April is the perfect time to start getting your garden ready for summer.
By prepping your garden now, you'll be free to enjoy sunny days outdoors, rather than getting caught in a jet-washing frenzy, pulling weeds, and hauling dusty garden furniture out of storage.
Alfresco Dining Area Inspiration
Alfresco dining may be a concept, but that doesn’t mean outdoor dining can’t be more than just a table and chairs in the garden. Through strategic placement and thoughtful design choices, you can create an outdoor space, intended for hosting and entertaining.
When planning, work around the chairs and within the seating areas, beside the table, as if the garden were a room. Add a vibrant rug beneath the table, place a gazebo or pergola above it, and hang an overhead light or lantern.
Ideas to Elevate Small Gardens and Yards
Limited outdoor space shouldn’t limit your creativity and ambition when it comes to garden design. A small space may have some restrictions, but small gardens and yards can be just as impressive.
If your garden is more of a 'yarden,' it's likely that the space will feel like a concrete square – but the good thing about that is you can start with a blank slate. Rather than planting flowers and trees, you can place flowers and plants in decorative pots and add flower boxes to any available windows. To create the illusion of more space, hang an outdoor mirror and layer different textures on the floor using waterproof rugs, along with additional pops of colour through cushions and throws on the furniture.
Once you’re satisfied with your furniture and decorative choices, it’s time to turn your attention to the brick walls.
While paint is an option, it will likely need refreshing each spring after withstanding the winter weather. Alternatively, waterproof wood-effect panels offer a low-maintenance solution, adding natural texture and complementing your plants and flowers. They’ll also cover the brick and provide the perfect finishing touch to your nature-filled oasis.
How to Hide Pebble Dash
Developed in the early 20th century, pebble dash was designed to mask imperfections in brickwork and provide a weather-resistant surface. The texture, created by cement mixed with small pebbles and stones, is now seen on countless homes and garages. However, despite its practicality, it’s not a favourite among everyone, particularly those who dislike the aesthetic it creates.
The process of removing pebble dash from brick can be costly as it requires professional technique.
This is why Eve James chose to use exterior panelling in Winchester Oak to transform the old pebble-dashed garage in her garden, which she described as an “eyesore,” into a structure with a “modern summerhouse vibe.”
With a bit of preparation and creative design, your garden can transform into the ideal spot to relax, entertain, and soak up the summer sun. Start now, and you'll be ready to enjoy those warm, sunny days ahead.
