When it comes to summer, it’s easy to start dreaming of those long warm evenings where we’re doing nothing but hanging out with our friends and family as we watch the world drift on by. Ideally we’d do this without much effort…but then again, we do need somewhere to actually have these lazy evenings. And where better than our own, right in our garden no less? Use springtime to get your garden in a healthy state and you’ll have a space that gives and gives again. Here are our essential tips to getting your garden summer-worthy.
See the Potential
First thing’s first, what kind of space are you actually dealing with? Every garden is different. If it’s a small garden you’ll have to think pretty carefully not about what you want to do with it, but what you actually can do with it. Alternatively, if you have a large garden then you’ll also have to a plan in place so that your landscaping fills the garden and doesn’t make it look too bare. If you need inspiration, take a look at similarly sized gardens and see what their owners did with them. There’ll definitely be an option for you!
Finding the Passion
Thinking of what you want to do with your garden and actually doing it are two different things. If you see your garden as a chore, then you’ll probably struggle to maintain the enthusiasm you need to keep it in good shape. Instead, let yourself become inspired by the possibilities of getting your hands dirty and working in the garden. Once you’ve been bitten by the gardening bug you’ll develop a passion that will last for a lifetime. The real key to having a garden that’s great for summer if you have the passion to make it so in the first place!
Starting Small
If your garden has been left to its own devices for the winter months, then it’s probably in a pretty sorry state at the minute. Untended, unloved, open to the elements, it’ll be in a bad way and you might struggle to really see its potential. This can cause people to give up before they even begin: they see it as too big a task. However, don’t look at tidying up your garden as one big job that has to be taken care of before you can get to the fun parts; look at the entire project of transforming your garden as a series of small jobs – tidying it up is simply the first one. Set aside a couple of evenings and afternoons aside to get started. This way you’ll be getting started early and it won’t feel like you have to rush through the tasks. Instead, it can all be leisurely and therapeutic!
Clearing the Space
But of course, the first tasks that you do won’t be all that fun. The good news is that it’ll only take you a day or two. If you’re giving your garden an overhaul, then you’ll have to think about what is to stay in your garden and what is to go. For instance, if you already have plants in there then you don’t automatically have to keep them in your garden. If they’re not responding well to your soil then it’s better if they’re removed. Alternatively, you may prefer to get rid of a plant just because it no longer fits with your overall vision for your garden. Basically, see your garden as a blank canvas – if something that is already there fits in, then great, but if not then it’s gotta go.
For the Kids
There are two angles when it comes to your garden and children. The first is trying to get them involved with the actual process. Kids generally love being outside, and will probably be willing to get stuck in and get their hands dirty. But they probably won’t be all that enthusiastic if it’s billed as work or a chore. Instead, treat your child’s initial foray into the garden as nothing more than an exercise in curiosity and exploration. Once they’re interested they might actually one day offer some real use to what you’re trying to achieve. In any case, getting your children interested in the outdoors from an early age is one of the best gifts you can give, as it’ll provide them with a love for nature that’ll give plenty of benefits over the years – take a look at http://www.childrenandnature.org/2009/08/02/fact_sheet_summarizes_benefits_of_gardening_for_children/ for a taste of how they’ll benefit.
But going beyond how they’ll help, you’ll also need to think about how you can make it fun for them. Summer is for children as much as it’s for adults, to make sure you incorporate a few fun additions for them to enjoy during the warm months. You might add a paddling pool or a few garden game activities. You’d be surprised just how much fun a sprinkler system can be for children, too. Simple but effective!
…And For The Adults
Of course, you’re really getting the garden ready so you’ll have a space to unwind with friends and family. You’ll need the infrastructure that allows you to do this, however: green grass and plants won’t do it by themselves. Add outdoor tables, garden chairs, and more from Bridgman and you’ll be adding a relaxing touch to your ever improving outdoor space. Also, if you’re going to get your garden just right then you’ll want to have a permanent BBQ setup. There’ll always be excuse to get out into the sun when you have the furniture and grill needed to make your garden super fun.
Keeping on Top of It all
While your garden will be ready to use once you’ve given it the first big overhaul, you’ll need to stay on top of it to ensure that it doesn’t fall into a bad state throughout the summer. Regularly cutting the grass and watering the plants if it hasn’t rained for a while will keep your garden looking healthy. A gardener’s job is never really finished – make it easier for yourself by making subtle improvements as you go.
XOXO
Debbie
