If you're planning on using your outdoor space to entertain friends and family this summer, you'll want to make sure it's looking its best. Whether you've got a large, lush lawn for big garden parties or a little backyard for unwinding with friends in the evenings, there's so much you can do to make your garden a space you'll never want to leave.
Statement Garden Heating
If you plan to stay outside well into the evening once the sun has gone down, you'll need something to keep you and your guests warm. However, this doesn't mean you have to compromise on style.
A fire bowl will make a beautiful centrepiece for your outdoor seating area that can keep you toasty and warm throughout the night. If you'd prefer something without an open flame, there are plenty of stylish garden heaters available that will blend into your space, keeping you warm without being an eyesore.
Soften Up Your Space with Blankets and Cushions
Soft furnishings are the perfect way to add texture and colour to your outdoor living products – not to mention they'll make everything super cosy and comfortable. Throws and cushions can go a long way to creating an outdoor living space to rival your home's interior and introduce an added level of comfort to hard furniture like benches that could otherwise be uncomfortable to sit on for long periods.
If you're unsure what colour scheme will look good against your space, try picking cushions, blankets and throws that compliment your flowers or foliage to tie everything together effortlessly.
Potted Plants and Containers
If you've got decking, a patio, or are working with a small yard with no ground soil for planting, then potted plants, shrubs and trees are your friends. Pots can add colour, fill awkward gaps and frame other garden features. Even a tiny concreted terrace can become a little sanctuary by introducing outdoor pots and planters.
Mix large and tall with small plants and pots to give your display height and variety. Cluster pots together, around the base of any pillars or against walls and corners, making sure to put your favourites at the front to show them off.
Remember, you will have to take care of anything you plant in your pots, so the positioning may be determined by where that particular plant is happiest. Before investing in lots of plants and pots, take some time to work out how much sun your space is getting throughout the day, as this will help you choose the right plants for your garden. If you would like more information about choosing suitable pots, soil and plant feed, why not pay us a visit at our garden centre near Kendal, where our expert gardeners will be more than happy to help.
Outdoor Partywear
If you're planning to throw a lot of garden parties this summer, why not up your hosting game by choosing a colour scheme or theme to dress your outdoor space with and finding tableware and decorations that fit.
If you're stuck for inspiration, take a look at what's currently blooming in your garden and use that as a jumping-off point. Pick two or three key colours and look for glassware, crockery and decorative pieces in those colours. Don't be afraid to mix and match styles, using old reclaimed furniture with bright and bold bunting or colourful candlesticks to make a statement and wow your guests.
Give your outdoor dining table a focal point with a centrepiece made from your garden's flower cuttings. Or, if you're short on space, set your table under a tree and use the branches to hang paper pom poms and fairy lights for a stunning overhead feature that won't get in the way.
We hope you have as much fun decorating your garden as you do hosting all those garden parties. You can find many of the items discussed today on the Beetham Nurseries website and in-store at our garden centre near Kendal, so why not pop down and visit us this summer?
