Get Garden Ready for Summer

Regardless of how large or small your garden is, how busy or minimal you like your outdoor space to look, it’s time to get garden ready for summer. The days are getting longer, the evenings are brighter and warmer weather is just around the corner. It won’t be long before you are sitting in the sun with a book or having friends round for a barbecue. So, it’s time to start thinking about getting your garden organised.

This doesn’t have to be a stressful or daunting task, and it certainly doesn’t have to be as time consuming as many people make it out to be. In fact, choosing the best garden furniture for summer and making a few small changes is often all it takes to transform your outdoor space into something special. 

How to Choose the Best Garden Furniture for Summer

If you have done any research into garden furniture sets and furniture for outdoor entertaining, you will know that there is a lot of choice out there. Whether you are looking for garden sofas or outdoor dining sets, there are no shortage of options. There are various sizes, styles, materials and colours. This means it’s always possible to find the ideal garden furniture for your outdoor space. 

There are four main materials used in the world of garden seating and garden dining tables; rattan, wood, metal and plastic. We have taken a look at the main advantages of each.

• Rattan Garden Furniture – There are two main types of rattan garden furniture, and both natural and synthetic rattan garden furniture are available. These both have a braided appearance and they come in a variety of colours, meaning there is something for every type of garden. Natural rattan is strong and durable, but it is not water resistant. This is why the majority of people opt for a synthetic rattan furniture set.

• Wooden Garden Furniture – If you want your garden to have a more natural look, wooden outdoor furniture is a good option. It’s a sturdy and long lasting addition to any garden, making it a furniture that you can use for years to come. Of course, this is dependent on you choosing high quality wooden furniture. As the furniture is going to be located outside, it will need to be weatherproofed. One of the downsides of wooden garden furniture is that it’s generally bulky, which can make it unsuitable for small spaces.

• Metal Garden Furniture – If you are looking for low maintenance and long lasting garden seating, metal is a worthwhile choice. Metal is strong and waterproof, and it can be left outside all year as long as you purchase metal furniture that is resistant to rust. In the summer months, metal can become extremely hot. This is why a lot of people add cushions, to avoid burnt hands and legs. Metal garden furniture sets come in a variety of styles, some of which are collapsible. This is hugely beneficial if you are limited on space and need to move the furniture out of the way when it’s not in use.

• Plastic Garden Furniture – Plastic garden furniture is great for those on a budget, as well as those that need garden furniture quickly. There are various styles to choose from, most of which won’t break the bank. Plastic garden furniture also has the advantage of being quick and easy to set up, and a lot of it comes already assembled. This means you can buy and use it straight away. Also, as a lot of plastic garden furniture can be stacked and it’s not easily damaged by the rain, it’s easy to store in small outdoor spaces. However, plastic garden furniture is not as sturdy or long lasting as a lot of the other furniture options. 

Small Changes Make a Big Difference in the Garden

Once you have chosen your ideal garden furniture set, it’s time to do a few small things that are sure to have a big impact. It’s a good idea to start with mulching, weeding and watering the garden. Even if you only have a small outdoor space, ensuring your garden looks healthy can have a significant impact. It’s also a good idea to plant flowers and vegetables, as these will immediately inject some colour and life into the space. You don’t need to be a gardening expert to have beautiful plants in your garden this summer, as there are a tonne of hardy options that are easy to care for.

You should also consider adding cushions and throws to garden sofas and garden dining sets, to ensure guests are comfortable when you are outdoor entertaining. Though there are a lot of comfortable garden seating options available, many of them could do with an extra cushion or two. If you want to go one step further this summer, add candles and fairy lights to your garden. Not only do these provide light when the sun finally decides to set, but they are a creative way to create a beautiful and tranquil space wherever you are. 

Though adding a couple of cushions and a few fairy lights might seem simple, these accessories can make a big difference to a garden of any size.