5 Steps to a Summer-ready Garden: Day One – Dust Off Your Furniture
The sunny months are upon us, so follow our easy, five-step plan for turning your garden into an inviting outdoor room
Come rain or shine, we Brits will be decamping to our gardens during the summer months, so now’s the time to dust off those deckchairs and get your garden glowing.
On day one of our get-set-for-summer schedule we suggest you dig out your garden furniture and give it a summer-worthy spruce up, or invest in new pieces that will last for many years to come. Whether it’s refreshing a bench with some bright paint or hanging a hammock, a few well-chosen pieces will transform your garden into a summer haven.
On day one of our get-set-for-summer schedule we suggest you dig out your garden furniture and give it a summer-worthy spruce up, or invest in new pieces that will last for many years to come. Whether it’s refreshing a bench with some bright paint or hanging a hammock, a few well-chosen pieces will transform your garden into a summer haven.
Paint your garden bench
Garden benches tend to be left outside over winter, so now is the time to show yours some love with a quick sand down and a lick of lovely paint. Choose a bright colour to make it into a feature and add cushions to complete the cosy look.
Garden benches tend to be left outside over winter, so now is the time to show yours some love with a quick sand down and a lick of lovely paint. Choose a bright colour to make it into a feature and add cushions to complete the cosy look.
Create a Provençal-style space
A pretty wrought iron table with matching chairs is a great way to inject some carefree, French-style charm into your garden. They’re easy to care for, too: give them a simple wipe down, then dress up with a pretty tablecloth and cushions.
See how to prepare your planters for summer
A pretty wrought iron table with matching chairs is a great way to inject some carefree, French-style charm into your garden. They’re easy to care for, too: give them a simple wipe down, then dress up with a pretty tablecloth and cushions.
See how to prepare your planters for summer
Hang a hammock
You don’t need as much space as you might think to hang a hammock, and it’s a surefire hit with adults and children alike. Find two sturdy trees or, if you don’t have any that are suitable, choose a hammock that comes with its own frame so you can position it anywhere. Then, simply accessorise with pillows and a pretty throw to keep chilly breezes at bay.
You don’t need as much space as you might think to hang a hammock, and it’s a surefire hit with adults and children alike. Find two sturdy trees or, if you don’t have any that are suitable, choose a hammock that comes with its own frame so you can position it anywhere. Then, simply accessorise with pillows and a pretty throw to keep chilly breezes at bay.
Create an alfresco dining area
Nothing says hazy summer days better than alfresco dining. Make sure you’re prepared by investing in a family-sized table and chairs, ideally ones ones you can fold-up and store away during winter. Wood is a good option, as it can be sanded and revarnished or waxed for years of service.
Nothing says hazy summer days better than alfresco dining. Make sure you’re prepared by investing in a family-sized table and chairs, ideally ones ones you can fold-up and store away during winter. Wood is a good option, as it can be sanded and revarnished or waxed for years of service.
Create a summer living room in your garden by dressing garden armchairs, such as these Lloyd Loom seats, with cushions and throws. A side table – with tablecloth, of course – completes the perfect spot for serving afternoon tea.
See how to create a sheltered spot in your garden