Summer Living – Loving the Alfresco

During the summer months we can make full use of garden space, as our outdoor areas open up homes with that extra alfresco ‘room’. However, before dusting off the garden furniture and cranking up the BBQ it is time to indulge in some satisfying ways to get your Peveril Home ready for summer living…

Tidy your garden beds and start planting

In the lead up to the warmer months, you want your garden to look its best, from pathways and walkways to lawns and borders. Keeping weeds at bay can seem like a never-ending task but banish any which may have grown a little wild. If you are gifted plants or buy any new, always give them a quick health check before introducing them to your garden.

Deep clean your BBQ

Before you invite family and friends around for a feast it is important to spring clean that barbecue. Depending on the type of barbecue you have, and how it might have been affected by the winter weather, will vary on the extent you have to clean it. If you have stored it away for the cooler months a simple dust down will suffice. If you own a masonry barbecue, you may have a remove any rust spots that have accumulated in the wetter weather.

Spruce up the garden furniture

Make sure your outdoor furniture is up to standard before using. If wooden furniture previously in hibernation requires a little TLC, revamp by re-staining, choosing a shade to fit your alfresco theme. It is recommended to remove cushions from any outdoor furniture during the winter months - however, if you have forgotten, there are some great ways to clean them with minimum hassle. If you cannot salvage cushion covers, get crafty and re-cover the existing foam padding with a new material to give them a fresh lease of life.

Consider outdoor trunks as clever storage for cushions and chair covers, and invest in high-quality, durable garden furniture to ensure you are set for summer living.

Love your lawn

Ensure any grassed area is in tip top condition by keeping it neatly mowed. Now is the time to re-sow any worn patches, aerating the ground to stimulate root growth and allowing light and water to reach the soil. If you are looking for a pristine lawn, remove any common weeds – in particular, dandelions and the perennial white flowering clover. Remember, to avoid a scalped, unhealthy looking lawn adjust your lawnmower settings so not to mow any lower than 1cm height off your grass.

Paint and treat your fence

Your garden fencing has likely experienced the detrimental effects of the winter months so before the summer comes it is a good idea to give your fence revitalised colour and health. Use a protective treatment (available in a variety of shades) to give your fencing the protection it needs on those hot sunny days.

Add a decked area

If you are looking for a low maintenance outdoor area, installing a deck is a fantastic and stylish way to prepare your garden for summer. A deck not only provides an excellent area to dine alfresco, but it can also add value to your home too. You can either ask your local landscape gardener to transform your space or embark upon a DIY decking project.