Summer is the ideal time for outdoor entertaining but is your garden ready for visitors?
The Great British Spring Clean, which started on Friday (May 28) and runs until June 13, focuses on improving the environment on your doorstep. Run by Keep Britain Tidy, the event usually takes place in March and April but was pushed back to later in the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With May being largely a washout due to thunderstorms and frequent rain showers, many people have neglected their outdoor spaces. But here are six things you can do to make sure your garden is ready for summer:
Your garden needs a regular clear out just like your home. Take some time to clear out your gutters and remove the weeds from your pathways and flowerbeds. If you have a shed, go through the contents and get rid of any rubbish or things you no longer need. If you don’t have enough space to keep your gardening equipment or other treasures, consider renting a self-storage unit to keep things safe without them taking over your garden. Andrew Porter Limited has units available in all shapes and sizes at very affordable rates so you can free up valuable space at home but still have access to your things whenever you need them.
If you want to improve how your garden looks, the fence is a great place to start. Check your fencing to see if it needs any repairs and add a coat of protective paint to smarten it up and make it weatherproof. Grey fences are on trend for 2021 and will give your garden a stylish, modern feel. If you prefer something a bit more eye-catching, you could use different colours and turn part of your fence into a feature wall or add a trellis with climbing plants. If you would prefer your fence to blend in with the natural surroundings, paint it a shade of green for a calm and unobtrusive look. Adding accessories like colourful tealight holders can also create a real impact and make your garden look more inviting.
If you’re planning on spending lots of time in your garden, it’s a good idea to think of it as another room, which just happens to be outside. If you don’t already have decking, consider getting some installed as creating a deck in your garden will give you a great spot for al fresco dining. Invest in some good garden furniture with outdoor trunks where you can store blankets, cushions and chair covers. You can always put your outdoor furniture into storage over the winter to protect it from the elements and keep it looking its best.
If you already have a barbecue, check it over and make sure it still works before you plan to use it to avoid any disappointment. Give it a thorough clean and remove any rust and make sure you know where any accessories are. If you decide to invest in a new one, shop around for the best deals. Gas barbecues are typically much easier to use but they are larger and more expensive than the charcoal alternatives, which tend to be small and portable.
Flowers are a quick and simple way of adding colour to your garden. Adding bedding plants to your border can give them an instant makeover for very little work. Busy lizzies, Lobelia geraniums, sweet pea and begonia all flower in the summer and will add a colourful splash to your outdoor space. You may also want to consider adding tubs and hanging baskets – some of which you can buy ready planted from garden centres.
If you plan to spend summer evenings in your garden, it’s a good idea to think about some lighting. Outdoor fairy lights are a great way of adding some atmosphere to your outdoor space. Other options include solar-powered lighting which convert sunlight gathered during the day into electrical energy. Lanterns dotted around your outdoor space or in clusters around your outdoor seating can look very effective. You may also want to consider stake lights, which can be positioned around the edges of the garden. For a more powerful lighting option, you may want to invest in outdoor wall lighting or spotlights.
Hiring a self-storage unit is a fantastic way for you to make the most of your garden even if you have limited outdoor storage space. As soon as the weather starts to turn, you simply pack your outdoor furniture, barbecue, and accessories into your locker where it won’t get damaged by the weather or get in the way in the house. Contact us for more information.
