Summer is here! With alfresco dining, entertaining and outdoor relaxation on the agenda, it’s time to make the most of your outside space and get it ready for the warmer months ahead. Be inspired and create sustainable and enjoyable spaces for you to share with friends and family throughout the summer with these top five tips.

Quality garden furniture

Before you choose your garden furniture, think about the size of your outdoor space and how you are going to use it. Will it be for relaxing? Eating and entertaining? Or a bit of both? Quality garden furniture that not only looks great but is comfortable too helps you enjoy spending more time outside in your outdoor living space. From bistro sets for smaller spaces, cocoon chairs and loungers for relaxation areas and dining sets, corner sofas, and tables with fire pits for entertaining, there’s something out there for you.

Pots, planters and hanging baskets

For maximum impact add beautiful bright blooms such as Osteospermum, Hydrangeas or Dahlias to pots and planters of all different shapes and sizes to your patio or balcony. How about creating a scented planter full of fragranced plants such as lavender, scented stocks, or sweet peas? Not only will you and your guests enjoy the sweet aroma, but so will the bees and butterflies.

Add ambient lighting

Outdoor lighting is a quick and affordable way of transforming your garden. Add solar lights to create a warm glow and bring a little ambiance when the sun goes down. Cast string or festoon lights over your dining area, wrap them around a pagoda or tall tree, drape them across fences. Add stake lights to planters and pathways. Hang pendants and lanterns on patios. The possibilities are endless!

Seclusion plants

Like the idea of being hidden away when relaxing in your garden? Add a living screen made of tall plants or trees to give a cozier and more intimate feel. Try using tall shrubs and trees like Laurels, Salix and Red Robins in large planters.

Grow your own

Enjoy sustainable living while adding colour and fragrance to your garden. Fill planters, tubs and window boxes with fruits, vegetables and sweet-smelling herbs to use in your BBQs, home cooking and summer cocktails. However you use your outdoor space this summer, be sure to love every minute!

Happy Gardening.