With the summer just around the corner, it’s the time of year when people start looking at their garden and wondering what they can do to improve it. There are lots of things you could do, but summer is all about friends and family and enjoying their company in the sun. True, sometimes the sun doesn’t show up, but you need to be prepared in case it does!
In my opinion, that’s why the best thing you can do with your garden to prepare for the summer is create the environment best for socialising and having fun. Making your garden look great is all well and good, but what use is it if you can’t make good use of it? Here’s how to turn your garden into a social hub.
Get a Great Barbecue
Summer just wouldn’t be summer without a barbecue to enjoy. Yes, we might burn the burgers, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s something essential about the British barbecue during the summer. Even if your plans get rained off you can move the meal indoors.
There’s a lot to think about when you’re buying a barbecue though. You can get a huge, modern, expensive one. Or you could go traditional and stick to the simple coal model. Either way, a good barbecue is a must have.
Add New Paving and Decking
The biggest garden job that I’d recommend would be putting down new paving or decking. You’re going to need somewhere to relax, and decking can be the perfect area for that. It acts as the ideal bridge between the house and the garden.
There are lots of paving and decking options to consider. You could go for something simple and elegant by using National Trust paving. Whichever you go for, make sure you know what you’re doing before you undertake the task. If you don’t, let a professional do the work.
Buy Stylish Table and Chairs
Once your decking and paving are in place, and you have your barbecuing needs satisfied, you’ll need somewhere to sit and eat. We all have a set of tired old plastic chairs and an old table that is close to breaking point. But those old items probably need to be thrown away sooner or later.
Have a look at what tables and chairs you can find in shops and online. There are usually a lot of sales on garden furniture in the run up to summer, so take full advantage of them. There’s nothing better than sitting around a big table during the summer, eating great food and drinking wine.
Keep the Kids Busy
If you ask me, it’s always best to dedicate most of the garden to the adults. You don’t want to fill up all your back garden space with children’s toys and games. Having said that, it’s almost impossible for the adults to relax if there’s nothing to keep the kids busy during those hot summer days.
If you have friends coming over with their kids, this is even more important. There are lots of options you can look into. Try to keep the childrens’ play away from where you’re relaxing though. You could buy some garden games for them to play or set up a water slide. Anything that will keep them occupied will do!
Summer will be here before you know it. So don’t hesitate, put these plans into action today!