Summer is the perfect time to sit out in the garden, even well into the evening. But it can start to get a little dark and chilly as the sun sets, even if it doesn’t get pitch black. If you want to make the most out of your garden, you need to adapt it so you can use it in the evenings too. That way, there’s no need to move inside after an all-day garden party. There are lots of lighting and heating options you can try to make your garden more suitable for a late night hangout. And on top of that, you can choose the right furniture and accessories for a comfortable area for socialising.
Warm Summer Nights
Sometimes the weather is warm enough that it doesn’t get cold in the evening. But often there’s a slight chill, and everyone starts to move inside. If you want to stay in the garden, you need something to keep the cold away. If you want something to provide both light and heat, a fire bowl or pit is a fantastic option. Lanterns and candles also give off a surprising amount of heat. But if you don’t want any flames involved, you can get a stylish patio heater to keep everyone warm.
Light It Up
Light is the most important thing if you want to spend long summer evenings in your garden. You can always put on an extra layer if it gets a bit cold, but no one wishes to be squinting at each other in the dark. Luckily, there are lots of lighting options for all different garden styles, but you need to think about the practicality of outdoor lighting. You might choose to have lights wired into the house, or you may prefer them to run on batteries or solar power. Solar powered lights will charge during the day and turn on automatically when it gets dark. For strong lights and bulbs that last, you should think about LED garden lights. You could attach them to an outside wall, plant them on stakes in your lawn or even hang them as fairy lights.
Sociable Seating Area
No one wants to spend all evening outside on cheap plastic chairs. If you wish to enjoy a drink and chat outside, a comfortable furniture set should be your top priority. There are many fantastic deals on garden furniture during the spring and summer. Choose a stylish but affordable rattan set with comfy cushions so everyone can settle in. You can find sets with a sofa, chairs and a coffee table, so there’s room for all and somewhere to put your drinks. But don’t forget to make it even more comfortable with some cushions, plus a few blankets or throws. Even if you have a fire or heater, it’s a good idea to have some extra layers for people to use as backup.
Make the most of your garden this summer by preparing it for evening use, and your friends will never want to leave. Even when you’re not being sociable, it will be a lovely place for some peace and quiet.