As the weather is now warmer and we can all enjoy being outdoors more, many of us are thinking about our gardens. Putting the right care and attention into your garden means that you can get more pleasure from it throughout the warm summer months, when we all enjoy spending more time outdoors. Here are some ways to keep your garden looking its best throughout the summer…
Watering – Summer tends to be drier, and the hot sunshine can quickly cause plants to become thirsty and die. To keep your garden healthy throughout the summer, watering is important. When you water, it is much better in the heat of the summer to do this in the cooler times of the day such as first thing in the morning or last thing at night. You should also give plants a thorough soaking so that the water can penetrate deep into the soil where the roots really need it rather than doing much less water but more regularly.
Plants – You may have many plants in your garden that come back year after year, but if you want to add some real colour and more flowers to your garden, using summer bedding plants is a great way to do this. Somewhere like a garden centre, or even online like Palmstead plants for trade suppliers will offer a range of different summer bedding plants and you can easily add them to hanging baskets, pots and flower beds to add more colour to the garden at this time of the year. When you are doing this, the better your quality of compost the more successful your plants will be, so don’t be tempted to go with the cheapest brand – have a look into the various types of compost to really make sure your plants thrive.
Furniture – Because we all enjoy sitting out and spending time outdoors in the summer, having good garden furniture can make a huge difference to our enjoyment of the garden. If you have furniture that is past its best, it may be time to look at getting some more. You could also make repairs and give a fresh coat of paint to old and shabby garden furniture to have it looking as good as new!
Getting the garden ready as summer ends
A great summer garden needs some attention as the season draws to a close. Start by clearing up. Fallen leaves on paths and decking can become a slipping hazard, and twigs and sticks build up after strong winds, so clear them away regularly.
Late summer is also a good time for repairs. Whether the lawnmower needs new parts or a fence panel has been damaged, fixing things before winter means they are less likely to suffer further damage once the bad weather arrives.
If you have been thinking about new garden furniture, the end of summer is often when shops reduce their outdoor ranges, so you may find a bargain ready for next year. Finally, plant spring bulbs such as daffodils and bluebells now. Getting them into the ground before winter sets in means a colourful display when the warmer weather returns.
Buying plants online with confidence
If you do not have time to visit a garden centre, or you are after a particular plant, buying online can save time and money. Many websites offer a wide range of plants along with planting guides, care instructions and advice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
If you are new to gardening, look for beginners’ sections that explain where to start. Good sites include photographs and detailed instructions for each plant, so even an inexperienced gardener can work out what to look for. Some also run forums where other gardeners answer questions, which helps when you are unsure whether a plant will suit your garden.
Before you buy, read the plant description carefully. Check that it describes a healthy plant and includes information on how to care for it. Compare the photographs with what you are hoping for, and be wary of images that look too perfect to be real. Choosing well at this stage gives your summer garden a strong start.