Your garden should be a place of ultimate relaxation. On warm summer days, there is nothing better than sitting outside with an ice cold drink and enjoying the peace and tranquility of your own garden. Even though we are currently in winter’s icy grip, there is no reason you can’t start to think about some ways in which your garden could be improved for the summer months ahead.
Whether you are planning a big change like adding a patio or just something simple like introducing some ornaments, any additions can make a big difference.In this blog, I thought I’d give a few ideas of how you can make some changes – whether small or large – to enhance your outdoor space. Hopefully you will come away inspired and ready for action when spring does start to show its face!
Choose the Right Furniture
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This is an area you definitely want to get right as you will spend so much time in this part of the garden. With so many varieties to choose from, it really does come down to personal preferences when you are choosing your garden furniture.
Rattan garden furniture is hugely popular, and for me it is always the type that I would go for. I think it has a simple, yet timeless appeal that adds a touch of class to your outdoor space. It especially works for dining sets, though you can also choose this style for garden sofas and sun loungers. Whatever type of garden you are looking to create, some rattan furniture will certainly fit in. You can view Bridgman.co.uk for offers.
If you are looking for something more durable, you can choose metal furniture that is more hard-wearing and will last longer. For me, it doesn’t look quite as elegant but if this is the style you are going for, then you should be able to make it work.
Once you have all the basics like chairs and tables, you can look to add some extra features such as parasols, cushions and covers which is where you can really get creative and let your personality shine through. These finishing touches are what really get noticed when you invite friends and family round to enjoy your garden.
Select a BBQ
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Nothing says summer more than a good old fashioned barbecue. Choose the right one and you will be able to enjoy it for years. First, you need to think about whether you would like a charcoal or gas BBQ. This depends on how often you are likely to use it, but also your own personal preferences. Gas BBQs are easier and quicker to light so lend themselves to being used on a more regular basis, whereas a charcoal one will take 30-45 minutes each time you fire it up. Though some people take great pleasure from this ritual! Not only this, some people just love the flavor that a charcoal BBQ gives out. It really does depend on you. Gas models are usually more expensive but allow you to get started straight away, so they have an obvious advantage especially if you are impatient like me!
Once you have selected your BBQ, you can then start looking at other features like the grill, whether this is made from chrome, stainless steel, cast iron or porcelain. I have ordered these in cheapest to most expensive, so a chrome one will be the cheapest, but will not have nearly the same long-lasting qualities as the porcelain one.
Also, think carefully about what size of BBQ you are looking for and how many people you are likely to be cooking for on a regular basis.
Outdoor Lighting and Heating
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When the sun begins to drop down but you still want to enjoy your garden long into the evening, the right outdoor lighting and heating is absolutely essential.
Let’s start with the lighting. For me, accent lighting is the best way to add some atmosphere and mood to your garden space, as well as highlighting all the other features in your garden. Spotlights allow you to add focus onto specific ornaments, water features or whatever else you like. If you are feeling adventurous, why not add some colored lighting to really give your garden a touch of magic? You can also think about being eco-friendly by adding in some solar lights that are energy-efficient and may save you upwards of 80% on your running costs.
Moving on to heating, huge strides have been made in recent years in outdoor heaters that will keep you toasty warm as outdoor temperatures begin to dip. Electric heaters come in all different shapes and sizes and are the easiest way to add some warmth at the touch of a button. If you are looking for something a little different, why not choose a steel or cast iron firepit?
Decking and Patios
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I mentioned these two at the start of the blog, but they really do provide a great spot to sit and admire the rest of the garden. If you are experienced in DIY, laying decking is something you can do yourself, but if not, it is best to call in the experts. For me, simple wooden decking always looks the best, so I would always go for something like a classic mahogany color. This acts as the perfect base for any garden furniture you would like to add on top.
Patios give you, even more, scope to be creative, so you can take the time to choose one that perfectly suits you. First select your material, whether this is sandstone, limestone, slate or granite. At the moment, I am favoring the limestone option. Next, choose the type of paving slab you would like, whether this is mixed size or single size. Personally, I like a circular style that I think really gives a great effect. Once your patio has been laid, it is worth investing in a pressure washer to keep it looking great all year round. You can also look into buying a Hot Tub and relax and enjoy the view of your outdoor living space.
With these ideas in mind, all that is left to do it sit back and wait for summer!