think tepees, wigwams and brightly coloured bunting. You can build a perfect den with twigs and branches if you want to be at one with nature, or if you prefer glamping you can add a few home comforts with sumptuous cushions, throws and colourful curtains. The main thing is to have fun.
Assetgrove has the last word- “Summer is the perfect time to take a good look at your garden and tidy up any areas that need attention. If you’re looking to sell up it’s always worth investing as much as you can on making your outdoor living space look good, so tidy up, add some colour and make it as inviting as you possibly can.”
