Ways to Get Your Garden Ready for the Summer Months
If there’s one thing many homeowners enjoy doing, it’s sitting out in the garden and enjoying the glorious sunshine. We all know how unpredictable the weather can be in the UK, so when summer comes around, and we get a sunny day, we need to make the most of it! If you’ve got garden space, you’ll want it to feel welcoming, homely, and relaxing.
Unfortunately, some of us neglect our outdoor space. Even if the inside of your property looks fabulous and modern, you may forget about pulling weeds, keeping the lawn maintained, and looking after your patio or decking.
Over time, this can create quite an undesirable garden space that you may prefer not to look at! Thankfully, there are lots of things you can do that will transform your garden space and get it ready for the summer months. What’s more, many don’t have to cost a fortune! Let’s take a look at some you can do today.
Repurpose Old Landscaping
Demolition and site clearance can be incredibly costly, especially if access is difficult and work is done by hand. Those with a tiny garden may have trouble with access. If you’ve got lots of removals, this could cost thousands of pounds. Wherever you can, it’s always best to recycle or reuse.
For instance, an old natural stone slab could be reused to serve as a garden stepping stone or deck platform. If you want to ensure a smooth and efficient garden demolition, it’s important to find a demo contractor who has the necessary experience, skills, and equipment to get the job done right.
Get Rid of Weeds
Weeds – the one word we all dread when it comes to sorting the garden out. These pesky plants seem to grow just about everywhere and, if you’re not careful, can really wreak havoc on your outdoor space.
We appreciate it’s not the most fun of jobs, but getting rid of weeds is essential for maintaining your garden space. There are numerous methods you can use to banish weeds once and for all. These include digging them up and using white vinegar. If the thought of doing the job yourself fills you with dread, you may prefer calling in the experts.
Add a Water Feature
Water features are a fantastic focal point in any garden. For small gardens in particular, a water feature can often soften and create a sense of extra space. Just like when you hang a mirror in your bedroom, incorporating a water feature into your outdoor space will reflect light beautifully.
This will make the space seem brighter and bigger than it did before. If you are concerned about space, worry no longer! Modern foundations can be made to fit beautifully into smaller gardens. This means there are no excuses not to consider adding one in your own! Check out MyBuilder, where you can find local landscape gardeners that can install a water feature for you. They only house the most reputable landscape gardeners so you can’t be confident you’ll have someone with plenty of years of experience helping out.
Sort Out Your Lawn
Whether you’ve got a huge lawn or dream of having more, keeping it well-maintained is important. Doing so helps to create a pleasing aesthetic and will help you get the most out of your garden during the summer. What’s more, keeping your lawn in good nick will boost your property’s kerb appeal, not to mention impress potential homebuyers! You don’t even need to call in the experts to help either. As long as you’ve got a trusty lawnmower and have sharp blades, why not do it yourself?
Start Planting
Summer will be here before you know it. With that in mind, now is the right time to get planting. To transform your garden space, why not inject some colour by adding long-flowering plants? Whether you’re a sunflower fan or violas are more your thing, the choice is entirely up to you. When you start adding plants around your garden, you’ll be amazed at what they can do to brighten up your space and keep a smile on your face, especially during dark and gloomy days! Remember, plants require plenty of air, water, and light to survive.
Don’t Forget About Shade
When the sun beats down, lots of us enjoy nothing more than laying down and topping up our tans. However, it’s important to have some shade in your garden that you can retreat to. This will provide protection and stop you from getting sunburned. If you’ve got the money to do so, consider installing a patio awning. They provide shelter from UV rays and will keep you comfortable all summer long.
Purchase New Garden Furniture
If you want to spend your summer days and nights in the garden, we can’t say we blame you! However, to do just that, you’re going to need furniture to sit on. If you plan to invite guests over and host BBQ parties, make sure you’ve got plenty of outdoor seating and a sturdy table. To keep your space well illuminated once the sun goes down, make sure to purchase LED lights. These can be put on trees or around pathways.
Get Pruning
To prepare your garden for the summer months, it’s time to start pruning your shrubs and trees. Like you would with the lawn, trimming tree branches and garden hedges is key for keeping your garden in check. The main benefit of pruning is it gets rid of dying shrubs and branches. What’s more, pruning can prevent pest infestations, which is something no homeowner wants to deal with!
Start Composting
Good compost can massively affect the quality of your garden soil. The great news is, you can make your own compost without having to spend a penny! If you haven’t got one already, now is the time to invest in a compost bin.
Those who don’t mind a bit of DIY may prefer making their own from some wood or an old container. Once you’ve got a compost bin, simply chuck in any garden waste. The rotting process creates brilliant compost, which can be used in your soil and ultimately, help your plants stay alive.
In addition to using a compost bin, you can also consider making a smell-free in-ground compost system that works by burying food scraps and other organic waste directly in your garden bed.
In-ground composting eliminates the need for a compost bin, which may not be feasible for those with limited space or who prefer a more natural look in their garden. It also helps to reduce odors and pests that can be attracted to an above-ground compost bin.
Collect and Recycle Rainwater
As we’ve mentioned, summer in the UK doesn’t mean there won’t be any rain. It can be a real pain if you have planned to spend the day in the garden only to find the heavens have opened. Rain doesn’t always have to be a bad thing though. It’s definitely worth collecting rain in a water butt. This is one of the most eco-friendly methods of watering your plants when you have dry soil. Collecting and recycling water is also fantastic for the environment.
Clean Your Garden Tools
During the winter months, you may have left all your gardening tools out in the open. If they’re covered in muck and grime, it’s time to clean them! Dirty tools can quickly fall into disrepair, not to forget infecting plants. Blast away the dirt with some water. If any mud remains, simply use a stiff brush to finish the job.
The great thing about any of the suggestions above is they don’t have to break the bank. Whether you enjoy a spot of gardening or would prefer a professional to take the reins, there are so many creative and fun changes you can make in your garden that can create a beautiful sanctuary for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
Whatever you decide on doing, making little alterations can promote peace, calm, and relaxation. And when summer rolls around, you’ll enjoy spending hour after hour in your outdoor space soaking up the rays!
