Summer is in full bloom at last and your garden may already be a blaze of colour, as each day more plants blossom and reward your hard work. Or, perhaps the year has flown by so fast that you simply haven’t had time to grow the flowers you love, sow the seeds that slowly reveal themselves or even maintain those established favourites. If this sounds familiar, there’s no need to worry. The sun is shining and we’ve got lots of ideas on how you can bring your garden to life today.
Make a feature of it
water feature, that is. A contemporary water feature, complete with its soft and soothing sounds, comes into its own during the summer months. Fresh and alive, it’s a wonderful garden accessory that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Late arrivals
There are some flowers that thrive even when planted in summer months. Look out for marigolds, nasturtiums, zinnias and cosmos, which will all deliver a glorious late summer bloom if planted now.
Sit it out
It’s never too late in the year to invest in some elegant furniture. A beautifully dressed table set out on the lawn, patio or decking will distract your guests from a multitude of gardening sins as the chilled wine flows.
Divide and rule
Shabby, old-fashioned fencing can really let a summer garden down. Invest in some gorgeous brickwork or rustic stone garden walls, for a charming, rural look.
Hang it all
A few strategically placed, shop-prepared hanging baskets can make all the difference when creating a beautiful exterior for your home.
Lightly does it
The sun may be high in the sky by day, but if you want to continue to enjoy your summer garden as night falls, good lighting is essential. Neon bright fairy lights, traditional lanterns or contemporary solar-powered lights all create a great ambience for relaxing time spent in the garden.
Welcome pond life
Aquatic plants, as well as looking fantastic, provide the wildlife living in your pond with surface cover during the hotter months. Waterlilies, flowering rushes, water irises and water hyacinths can all create a real impact.
Paving the way…
…to a better garden. With the long days and the sun shining, now is the time of year to have new garden paving laid. Textured or smooth, a weathered look or a riven finish – paving can work as a starting point for an entirely fresh outdoor aesthetic.
It’s the little things that matter
Decorative aggregates really are very little things. Available in a variety of colours and sizes, these tiny stones make a big difference to outdoor spaces. Or, how about a smoother, pebbled finish? With their mix of warm colours and opal gleam, pebbles are a classic choice.
Border control
Take control of your borders and planters by filling them with established shrubs and bushes. Just a few carefully chosen plants can change the overall composition of your garden and bring it up to summer standard.
So, there’s no need to panic if you’re planning for a summer event that requires a stunning garden setting and you haven’t quite finished the groundwork. Instead, invest in a few key elements and you’ll easily brighten up your garden in no time.
