How to Give Your Garden a Summer Makeover

With the glorious weather we’ve had recently, isn’t it time you finally made your garden the little oasis that it ought to be?! Well, there are lots of things you could do to improve your outdoor space, but here are some of the best tips to ensure that yours is fragrant, beautiful and bursting with life…

First, remember that making over a garden is very much the same as making over any room in your home. This means that you need to have a ‘theme’ that pulls the area together. For example, you could opt to go for a zen garden, a rustic country cottage garden or a French vintage garden… whatever feels most ‘you’! This will help to guide your decisions regarding the kind of styling and structure you go for, as well as the plants you add and the furniture you invest in. Decide your theme right at the beginning and you’ll find the rest of the process straightforward and enjoyable.

Next, quickly jot down what you want your garden to achieve. Do you want it to be eco-friendly and a haven for wildlife? Do you need somewhere your kids can safely run around in, or is your priority to make a space for entertaining friends? Keep a note of these goals so that you can refer to them whenever you’re making a design decision. This will ensure that you’re actually giving your garden a good makeover and will ensure you won’t wind up disappointed.

Then, begin the hard work! Mow the lawn, add the weed killer and trim back overgrown trees and hedges. After that, you can start adding things to fill the space in the right way – shrubs and climbers can transform your garden by adding depth and texture, and a beautiful pair of bay trees positioned either side of a doorway could add sophistication.

Also, think about colour when you’re making over your garden. For instance, if you’ve painted your fence in a shade of white or pale grey for a country-chic style, or opted for a deep ocean blue to give a nod to those Mediterranean holidays, different blooms will have a different effect. For instance, bright corals, oranges and yellows will make your garden feel very tropical, whereas blushing pink roses and soft lilac lavender will compliment a classic theme.

Make yourself a private area for entertaining. Most of us live in close quarters to our neighbours, so an overlooked garden is almost an inevitability. However, you can use your summer makeover as an opportunity to build yourself a space that’s totally private and perfect for kicking back with a book on a warm summer’s evening, or barbequing with friends and family at the weekend. Lay decking, add a canopy and plant high, mature trees around your garden’s perimeter to prevent neighbours from looking in. Then, cosy up the area with patterned cushions, rugs and festoon lighting – you’ll find yourself spending lots of time outside!

Finally, don’t forget the small but significant touches that really finish off a garden makeover. For instance, you could choose from a huge range of decorative bird feeders to add a touch of elegance while catering for local wildlife at the same time, or install a water feature to make your garden feel like a calm retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.