How To Make The Most Of Your Backyard This Summer
Summer is upon us. As temperatures rise, many of us are looking forward to spending as much time outside as possible. If your garden isn’t quite ready yet, don’t panic. This guide is packed with ingenious ideas to help you make the most of your backyard this summer.
Create a seating area
Nothing beats al fresco dining, spontaneous gatherings, and relaxing evenings in the yard during the long, hot summer months. To enjoy your outdoor space and capitalize on warm evenings and sun-drenched afternoons, it’s a great idea to create a seating area. Setting up a zone to sit and take in the sunset, chat with friends, or cool down with a refreshing drink is a brilliant way to make your garden more versatile and comfortable.
There’s a huge array of options to choose from when it comes to buying outdoor furniture and designing an area for eating, drinking and socializing under the stars. You can opt for contemporary, chic sofas or dining sets, channel a more rustic vibe with benches and deckchairs, or escape to a tropical paradise with hammocks and oversized floor cushions. Whatever your style and vibe, it’s always a good idea to shop around to compare prices and get inspiration. You can take ideas from places you’ve visited, social media accounts you love and seasonal trends.
Add shelter
Many people look forward to warm weather, but extreme conditions have become more commonplace in recent years. If you’re not a fan of intense heat, or you’re eager to enjoy your garden even on the hottest days, it’s wise to add shelter. Sails, awnings, covered patios, parasols, gazebos, and pergolas can provide much-needed shade to help you keep cool. As well as making your yard more versatile and flexible, you can also buy products that enhance aesthetic appeal. If you opt for multifunctional structures or designs, you can also improve functionality during the cooler, wetter seasons when you may need to take shelter to keep warm and dry.
Before you buy a shelter or add structures to provide shade in your garden, browse websites and magazines and see what’s available. Set a budget, think about how you use your garden throughout the year, and compare prices. It may be worth spending a bit more if you’re looking for something that will provide shelter in the winter and shade in the summer, such as a summerhouse, covered patio or gazebo.
Get your pool in shape
If you’re lucky enough to have a swimming pool in your backyard, now is the time to make hay while the sun shines. On sunny, hot days, diving into a cool, clear pool is the ultimate treat. As the mercury rises, it’s a brilliant idea to look for a local pool service to clean your swimming pool and make sure it’s ready. Once your pool is clean, you can enjoy solo swims, invite family members over or host weekend pool parties. It’s important to keep up with basic pool maintenance and ensure the pool is safe to use at all times. If you’re short on time, using professional cleaning and maintenance services is an excellent idea.
The best ways to find reputable pool services in your local area include searching online directories, reading reviews, and asking friends and neighbors for recommendations. Local social media groups are also a great resource for getting tips and referrals.
Image via https://www.pexels.com/photo/relaxing-poolside-scene-with-wine-and-berries-31238037/
Accessorize
Accessorizing is a fantastic way to experiment with and channel new garden design trends, but it can also help you create a more functional outdoor area. During the summer, we tend to use our gardens for different reasons than in the spring, fall, and winter months. Adding accessories can help you make the most of your outside space when the days are warm and the evenings long. Examples include tableware, drinks trolleys, parasols, chair cushions and table decorations for seating and entertaining areas and lightweight rugs and cushions for cozy zones. When it’s hot outside, you can swap heavier fabrics, such as wool and faux fur, for light, natural materials like cotton and linen.
Embrace color with plants and flowers
Summer is the season of color for gardeners and those who enjoy spending time in their backyards. Many flowers and plants blossom and bloom during the warmer months. When it’s bright and sunny, you can add color, interest and personality to your garden with vibrant flower beds, containers, living walls, plants, and trees.
Before you start planting or buying plants, it’s advisable to do some research. You’ll need to choose plants that are suitable for the climate and the conditions in your yard. If there are certain parts of the garden that only get a limited amount of sunlight, for example, opt for flowers that thrive in shady spots. If you have a compact yard, make the most of wallspace by creating a living wall or embracing creative ideas, such as hanging plants in buckets or crates or using stackable flower boxes.
Prep your lawn
A healthy, lush lawn looks wonderful, but it also provides a useful base for enjoying outdoor activities. From sunbathing and chilling out with a good book to playing games with the kids or enjoying a picnic with friends, it’s incredibly useful to have a functional lawn. Hot, dry conditions can be challenging for homeowners. You may find that your grass looks more brown or yellow than green, and there may be dry, worn patches. Caring for your lawn can reduce risks. Basic tips include removing weeds, watering the grass regularly, and planting seeds in worn areas. Choose dry days to mow the grass and avoid going over the same spots repeatedly. Mow in a uniform pattern to keep the surface even.
Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-grass-413195/
Summer is finally here and many of us are looking forward to enjoying our backyards. If you’re eager to make the most of your garden in the weeks ahead, following some simple steps can make a big difference. Examples include creating a seating area, adding shelter and shade, getting your pool in shape, and prepping your lawn. You can also add accessories and embrace color with plants and flowers to make your yard look beautiful.
