Use our top tips to make your plot a place of sanctuary to soak in the season
Whether you have a balcony, patio or vast green space, your garden can be a botanical retreat away from the demands of everyday life. The key is to think about how you want to use your garden; relaxing with a book, entertaining friends or simply sitting, watching wildlife, or maybe just contemplating your marvellous planting scheme? Visualise your space and what you want to do in it, then divide the garden into different zones. Then get cracking to transform your patch into a sensational summer retreat with a combination of planting, garden furniture and hard landscaping that doesn’t have to cost the earth. Here’s how to get started.
Fuel some flames!
It’s not only moths that are attracted to light; we humans have been drawn to flames since time began. Fire pits are a brilliant way to bring families together, toasting marshmallows, or while away hours chatting with friends while sipping drinks. They range from beautiful bespoke sculptural art to homemade pits upcycled from washing machine drums.
Create atmosphere
Set up a dining area in dappled light under a shady tree or pergola for lovely long lunches. Lighting is essential to create atmosphere. At night we need to see what we are doing, so string fairy lights up to change a black hole into an enchanting, ethereal den. Solar lights or candle-lit lanterns will transform a space and line garden paths, leading guests to the seating area.
Soak up the sun
Enjoy a staycation. Make the most of a sun trap by sticking a deckchair on a terrace or gravel garden for an instant beach vibe. Relax in a reclining chair or lie out on a sun lounger surrounded by drought tolerant, sun-loving, Mediterranean plants, or feel the grass between your toes and simply scatter a rug and cushions on the lawn.
Build a den
Add a summerhouse or convert a patio area into a covered space to dive into on rainy days. A garden room can have a multitude of uses, from a bar or gym to a home office, and allows you to enjoy your garden even if the weather isn’t always favourable. Hide out with friends in some comfy chairs and admire the garden from the warmth of your snug.
Let me entertain you
There’s nothing quite like spending time in your garden sharing
