This is a collaborative post: What’s that outside the window after 5 pm? Could it be? Yes, it is! The sun is still out, and the heating hasn’t come in (at least not for another few hours).
Spring has sprung. For some of us, that means it’s time to blow the dust off running shoes and get back into the swing of the season. While I know a lot of people who are counting down the days until beer gardens can open again, if you’re someone who will still be spending most of their time at home, especially those of us working from home, now is the ideal time to give the garden a little refresh.
Whether it’s for having a cheeky glass or two after clocking off and putting the laptop away, or you’re looking at your garden and wondering how to turn it into a makeshift office for those morning Zoom calls, here is some of my essential advice on refreshing your garden this spring/summertime.
Let’s get going, shall we?
Fresh Coat of Paint
Painting key parts of your garden is a quick and easy way to add a pop of colour and help everything look fresh. Popping on some Demidekk Ultimate is the ideal to stain wooden surfaces without having to spend all weekend sanding and painting over fences and your garden gate. I would recommend going for really bold colours if it’s a small area, as bright contrasts can help teeny tiny gardens look bigger.
Start a Small Herb/Veg Garden
The sourdough season is so over, my friends. This summer is all about pizza in the garden. If you’re one of the lucky people to get their hands on those fancy little portable pizza ovens, you’ll be looking to have the perfect work station for creating pizza perfection.
Right now, lots of the supermarkets are offering plantable herb pots with a bit more variety than usual. I’ve seen decent basil, coriander, oregano, and the likes of on offer. With many local garden centres still not open, it’s the ideal way to get herbs and lovely smells growing in the garden instantly. Just pop a plant in, and you’re good to go.
Check your Planting Space
Decided this is the summer you’re going to grow something in the garden? Don’t make the mistake of cramping everything together. Different plants have their own planting space they need to grow unencumbered. For example, an asparagus plant needs 30cm of “breathing” room to grow, while rhubarb will need up to 120cm. I recommend reading up on what plants can work within your limitations and going from there. There are lots of handy videos on YouTube that help.
And if you’re incredibly lazy or can’t commit to looking after a little planting space, how about a levitating plant pot indoors?
Create a fun space
Your garden can be an inviting space, but don’t end up with somewhere you’re afraid people will walk over flowerbeds or spill drinks. It’s easy to make a garden family proof, especially if you want to have a super-fun back garden camp out.
My golden run for creating a fun space in your garden: give yourself enough “space”. Before you load the car with a new paddling pool, table, chairs & BBQ you’ve seen for a bargain at the usual shops, ask yourself what will fit in your garden and whether it makes sense to have. While firepits are all the rage just now, you’re be raging if you get one and have nowhere to put it!
Prepare for Autumn & Winter
It isn’t even summer yet, so why should I be preparing for autumn already? This is a warning for anyone out there who has noticed the nicer days and is circling new garden furniture. Don’t go buying things that you either can’t cover over or don’t already come with protective coverings.
Whether that’s a humble wicker chair or a new barbecue, you know what the British summer weather can quickly turn to. A cheap plastic cover will help stop rust from rearing its ugly head. And if you’re wondering why you would ever buy protection, ask yourself this: do I want to use my barbecue in a pinch next summer, or would I rather sit for half a day going at it with steel wool?
Plan ahead to get it covered for the colder and wetter months.
Now enjoy your garden
These are just a few ways to help refresh and look after your garden at this time of year. As always, if you need some more inspiration, check out the latest articles from the home & garden section of the blog!