How To Make the Most of Your Garden in Summer
Having an outdoor space to relax and spend time outside with friends and family is essential when the weather is great. However, knowing how to make the most of your garden can be challenging. This helpful guide holds all the tips and tricks to utilise every inch of your outdoor area, and can help you turn a blank canvas into your own private paradise.
Summer Flowering Plants
Adding flowering plants to your garden brings colour and style to any area. There are a huge variety of plants that flower throughout summer, and they can have many positive impacts on health and wellbeing. Not to mention, they are essential for insects and wildlife!
Summer bedding and potted plants are very versatile, and can be planted into containers, pots, hanging baskets or garden beds. Available in a choice of species and colours, there will always be something to suit you.
Ground spreading plants are ideal to fill large, flat garden beds or borders. Tall and climbing plants are great to grow in front of fences or along trellis. By having a range of growing styles in your garden, you can maximise the space you have and create fantastic height and depth throughout.
Shop summer bedding at Longacres, here.
Shop plant pots and containers at Longacres, here.
Garden Furniture
Having somewhere comfortable to sit and enjoy your garden is perfect when having friends or family visit. Outdoor furniture can be used to lounge in the sun, or to take your meals alfresco. No matter how many guests you have, there is a range of sizes available to ensure everyone has a place to sit. For days when the sun is shining, you can stay protected with the help of parasols and gazebos.
Knowing which style of furniture will be best for your garden can be confusing. Here are our favourite styles for different spaces.
Dining & Bistro Sets
The ideal place to have meals outdoors, or to just enjoy a drink. Available in a range of sizes, from small two-seater bistro sets, all the way up to comfortably seating nine on a corner set. For gardens with limited space, handy fold away bistro sets are able to be collapsed and stored when not in use.
Lounge Sets
Perfect for sunbathing or laying under a parasol. Lounge sets, such as reclining duos or sofa sets are a great place to relax and enjoy the weather. Available in a choice of sizes from a set of two loungers, nine seat corner sets to fit the whole family and everything in between.
Parasols and Gazebos
Add some well needed shade to your garden, perfect for pairing with your outdoor furniture set. Parasols are available in a range of styles, including free standing cantilevers, and traditional parasols that can fit into the centre of most outdoor tables. Looking for something to cover a large area? Gazebos can be used with or without sides to keep you well protected from the sun or rain!
Cooking Outdoors
A popular activity during the summer is getting outdoors and cooking on the barbecue. This can be a fantastic excuse to get into the garden and enjoy the weather. Depending on the size of your garden, and how many people you need to feed, this can influence the size and style of barbecue that is best for you.
Looking at a large range of barbecues can be confusing, but here is what we recommend for different spaces.
Space saving barbecues
Barbecues for large groups
Options for easy storage
Lighting up your outdoor area
Being able to get outside and enjoy your garden may seem restricted to when the sun is out. One way to ensure you can get maximum use out of your outdoor space is by illuminating the area using solar or mains powered lighting. For gardens of all sizes, outdoor lights allow you to decorate special areas, or even light your dining space, enabling you to stay out after the sun goes down.
Not sure which type of lighting is best for your garden? Take a look at our favourites.
