Gardening gloves at the ready
Summer has well and truly arrived, which means it’s time to give your garden a little TLC. Prepare for those balmy evenings spent relaxing outdoors and al fresco dining (weather permitting) and freshen up your garden with these 10 effective tips…
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![Garden Furniture]()
Up Your Garden Furniture Game
Whether you’re looking to invest in a luxurious outdoor lounge set or prefer vintage finds, the right furniture can transform not only the look of your garden, but your al fresco experience too – so be sure to find pieces that are suited to you. Hadley Rose offers a wide range of elegant outdoor sofa and dining sets, whilst antique retailer The Hoarde boasts an eclectic array of vintage items, from rustic patio sets to antique French garden benches.
Image: GettyImages
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![Perennials]()
Plant Pretty Perennials
From lavender to peonies, pretty shasta daisies and pastel-coloured yarrow, planting perennials is the perfect way to add a natural splash of colour to your garden. These eye-catching flowers are best planted in spring, so they’ll be looking their brightest by the time summer comes around. Visit the RHS website for expert guidance.
Image: GettyImages
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![Plant Pots]()
Paint Your Plant Pots
Another easy and non-expensive way of adding a splash of colour to your garden: painting your plant pots. Simply coat a terra-cotta plant pot in acrylic paint (using whichever colours your wish), then use a stencil (optional) to create patterns for added decoration.
Image: GettyImages
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![Herbs]()
Grow Herbs
From parsley to mint, basil and dill, not only do herbs add flavour to your dishes, they’ll also add a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your garden – the kind which affirms you’re a pro in both the kitchen and the grounds. The reality is, herbs are pretty easy to plant and grow. Look to the RHS guide for advice on how to get started with harvesting your own herb garden.
Image: Annie Spratt on Unsplash
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![Garden Fountain]()
Add a Water Feature
Whether it be a water fountain, pond or an ornamental pool, enhance your outdoor space with a sense of tranquility by adding a water feature. Better yet, fill the pool of water with petals to add vibrance and colour. If you’re looking for something unique, see David Harber’s impressive array of features, from serene water walls to water-filled fire pits.
Image: GettyImages
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![Garden Lights]()
Light Up the Garden
Add lights to your garden for an instant dose of fairytale glamour – ideal for those long summer evenings spent relaxing and dining outdoors. Fairy lights, candle lights, wall lights, festoon lights… the possibilities are endless.
Image: GettyImages
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![Birstall Garden & Leisure Summerhouse]()
Invest in a Summerhouse
Create your own garden hideaway with the addition of a summerhouse. Whether for work, entertainment, or even as a secret reading spot, summerhouses are a great investment. We’re a big fan of Birstall’s sophisticated lead roof summer houses complete with plywood flooring and translucent double doors which let the light flood in. birstall.co.uk
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![garden hammock]()
Add a Hammock
The epitome of relaxation, there’s nothing better than soaking up the summer sunshine in a hammock. There are plenty of alternate styles available, from Amara’s outdoor hammock chair to ODD’s luxury garden swing seats.
Image: GettyImages
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![Allotment]()
Create Your Own Allotment
Freshen up your garden with an allotment. Not only can you produce your own fresh and homegrown fruit and veg, but allotment gardening has also been praised for its array of physical and mental health benefits. Plus, it’s good for the environment. Find out how to make your own kitchen garden with former RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold-medallist, Jo Thompson here.
Image: GettyImages
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![Garden fire pit]()
Bring the Heat
Lengthen your time spent in the garden with the inclusion of a fire pit or chiminea to keep you warm as the evenings get chillier; the perfect setting for playing card games, toasting marshmallows and cosying up to a movie outdoors.
Image: GettyImages
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